Affiliation:
1. Baylor University, USA
Abstract
Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children struggle to develop reading success and proficient language. The journey to reading success begins when a child is diagnosed with a hearing difference and receives early intervention services. Access to early intervention services sets the foundation for DHH students' language and reading achievement. If a child cannot achieve fluent language, their reading will follow suit. This chapter explains how DHH children's language impacts their reading development. First, the chapter describes the research related to early intervention, communication modes, and reading in the DHH population. Second, the chapter explains how language affects reading development in DHH children. Lastly, the chapter includes resources and recommendations for DHH children's parents and teachers. The resources and recommendations focus on practical strategies to grow DHH children's language and, therefore, their reading.