An educational philosophy that uses spoken language and sign language simultaneously.
Uses an English-based sign language system which can include speech, speech reading, finger spelling, natural gestures and the use of residual hearing.
PRIMARY GOALS
To provide a bridge to the development of spoken language in the very young child.
To provide communication between the child and his/her family, teachers and peers using sign language.
To support integration into both the hearing and the Deaf communities.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (receptive)
The child develops language through speech reading, listening and exposure to a combination of speech and sign-based systems in English order.
EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE
Spoken English using sign language in English word order, and written English.
HEARING
Consistent and appropriate use of hearing technology (hearing aids, cochlear implant(s), FM system) is strongly encouraged.
FAMILY/PRIMARY CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILTIES & GUIDANCE
Families are expected to learn and consistently use the chosen English-based sign language system.
Parents need to work with the child’s teacher(s) and/or therapist(s) to learn strategies that promote language expansion.
QuickView :: Simultaneous Communication
High school senior, Devin, was diagnosed with a severe-profound hearing loss at thirteen months. She wore hearing aids until receiving a cochlear implant 4 years prior to this filming at age 13. Devin attended a preschool classroom for Deaf/Hard-of-hearing children where “Total Communication” was used consistently and her parents learned to sign. She has received her education in a public school setting, with support from a Total Communication based hearing-impaired program that provided her with interpreters and resource assistance as needed.
“My life is normal I do everything…umm… I mean I love to go shopping … I mean I socialize with a lot of people, kids, people… You know, I mean even though Deaf people, you know, they should all consider their life as “normal” if they would just determine that’s what they want to do. So just step up and just go out and go shopping, I mean meet new people…Don’t think, “I’m deaf they are going to think I am stupid!” No, I mean I date…I go out with friends, hang out with my mom, my family, my friends. I go to high school. I go to public school. I’ve been mainstreamed since I was like Kindergarten… whatever…. So I really have a normal life, I would say.”
