Research project The role of Swedish Sign Language in hearing rehabilitation
The aim of this project is to better understand the role that Swedish Sign Language plays in hearing habilitation for children.
We want to explore the role that Swedish Sign Language (STS) plays in hearing habilitation for children. This is done through a survey sent to professionals working with language development of deaf and hard of hearing children in hearing habilitation services in all regions.
The project is a collaboration between Stockholm University and the Institute for Language and Folklore (Isof).
Project description
After a hearing screening reveals that their child has a hearing loss, parents are usually referred to hearing rehabilitation for children where their child will be registered and a habilitation plan is established.
The goal of the habilitation plan is to stimulate communication between the child and the parents so that positive language development occurs in the child.
Interventions may include fitting of hearing aids, cochlear implant surgery, hearing and speech training, basic education in Swedish Sign Language or Signing Supported Speech (TAKK).
Parents and children come into contact with audiologists, social workers, speech and language therapists, doctors, psychologists, special educators, and sign language teachers. The hearing habilitation service also offers parents an introductory course in Swedish Sign Language or TAKK.
However, as knowledge of Swedish Sign Language within the habilitation team can vary, it is unclear how much professional training programs address the role of Swedish Sign Language in language development. This is what the research project aims to explore.
Project members
Project managers
Nora Duggan
Senior lecturer
Members
Sebastian Embacher
Språkvårdare i svenskt teckenspråk
Tommy Lyxell
Språkvårdare, svenskt teckenspråk