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Deaf 101
What is DeafPlus?
DeafPlus refers to individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and also have one or more additional disabilities. These disabilities can include intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, or other medical and physical conditions that affect their daily life and communication. Because of these additional challenges, people who are DeafPlus may need specialized support beyond what is typically provided for those who are only Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
DeafPlus & the Lanterman Act
In California, the Lanterman Act ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities can receive services through Regional Centers. However, being only Deaf or Hard of Hearing does not qualify someone for these services. To be eligible, a person must have a developmental disability recognized under the Lanterman Act. If a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person also has one of these qualifying disabilities, they are considered DeafPlus and may be eligible for Regional Center services.
What is the Difference Between ASL and Deaf Interpreters?
ASL Interpreter (Hearing Interpreter)
An ASL Interpreter is a hearing person who is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. They interpret between spoken English and ASL for Deaf and hearing people to communicate. ASL Interpreters are trained professionals who work in many settings, such as schools, hospitals, and meetings.
Deaf Interpreter (DI)
A Deaf Interpreter (DI) is a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person who is specially trained to interpret. They work alongside an ASL Interpreter to help make communication clearer for Deaf individuals who:
· Use a different sign language or home signs.
· Have limited exposure to ASL.
· Have additional disabilities that affect communication.
· Need a more visual or adapted way of signing.
How They Work Together
In some situations, a team of interpreters is needed. The ASL Interpreter translates spoken English into ASL, and the Deaf Interpreter then adapts it to match the Deaf person’s specific language needs. This ensures the message is clear and accessible.
Understanding Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
What is Deaf Culture?
Deaf culture encompasses the social beliefs, behaviors, artistic expressions, literary traditions, history, values, and shared institutions of communities shaped by deafness, where sign languages serve as the primary form of communication.
DHH:
Deaf: This term refers to individuals who have little to no hearing and often use sign language as their primary means of communication. Many in the Deaf community view their deafness not as a disability, but as a unique cultural identity. Deaf individuals often have their own distinct language (e.g., American Sign Language) and social practices.
Hard of Hearing: This term describes individuals who have varying degrees of hearing loss but may still rely on spoken language to communicate. People who are hard of hearing might use hearing aids or other assistive technologies to help them hear and understand speech. The hard of hearing community often spans a wide range of hearing abilities and communication preferences.
Both “Deaf” and “Hard of Hearing” are umbrella terms that encompass a diverse community of individuals with different experiences, identities, and methods of communication.
DeafPlus:
DeafPlus: Under the broader categories of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, “DeafPlus” refers to individuals who are deaf and have additional disabilities. This term is important for understanding the diverse needs of consumers within the Deaf community. In particular, DeafPlus individuals may have disabilities recognized under the Lanterman Act, qualifying them for services from the Regional Center.
It’s important to note that if a consumer is deaf but does not have a disability under the Lanterman Act, they would not be eligible for these specific services. Thus, DeafPlus serves as an important designation to highlight those in the community who require additional support due to their combined challenges.
LEARNING AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL):
Learning American Sign Language (ASL) requires time, patience, practice, and a sense of humor. If you are a parent of a newly identified child who is deaf or hard of hearing, you can request ASL instruction from your child’s early intervention system. Early intervention systems are designed to help your child develop in all areas and to provide services to families so they can support their child. More information is available at Sign Language for Parents.
Individual signs are relatively easy to learn. Like any spoken language, ASL has its own unique rules of grammar and syntax. It can take a year or more to learn enough signs for basic communication and to sign them comfortably. Some people pick up signs more slowly than others, and if that is the case for you, don’t be discouraged. Everyone learns sign language at their own speed. Be patient, and you will succeed in learning the language. The rewards will be well worth the effort!
You can start learning ASL by attending a sign language class offered by organizations, companies, community colleges, or universities. You can also expand your knowledge of ASL by practicing your signs with people who are deaf or hard of hearing and also know ASL. Generally, people who know ASL are patient about showing new signers how to sign different things, the correct way to sign something, and they will usually slow down their signing so that you can understand them too. They are also willing to repeat words or statements if you do not understand them the first (or even the second) time.
ASL is a visual language. With signing, the brain processes linguistic information through the eyes, and facial expressions and body movements play an important part in conveying information. It is possible to sign without using facial expressions or body movements, but doing so may convey a mixed message, be confusing, or be misunderstood. It will also look odd or unnatural to native signers.
Sign language is not a universal language—each country has its own sign language, and regions have dialects, much like the many languages spoken all over the world. If you were to travel to another state and have an opportunity to sign with a person who knows ASL, you may notice that they use some signs differently than you. These signs are known as “regional” signs, and you can think of them as the equivalent of an “accent.” It does not mean that people in your state are signing incorrectly. It is just a normal variation in ASL, and such regional signs add flavor to your understanding of ASL.
When you don’t know the sign for something, spell the word or words (called “fingerspelling”). When you discover there is no sign for a word, you should not invent or make up a new sign. Doing so may violate the grammatical rules of ASL or may be unintentionally offensive.
Speed is not crucial in sign language. It is more important to sign clearly, even if you have to do it at a slower pace. When people often ask you to repeat yourself, it is a signal that you should slow down and try to sign as clearly as possible. Do not feel embarrassed if you sign slowly. It is important to get your message across, to connect with another person, and to be understood. There are no shortcuts to effective communication.
Enjoy the journey of learning ASL!
Learn ASL
Spanish Speakers
Hands Land
Other ASL Resources
EARLY START (EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM) FOR DEAF+ CHILDREN UNDER AGE 3:
SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR DEAF+ STUDENTS (AGE 3-21):
California Department of Education
Bill of Rights for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Section 504 and ADA Obligations of Public Schools
Other Educational Opportunities & ADA Obligations of Private Schools, Classes, or Programs
K-12 Education – Additional Resources
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
Parents’ Rights
IEP Basics
Communication Plan for DHH Learners
Transition Basics
Spanish Speakers
VL2 Storybook Apps
Hands Land
Other ASL Resources
LAUSD
Low Vision/Blind Services | Early Childhood Special Education, Early Start Low Incidence
Early Start Low Incidence/Deaf Education Services | Early Childhood Special Education
Deaf Education Services Pamphlet
Servicios de Educacion para Sordos
Low Vision/Blind Educational Services
Servicios de Educacion Para Sordos
Parent Network of Support
If you have a child who is DeafPlus or know someone who does, this is a great chance to learn about available resources and support. You are not alone—we are here to help you find the services and assistance you need!