Cochlear Implantation:
Making Decisions about Communication
We are considering a cochlear implant for our son but are having a hard time sorting through all the different communication options. We have been using sign language with him; will we need to stop once he has the surgery?
Topic
Cochlear implantation is an option for children who are at least 12 months of age and have a severe to profound hearing loss. Families who consider a cochlear implant are commonly presented with a multitude of perspectives regarding how to communicate with their child. The goal of this Knowledge Bank is to provide you with experiential insight from other families, research, and policy that will assist you in making and acting on wise decisions about communication.
Bottom Line
- Support in making communication decisions: Seek out other parents that have children with cochlear implants (either on-line or face-to-face) and ask them about their experiences. Talk with your close friends and extended family about your dilemmas as well as your celebrations related to your family's cochlear implant journey.
- The nature of communication decisions: Communication decisions are not set in stone. It is clear from the research and family experiences that as the needs of the child change, so does the approach to communication.
- Partnering with professionals: Work with the school district to determine the supports and services that will be appropriate for your child. Ask lots of questions about the assessment tool that will be used during your child's evaluation. Consider the general education classroom and brainstorm all supports and services that could be utilized to ensure your child remains in the least restrictive environment.
- Learning from policy: School districts are required to provide students with a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). If you feel your child is not being provided with a FAPE, you have the right to challenge the school through procedural due process. Remember that school districts determine programming and that they are only mandated to offer your child with an education that provides for some educational benefit.