One of the earliest choices you'll need to make is how you'll communicate with your child. Finding a form of communication everyone in your family can understand is very important. Your choice should reflect what's best for your child and family.
What does bimodal bilingual mean?
This is when a sign language is used in conjunction with an oral language. Every child needs effective communication skills to be able to establish relationships with others, understand their world, and express their needs, ideas and feelings.
There are three main communication options:
1. Auditory-oral approaches: focus on using any hearing your child has, assisted by hearing aids, FM systems and/or cochlear implants, and sometimes lip reading. These approaches do not use sign language or finger spelling.
2. Sign bilingualism: Auslan will be your child's first language. They then learn your family's spoken language as a second language, either through speech, writing or a sign-supported system.
3. Total communication: uses a combination of methods (lip reading, speech, gestures, Signed English, finger spelling, and assistive devices) to foster effective communication in whatever way works best.
What questions should I ask?
- What are our options, and the potential benefits and risks of each?
- Would this approach allow my child to express their feelings, develop relationships and have control in their environment?
- Would this approach allow all our family, and the wider community, to communicate with our child?
- If your child has additional needs, will this approach be accessible for them?
- Do I have enough good quality, unbiased information to make a decision?
How can I make an informed choice?
“You are the expert when it comes to your child.” Health professionals can provide great support for decision-making, especially when you work in partnership to find a solution that best suits your child and family. Don't be afraid to discuss any information with them, offer your opinion, and ask questions.
What happens next?
Regardless of the decision you make, it's never set in stone. Once you've started using your chosen communication approach, give it a serious go and monitor your child's progress regularly, you can always change it as your child's needs develop.
Fast fact: About 6,000 people are estimated to use Auslan as their first language.
