Deaf children: family support and follow-up of children aged 0 to 6 years

To encourage access to language by the deaf child within his/her family, whichever language is chosen (French language or sign language).
The questions which the recommendations answer are the following ones:

• What information should be given to the families and how can their neutrality and completeness be guaranteed faced with the multiple representations of deafness and follow-up of the child?

• What actions should be provided to support the families after the pronouncement of deafness?

• How can one help the parents to be key players in the follow-up and support of the child?

• How can one prevent psychological and relationship problems in the deaf child?

• How can one evaluate communication and language in the deaf child?

• What actions should be proposed to develop communication and language in the deaf child, whatever language is used: sign language or French language?

• In 2009, which institutions provide family support and follow-up of deaf children between 0 and 6 years of age?