Where to find help

Local Deaf community centers and associations

Many towns and regions have a Deaf community center, Deaf club or Deaf association. Many are run by Deaf people. They often offer ASL classes, social events, advocacy, and information about local services.

They are a good first stop for finding a Deaf-led class, learning which events welcome learners, and meeting the local community. To find one, ask Deaf people you know, ask a nearby school for deaf children, check with your public library, or look through your local government's list of disability services.

State or provincial Deaf services

Many US states and Canadian provinces have a government office, commission or program that serves Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing residents. Names and services vary. Depending on where you live, they may provide information and referrals, guidance on arranging interpreters, programs that supply communication equipment, and help with access to public services.

To find yours, search for the name of your state or province along with deaf and hard of hearing services, or ask a local Deaf community center.

Early intervention and family support for hearing parents

Hearing parents of deaf children can get help from several kinds of programs.

1. Early intervention programs. In the United States, every state runs an early intervention program for infants and toddlers, including children who are deaf or hard of hearing. A child's doctor or audiologist can make a referral, and parents can often contact the program directly. Canadian provinces have their own early childhood programs.
2. Family programs at schools for deaf children. Many schools for deaf children run parent-infant programs, family ASL classes and home visits, often before a child is old enough to enroll.
3. Deaf mentor programs. In some areas, Deaf adults visit families at home to teach ASL and share their experience of growing up Deaf.
4. Parent-to-parent support. Groups of hearing parents with deaf children share practical experience and company.

Medical, audiology and educational decisions belong with your family and your child's own professionals. For learning the language at home, see learning ASL as a hearing parent.

Interpreter referral services

Interpreter referral services and interpreting agencies arrange qualified interpreters, including Deaf interpreters, for medical appointments, legal matters, work, school and public events. A Deaf person should be asked what access they prefer, which may be an interpreter or live captioning.

In many places, the organization providing a service, such as a hospital, school or employer, is expected to arrange the interpreter. Ask them first. State or provincial Deaf services and local Deaf community centers can usually tell you which referral services operate in your area.

Do not rely on a child or family member to interpret. The note on interpreters explains why.

For phone calls, relay services let Deaf and hearing callers talk through an interpreter or text. Your state or provincial Deaf services office can explain the options where you live.

Questions about learning ASL

Many common questions about learning the language are already answered on this site.

• Questions about learning ASL, from how long it takes to online learning.
• Where to learn ASL, including how to judge a class.
• The nine guides, grouped by subject.