A home that supports language is less about equipment and more about visual access, consistency, safety, and connection. Use this checklist to set up your home for a Deaf or hard of hearing child from birth to three. It covers lighting and clear sightlines so faces and hands are easy to see, getting your child's attention before you communicate, consistently using the same signs and words across daily routines, and adding visual or vibrating alerts for doorbells and alarms. It also prompts predictable routines and face-to-face play. Use it to help your child fully engage and thrive every day.
Because of your selected audience type, you may also enjoy the following related resources.
A tip sheet families use to build a picture schedule at home, helping their Deaf or hard of hearing toddler know what comes next, ease transitions, and grow language through daily routines.
A checklist administrators use to strengthen the systems behind home visits, from scheduling and provider safety to documentation, coaching, and family feedback.
A checklist providers use to reflect on home visits: building language into routines, coaching caregivers, connecting families with Deaf adults, and documenting progress.