Language Development Services
Infants and young children with permanent hearing loss are offered supports and services through the Infant Hearing Program (IHP) to ensure they have early access to language – spoken language, signed language, or both.
Early access to language is essential for:
- Communication
- Social and emotional development
- Learning and literacy
- Cognitive development
Through the IHP, families can access both sign language services and spoken language services. Your IHP Audiologist will help connect your family to the supports that best match your child’s needs and your family’s preferences.
Language Development services support children with permanent hearing loss in developing language skills that align with their family’s goals.
Language Development may include:
- Signed language development, including American Sign Language (ASL), supported by ASL Consultants through Deaf Services Canada and/or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).
- Spoken language development, focused on listening and spoken communication, supported by Speech‑Language Pathologists through a Preschool Speech and Language program
Language Development services are available for children with permanent hearing loss identified through the IHP. These services are coordinated by IHP Lead Agencies funded and overseen directly by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). The IHP Audiologist and Lead Agency will ensure your child is appropriately connected to these services.
For more information on language development services, please visit Ontario.ca/infanthearing or contact your regional Lead Agency.
What Matters Most
What matters most is that each child has early, consistent access to language and communication - spoken, sign, or both - along with the tools and supports they need to grow, learn and thrive.