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Signing Exact English
S.E.E. Center
What Specific Services does the S.E.E. Center Offer?

A telephone information service
The S.E.E. Center has information on services for Deaf children nationwide. In addition,
questions about communication and deafness can be answered or referrals made to
appropriate sources.

A parent information packet
We provide basic introductory information about deafness, communication and resources.

Helpful questions for parents
Lists of questions parents may wish to ask their child's audiologist, school, speech therapist,
etc.

Sign skills evaluations and workshops
These are available on request to individuals, schools, school districts, and parent groups.

Media
Informational videotapes and DVDs emphasizing early medical and educational needs.

Why was the S.E.E. Center Established?

  • How do babies who cannot hear develop normal English Language skills?
  • How do you talk to the baby?
  • How does the child acquire language when he/she cannot hear you?

Speechreading (or lip-reading) is a very difficult task for an infant who has no idea of what
language is -- especially when half the English sounds look like some other sound such as
pan/ban/man, pat/bat/mat. In addition, many of the affixes of English (-s, -ed, -ing) are very
hard to see. Children who have residual hearing often miss a lot, since what they hear is
usually full of "holes".

Since 95% of the parents of hearing-impaired children are hearing persons with no previous
contact with deafness, the challenge of helping these families communicate with one another
is a great one. The first few years of a child's life are vital in establishing parent-child rapport
and communication. Many new parents do not know what to do or where to turn.

Causes of Deafness
Cause
%
Unkown
48.6%
Prenatal Maternal Rubella (German Measles)
5.90%
Heredity
12.50%
Post-Natal Meningitis
8.70%
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
3.50%
Premature Birth Complications
4.60%
Pregnancy Complications
3.00%
Trauma at Birth
2.30%
RH Incompatibility
0.75%
Fever
3.00%
Infection
2.70%
Trauma After Birth
0.70%
Measles
0.40%
Mumps
0.10%
Other
3.25%
TOTAL
100.00%