PHILOSOPHY

Research shows that early language development is critical to academic success, whether a person is hearing, Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH), White or a person-of-color. Research also shows that deaf children who have parents that communicate with them fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) are  very successful  academically and socially. In fact, with infants early cognitive and communicative development developing faster with the use of ASL, many hearing parents are teaching their hearing babies ASL. Ironically, many hearing parents of Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) children refuse to learn ASL and teach their D/HH child ASL for fear their deaf child will not develop speech - contrary to research findings that show the use of ASL does not inhibit speech development.  The result? Deaf/HH children begin their school years far behind their hearing peers linguistically and most children never recover. This is one major reason that the average 17-year old D/HH child has a 4th grade reading level.

One of the major goals of the Angel Ramos Foundation is to EDUCATE parents and help them learn ASL to better communicate with their children. All of our programs are designed to not only help educate parents, but also to help Deaf/HH children READ and SUCCEED. Almost all of our programs are also FREE thanks to the generous donations from our sponsors and private individuals. If our programs help you, your family, family members, and your deaf child, please consider making a donation to the Angel Ramos Foundation so that we can continue helping others.