2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Supporting Early Literacy with Emerging ASL Skills Practical Strategies for Sharing Any Book and Any Story | Daytona
Supporting Early Literacy with Emerging ASL Skills Practical Strategies for Sharing Any Book and Any Story
Reading to young children is generally regarded as a fundamental component of early childhood development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Reading regularly with young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, builds language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime.”
Since 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents with little to no experience with hearing loss, sharing books can present unique challenges!
This presentation provides valuable tips and strategies for sharing any book or story, even with limited ASL skills! The suggestions are compiled from guidance provided by the AAP and the Clerc National Center for Deaf Research, offering practical methods and introducing resources to assist parents and professionals in nurturing early language and literacy among DHH children.
- Participants will be able to identify benefits of sharing books in ASL.
- Participants will be able to identify one or more reading/book sharing tips using ASL.
- Participants will be able apply one or more tips to share an original “story”.
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
View Handout File
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Gina Freelove
(Primary Presenter), About Love and Language, ginafreelove@gmail.com;
Gina Freelove serves as the Vice-Chair of About Love and Language 501c3, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families build bonds of love and language with their children who are at risk for language delays. As an organized self-starter and proactive Deaf Mentor, Gina channels her personal experiences and professional expertise to advocate for improved resources and opportunities for deaf individuals.
Growing up in a small town in Southern Utah presented Gina with considerable challenges. The limited access to language and the absence of early intervention services deeply impacted her family relationships, education, and career opportunities. These experiences have fueled her passion for ensuring that future generations of deaf children have a brighter and more accessible path.
Gina's professional journey includes valuable roles such as a paraeducator and an American Sign Language (ASL) instructor for families. She derives immense joy from helping families connect with their children.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Other financial benefit for Teaching and speaking from About Love and Language.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal interest
(Board)
relationship for Board membership.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with About Love and Language.
Nature: Co-Chair About Love and Language
Deaf Mentor.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.