ACI Alliance Responds to Pediatrics Article on Sign Language

American Cochlear Implant Alliance responded to the July Pediatrics article "Ethics Rounds: Should All Deaf Children Learn Sign Language?” that prompted contributors to comment on whether a child born deaf, who will receive a cochlear implant, should always learn sign language. Other than the contribution by two experienced professionals who work with families of children with cochlear implants—Nancy Mellon and Dr. John Niparko—the Pediatrics panelists embraced use of sign language for all children with cochlear implants. We cited the extensive literature demonstrating that two factors have repeatedly been shown to correlate with spoken language development: (1) age at the time of CI and (2) extent of enriching parental engagement with the child. Use of sign language is not an unequivocal decision and deserves careful discussion with clinicians with specialized training. Pediatricians have a key role in making an early referral to a cochlear implant clinic. Read our response here: ACI Alliance Response