SILENT: StrengthenIng Language skills, communication competencies and ENhancing resilience of hearing parenTs of deaf children

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the critical gap between newborn hearing screening and the start of early intervention services. Many families wait months—sometimes over a year—for support. During this crucial period, deaf children risk language deprivation, leading to serious cognitive, social, and emotional delays. Most deaf children are born to hearing parents who are initially unprepared and unsupported. Our project provides accessible, timely resources that empower parents to communicate effectively with their child, access sign language, build resilience, and become advocates. We also support adult educators with the tools and skills to guide families. This initiative addresses unmet needs: early language exposure, informed parenting, emotional support, and inclusive education—ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.<< Objectives >>The aim of this project was to respond to the need for language acquisition (either spoken or sign language) of deaf children and to establish effective means of communication within the family by educating and empowering families - parents, siblings and grandparents of deaf or hard of hearing children - through a family learning approach, so that they are able to provide inclusive, nurturing and anxiety-free environment for early childhood development.<< Implementation >>The project partners jointly developed several key outputs to support families and professionals. These include:a) Family Learning Toolkit – a set of learning videos and an illustrated children’s book to foster early communication and bonding;b) Pedagogical Programme for Parents / eLearning Course – a comprehensive package of educational and training materials designed to build parents’ language and communication skills, enhance resilience, and support advocacy for children with disabilities;c) Educational Online Platform – a digital space enabling interactive and flexible learning access to the eLearnig Course for parents;d) In-Service Training Programme for Adult Educators – aimed at equipping educators with the tools to fully utilize the SILENT project resources and promote inclusive learning practices;e) User-Friendly Website – a central platform offering easy access to all resources, specifically tailored to the needs of parents, families and adult educators.<< Results >>The concrete outputs of our project include freely accessible educational resources such as 24 educational videos published on our YouTube channel, a multilingual website - a comprehensive digital hub - available in 6 languages, illustrated children’s books and eLearning modules in 6 languages, and a successfully implemented LTTA and dissemination campaign. We directly engaged over 1,500 individuals through various channels, including multiplier events, focus groups, conferences, and other events where the project was presented. Our outreach extended to more than 36,000 people via social media. These outputs contribute to long-term results such as empowered and resilient parents, improved language acquisition and self-image of deaf children, skilled adult educators, increased family awareness and involvement, and a more inclusive society.