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Step 1
Decide whether you're willing to make the lifestyle changes needed to raise a deaf child. You will likely need to learn American Sign Language and spend time helping your child with speech or other therapies.
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Step 2
Locate resources in your area to help you raise a deaf child. Get to know members of the deaf community and make connections with other parents raising deaf children. Make sure that you're prepared to help a deaf child value deaf culture and reach his full potential.
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Step 3
Consider whether you want to adopt internationally or domestically. This will determine where you begin searching for a deaf child.
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Step 4
Realize that certain countries tend to have more deaf children waiting for homes. Countries in Africa often have a large number of deaf children because of the social stigma surrounding deafness in those countries.
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Step 5
Contact various agencies to get the word out that you are looking for a deaf child. Ask to be contacted if they become aware of a deaf child waiting for a family.
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Step 6
Search photolistings for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. You may have to read through a child's profile to determine if she has this condition. Often deafness is only briefly mentioned.
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Step 7
Spread the word within your local deaf community. Contact your local deaf community centers and other services for the deaf and ask them to inform you if they hear of a deaf child waiting for a family.
