How to Adopt a Deaf Child

Adopting a deaf child can be a very rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of changes on your part and that of your family. Learn what to consider when deciding whether to adopt a deaf child and how to locate deaf children who are waiting for families.

Instructions

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.

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.

3. Consider whether you want to adopt internationally or domestically. This will determine where you begin searching for a deaf child.

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.

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.

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.

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.