Faith, Acceptance, and Sign Language Acquisition in Hearing Parents

This study examines how faith and religious communities shape hearing parents’ decisions to learn American Sign Language (ASL) for communication with their deaf children. Drawing on Parent Acceptance Theory (PAT), the paper argues that emotional acceptance of a child’s Deaf identity is a pivotal step that enables sustained language learning and reduces the risk of language deprivation. Through qualitative analysis of ten parental interviews, the study explores how faith functions both as a support and a potential barrier—depending on whether Deafness is framed as purposeful or pathological. While some parents drew strength and clarity from their beliefs, others struggled with religious messages emphasizing healing or deficiency. These divergent experiences suggest that faith can either open or obstruct pathways to ASL acquisition. The paper concludes with recommendations for religious and secular institutions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive theologies, culturally aware practices, and cross-sector collaboration to support language access and family resilience.