© 2016 Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies. All Rights Reserved.
Research in sign linguistics and language acquisition has shown that optimal learning for deaf children can be achieved through both signed language and spoken language, and sign language can facilitate their spoken language and literacy development. Other than helping deaf children, sign language learning is also beneficial to hearing children, especially in developing different areas of the brain. With the support of research evidence, the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies (CSLDS) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong started the "Sign Bilingualism and Co-enrolment Education (SLCO) Programme" in 2006, enabling deaf and hearing children to learn together with both signed and spoken languages. The Programme has developed education programmes from preschool to secondary education, aimed at developing a "through-train" model of deaf education for deaf children to engage in equal education and an inclusive society. The SLCO Programme is now co-led by CSLDS and SLCO Community Resources.
I think I was a naughty and stupid kid before. When I first came to this school, I didn’t know anyone here and I couldn’t use speech to communicate with people. One day in P.2, I could finally talk to the hearing students for the very first time, in both signing and speech. I was very happy that we could all learn and play together. From that day on, I have made more friends and my life has started to change...
