Early Language Support

The Early Language Support Initiative is a national effort to eliminate barriers to early language access for Deaf and hard of hearing children. Through direct financial assistance to families, investment in programs like Early Language Centers and other language-rich environments nationwide, and funding for services provided by ASL-fluent speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other professionals, the initiative ensures children receive accessible, language-rich support during the most critical years of development.

Funds for this initiative may be used to pay for:

• Scholarships and program fees for families accessing language-rich programs, including but not limited to Early Language Center (ELC) services

• Services delivered by ASL-fluent speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other qualified providers

• Program costs for ASL-immersive early intervention, preschool, and community-based language experiences

• Start-up costs for new language-focused programs, including staffing, development, and community launch support

• Expansion of existing programs, including curriculum development and materials