California Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)

Language Rich Environment

A language rich environment is about providing an accessible language such as a visual language like ASL with Deaf and hard of hearing children. Building a language rich environment is about using every opportunity to use language, to interact, to play to share a focus, and to take turns. A parent of a deaf child might encounter the term “language rich environment” when researching the best ways to support their child’s language development and communication skills. They may seek out resources and guidance on how to create an environment that fosters language learning and encourages their child to be engaged and expressive.