Menu
Hearing First
Person Icon
Hearing First Logo
Hearing First
  • Family Community
  • Professional Community
  • User
  • Site
  • Search
  • User
  • Get Started Here
    • Get Started Here
    • Overview
    • Testing Your Child's Hearing
      • Testing Your Child's Hearing
      • Overview
      • Newborn Hearing Screening
      • How to Test Your Child's Hearing
    • Hearing Devices & Technology
      • Hearing Devices & Technology
      • Overview
      • Make the Most of Your Child's Technology
    • Listening & Spoken Language
      • Listening & Spoken Language
      • Overview
      • The Science of LSL
      • What LSL Takes
    • Your Care Team
      • Your Care Team
      • Overview
      • Meet the Professionals
      • What to Look for in Early Intervention
      • How to Find LSL Services
      • Covering Costs
  • Hear What's Possible
    • Hear What's Possible
    • Overview
    • LSL Life: Stories of Hope
      • LSL Life: Stories of Hope
      • Overview
      • Destined to Dance
      • One Family's Farm Life
      • A Bright, Talkative Toddler
      • One Mom's Miracle
      • Social Butterfly and Advocate for Others
      • A Little Brother with a Big Personality
      • Keeping His Family’s Culture
      • Big Sister, Big Reader, and BIG Dreamer
      • Proof Persistence Pays Off
      • Unstoppable Sisters
      • Creative, Spirited Young Girl
      • Never a Quiet Moment
    • Listening In: Stories from Young Adults
    • Powering Potential Podcast
    • Life with Hearing Loss
    • Listening Project
  • What's Next For Families
    • What's Next For Families
    • Overview
    • First LSL Lessons
    • What To Do Next
      • What To Do Next
      • Overview
      • Use Your Everyday Routines
      • Practice LSL Strategies & Tips
    • Building Literacy Skills Early
      • Building Literacy Skills Early
      • Overview
      • Read Aloud Every Day
      • Sing & Rhyme Together
      • Make Experience Books
    • Navigating New Experiences
      • Navigating New Experiences
      • Overview
      • Baby
      • Toddler
      • Preschooler
      • School-Age
    • Family Support Community
    • Living LSL: Webinars for Families
  • For Professionals
    • For Professionals
    • Overview
    • Learn with Hearing First
      • Learn with Hearing First
      • Overview
      • Course Catalog
      • Audiology
      • Tips & FAQs
    • Professional Learning Community
  • Articles
  • Resources
Learn & Connect Articles

Celebrating Opportunities for Independence

Article | 2 min read
Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons
Learn More
LSL in Your Inbox

Stay current with the latest LSL news

Subscribe Now

LSL gives way to a life of independence for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to partake in family stories, learn a musical instrument, go to ballet class with hearing friends, sing along with the radio, as well as other routines, sports, and activities. The little things that we do independently but take for granted can be celebrated as possibilities for children with hearing loss.

What does the word independence mean to you? With the 4th of July in sight, the word probably sparks emotions related to patriotism and pride. However, for families on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) journey, the term independence can relate to the exciting outcomes and bright futures filled with self-sufficiency for their children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Day-to-day tasks and hobbies that we may take for granted such as chatting with our neighbors or friends, singing along to the radio, playing games with family members or asking someone a question are some common things that children with hearing loss might not experience. However, when children who are born deaf or hard of hearing are diagnosed early, fitted with appropriate hearing technology and start LSL early intervention as soon as possible, a world of language, literacy and daily independence can become a reality!

This Independence Day, let’s share our celebrations of all the big and little things that help create autonomy for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Join the Family Support Community and share photos and stories about the independence your child has experienced since starting the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) journey. You can also share your LSL independence stories on social media using the hashtag #LSLIndependence

Related Resources

Passport to Fun

Summer’s bursting with new adventures for your little explorer, but coming up with fresh ideas every...

Handout 1 min read
Playful Tips to Make a Splash in Your Child’s Development

Let’s Play the LSL Way: Water Fun Did you know that playtime is how little ones learn? It’s true! During...

Article 4 min read
Backyard Adventures and Outdoor Fun for Listening and Learning

Let’s Play the LSL Way: Backyard Fun Playing outside offers little ones so much: fresh air and sunshine...

Article 4 min read
The Magic of Music and Playtime for Little Ones with Hearing Loss

Let’s Play the LSL Way: Musical Fun There’s a reason babies and young children LOVE music! Songs and...

Article 4 min read
Your First Step Starts with First LSL Lessons

Your journey begins with First LSL Lessons – designed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence...

Article 4 min read
Grow Listening and Talking Skills for Preschoolers with Hearing Loss: Ideas for Playtime

Download a printable version of this resource here . Playtime opens up a world of opportunities for...

Article 5 min read
Turning Holiday Moments into Learning Experiences

Cheer ye, hear ye! During this holiday season make the most out of your child’s listening, learning and...

Article 4 min read

Connect with parents who have been down this path before.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Thousands of parents have been in your shoes. Find other parents who can share from experience, offer encouragement, and help your family reach your LSL goals.

Learn More
 

Sign In or Register

In order to save content, you need an account. Set up is quick and easy! If you're already a member - sign in here.

Register as a Professional Register as a Family Member
Hearing First Logo
  • About Hearing First
  • Starts Hear
  • Family Support Community
  • Professional Learning Community
  • Learning Experiences
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Celebrate LSL
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
©2025 Hearing First, LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Using Hearing First Resources Code of Conduct