Impact of Pre School Training on Trained and Untrained Parents in Language Development - A Comparative Study

Children learn language from daily interactions and conversations as well as through ?overhearing? the conversation of others. A child?s language proficiency evolves from the quality and quantity of daily conversations, interactions and experiences with parents and other family members. Children with Hearing impaired needs language exposure constantly by the parents and other family members to acquire linguistic skills such as comprehension and expression which are the basic skill for language development. The aim of the study is to find out is there any difference between the trained and untrained parents of hearing impaired children in terms of speech and language development, Speech Reading skills, Eye contact, Communicative skills such as comprehension and expression through verbal / gestures and attitudes of the parent of Hearing Impaired.15 parents of children with HI from each group was selected for the study. The trained parents were selected from the centres where they underwent training (AYJNISHD) and the untrained parents were selected from the special schools (Sweekar and Upkaar) where their children were studying without intervention program. The age group of the parents was 20 ? 35 years having 10th class as minimum qualification. Findings of the study shows that the impact of training on parents in providing an all - round development on their children was significantly better in trained parents as they were given continuous input and support by using systematic method of training and also the active participation of the parents when compared with untrained parents. . Implications of the study are the training programs will enhance the confidence levels of the parents in bringing their children for early and better integration. Learnt skills will help them to achieve the goals set by them in developing the speech and language through verbal mode of communication. It will help to design the curriculum by including various aspects depend on the feedback given by the parents of children with HI for all round development of the child. It will help the centre based program to frame guidelines for the assessment of various skills in hearing impaired children. Learn communication strategies and acquire and use assistive technology. Understand special education regulations, continuously monitor progress and Intervene/ Problem - solve when needed. Take an active role in the governance of their unique child's special needs.