The Deaf Baby Instruction Manual

Every parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child needs this book, and so does every speech pathologist, audiologist, educator, and pediatrician. Having found his way through it as a parent, Fertman’s book offers families an easy-to-read guide that cuts through the chaos, giving them essential, evidence-based tools they need to help their children thrive. They say babies don’t come with an instruction manual, but now deaf and hard of hearing babies do. – Naomi Caselli, PhD, co-director, Deaf Center at Boston University
Fertman nails the field guide to raising a deaf child with wit, tenderness, and evidence-based information for nearly every occasion. I wish this book was handed out to every family of a d/hh infant in the hospital; it could change everything. – Sara Novic, author of New York Times bestseller True Biz and instructor of Deaf studies and creative writing
This bold and brilliant guide is a must-read for anyone raising or working with deaf and hard of hearing children. Packed with practical advice, advocacy tips, and a healthy dose of irreverence, The Deaf Baby Instruction Manual empowers families and professionals to create linguistically rich, inclusive environments from day one. – Leah C. Geer, PhD, DHHS-A, director, Early Intervention Studies Graduate Program, Gallaudet University
An incredibly timely book, packed full of wisdom, compassion, and humor. Absolutely essential for all parents of Deaf children. – Paddy Ladd, PhD, author of Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood
Will’s candid, no-nonsense style is well complemented by his sensitivity to the confusion and concern many parents experience when their child is identified as deaf or hard of hearing. The quick start guide at the beginning is a clear, concise rundown of the most important points parents need to know while they’re still reeling and sleep deprived. And his recommendations for how to sign with a baby are right on! He explains clearly how to capture and hold a baby’s attention and take advantage of ASL’s rich visual expression to get language going and to bond with your child. – Razi M. Zarchy, SLPD, CCC-SLP, Speech and Language Clinic Coordinator, Cal State Sacramento
I love the matter-of-fact way The Deaf Baby Instruction Manual shares information. More families need access to information about [the IEP and IFSP] processes in the way Will presents them! – Caitlin Stueve, DHHS-P, speech-language pathologist and board member, California Hands and Voices
Will’s book is funny and relatable, and will doubtless help ease some of the worries hearing parents have about their deaf child. However, most importantly, it is accurate. Will has the unique ability to explain concepts in a way that is comprehensible and digestible. The information in this guide is not only on-the-mark, but vitally important for hearing parents to know. It is a must-read for anyone who has just been told that their child has any degree of reduced hearing. [From the foreword] – Kimberly Ofori-Sanzo, speech-language pathologist and founder of Language First
If you have been around the block in Deaf mainstream educational settings, or ever confronted the audism or misguided good intentions there, you will be stunned by this book. It is funny, totally irreverent, compassionate and DIRECT. Will is a great writer and he is an amazing father, but the power in this book lies in the shock of seeing someone telling the truth, strongly and unequivocally, and prioritizing absolutely nothing but the wellbeing of Deaf children… . Compassion is part of the book’s power. Will truly understands and supports parents’ dilemmas and feelings, and they will sense that and respond by trusting, and listening to him. – Rachel Zemach, Deaf educator and author of The Butterfly Cage

Will Fertman is a writer and full-time father living in Northern California. In 2018, Will’s second son was identified with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in the hospital’s newborn hearing screen. Will has since co-authored articles on caring for deaf and hard of hearing children for the CDC’s pediatric deafness response group EHDI, where he serves on the interagency parent-to-parent advisory panel.

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