Anna & Bethany
From: 🇺🇸 USA
Ages: 34 & 36
Languages Spoken: English, American Sign Language (ASL)
Current Location: Seattle, USA
Child: Max, age 5 (deaf)
Story: They raise Max in a bilingual ASL + English home. Bethany signs full-time, Anna reads aloud. Both attend Deaf culture events and share videos online.
Can you describe your family’s language background?
Bethany grew up with a deaf sibling and has been fluent in ASL since childhood. Anna is hearing and a native English speaker—she learned ASL during college and became fluent after Max was born. We’re both committed to a bilingual household.
Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on that mix?
We use ASL as Max’s primary language for everyday communication, especially since it’s his first language. English is used in print—books, signs, captions. Bethany signs full-time, and Anna reads aloud while signing to reinforce both languages simultaneously.
Why is teaching those languages important for you?
It’s about access and identity. ASL is Max’s natural language—it gives him full communication from the start. English opens doors in the hearing world. We want him to feel confident in both.
When did you first decide to raise your child bilingually?
Right after diagnosis. There was no hesitation. We didn’t see it as a limitation—just a different path. Bilingualism felt empowering from the start.
Did you follow a specific strategy (e.g. OPOL, ML@H), or did it evolve naturally?
It’s closest to a bilingual/bimodal strategy. Bethany signs 100% of the time. Anna signs and speaks/reads English out loud. We also caption everything and use visual supports around the house.
What were your biggest concerns at the beginning — and how did those play out over time?
We were worried about finding resources and community—not the language itself, but access to other deaf kids and inclusive schooling. Thankfully, Seattle has been amazing in that regard.
What helped you stay consistent in using both languages? What’s your routine?
We made language visual everywhere—labels, flashcards, storyboards. Storytime happens every night with signed and spoken books. We also FaceTime with deaf friends and family who sign, which keeps ASL vibrant and dynamic.
Has your approach changed as your child got older?
We’ve added more fingerspelling and early reading activities now that Max is recognising English letters. His ASL is fluent, so we’re layering in English print at his pace.
How do you handle resistance or when your child favours one language?
Max never resists ASL—it’s his comfort zone. But he sometimes gets bored with reading English. We make it fun with signed songs, visual storyboards, and rewards for writing signs or drawing story elements.
Have you experienced any moments of breakthrough or pride in their language development?
So many! One was when Max interpreted a children’s poem in ASL at a Deaf family gathering—it was emotional and expressive. Everyone was stunned. He owned the stage.
What role has extended family, or your community played in supporting (or challenging) your goals?
It’s been a mix. Bethany’s family signs, so that’s been smooth. Anna’s family is learning. Some relatives needed convincing that ASL wasn’t “limiting,” but seeing Max thrive changed their tune.
Got a funny or unexpected story from your bilingual journey? We’d love to hear it.
Once, Max signed a very expressive “NO!” to a dog who kept sniffing his snack. The dog obviously didn’t get it, but Max looked so serious—it cracked everyone up.
Have you ever felt pressure (internal or external) about your bilingual goals?
Absolutely. There’s pressure to focus more on English “for school,” but we’ve always pushed back. ASL isn’t a barrier—it’s a bridge to literacy, not a replacement.
Do you feel like your child connects emotionally or culturally to both languages?
Yes. ASL is his emotional heart. But he also loves English books and prints his name with pride. He’s developing his own sense of identity—and both languages are part of that.
What’s been the most unexpected challenge?
Explaining to hearing kids at playgrounds why Max doesn’t respond vocally. Some are curious, some ignore him. It’s taught us to be better advocates—for Max and for the Deaf community.
What has surprised you most in a positive way?
How fast he picks up on nuance in ASL—facial expressions, timing, rhythm. He uses ASL with such artistry already. It’s like watching a young poet at work.
What technology or other resources do you use to support language learning?
We use signed story apps, video dictionaries, and YouTube channels with deaf creators. Captioned content is a must. We also use a visual doorbell, alarm clock, and flash signalers around the house.
Have schooling or childcare settings helped or hindered the process?
Helped, thankfully. He attends a mainstream school with a bilingual program and a deaf educator. We fought hard to get proper support, and it’s paying off.
If you could do one thing differently, what would it be?
Worry less at the start. We overthought so many things. Max showed us that he didn’t need perfect plans—he needed consistent love and access to language.
What advice would you give to other parents just starting out?
Get involved in the Deaf community. Let your child see others who sign. Don’t be scared of ASL—it’s not a backup, it’s a full language. Learn it together, celebrate it, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not enough.