Houston Parent Starter Guide

Deaf & Hard of Hearing (Houston + surrounding areas)

The word DEAF spelled in American Sign Language

Welcome. You’re not alone.

This is a parent-friendly, research-informed starter guide for hearing families who just learned their baby is Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). It focuses on Houston and surrounding areas and uses credible sources.

Language access first
Balanced information
Houston-area support
Community connection

Advice to Parents (Balanced + Parent-Friendly)

Realistic encouragement, plus practical next steps that protect your child’s language and belonging.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Many parents experience grief, confusion, or fear at first. Those emotions are common. What matters most right now is protecting your child’s access to language.
  • Start visual communication immediately. Your baby can learn ASL from day one.
  • Meet Deaf adults. Seeing successful Deaf adults often reduces fear and builds perspective.
  • Ask for balanced information. If only one path is presented, ask what the alternatives and tradeoffs are.
  • Remember: Deafness does not limit intelligence, potential, or future success.
Texas Hands & Voices — Guide By Your Side (GBYS)
Free parent-to-parent support in Texas.
Official Website

Cochlear Implants (Fair Pros + Cons)

Cochlear implants are medical devices that may provide access to sound for some individuals. Outcomes vary.

Important: A cochlear implant is a tool — not a cure. It does not replace the need for accessible language.
  • May increase access to environmental sounds and speech cues.
  • Requires surgery and ongoing audiology appointments.
  • Sound quality differs from natural hearing.
  • Outcomes vary significantly between children.
Texas Hearing Institute (Houston)
3100 Shenandoah St., Houston, TX 77021
Official Website

ASL Classes (Houston Area)

Learning ASL supports bonding and reliable communication in all environments.

Houston Community College — Interpreting/Sign Language
Official Page
Lone Star College — American Sign Language Departments
Official Page

Other Local Resources

Region 4 Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD)
Official Page
Houston Deaf Network
Official Page
Touch Base — Center for the Deafblind (Houston)
Official Page

Works Cited (APA 7th Edition)

  • Houston Community College. (n.d.). Interpreting/Sign Language Program.
  • Lone Star College. (n.d.). American Sign Language Departments.
  • Region 4 Education Service Center. (n.d.). RDSPD.
  • Texas Hands & Voices. (n.d.). Guide By Your Side.
  • Texas Hearing Institute. (n.d.).
  • Houston Deaf Network. (n.d.).
  • Touch Base Center for the Deafblind. (n.d.).