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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Presenter Information:	Presenter 1: Name: Tamara Hossler Affiliation: American Society for Deaf Children Tamara Hossler holds a MEd and is a hearing mother of a Deaf adult daughter. She is a Board member of the American Society for Deaf Children and a member of the Deaf Bilingual Coalition. Presenter 2: Name: Erica Hossler Affiliation: Deaf Youth USA Erica Hossler holds a BS in Communication Studies, is a graduate of the Indiana School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University. She is a Board member of Deaf Youth USA. Presenter 3: Name: Tara Holcomb Affiliation: Deaf Youth USA Tara Holcomb graduated from Model Secondary School for the Deaf and attended Gallaudet University. She is a Deaf mother of an 18 month old Deaf Son. She is a Board member of Deaf Youth USA.
Author Information:	Author 1: Name: Tamara Hossler Affiliation: American Society for Deaf Children, Board Member
Abstract Information:	Title: Bilingualism: A Natural Approach to Language Acquisition Primary Track: 3-Early Intervention Keyword(s): Bilingualism, Cognitive Development, Language Acquisition, ASL, English Abstract: This presentation will address the many avenues for hearing families to incorporate bilingualism, American Sign Language and English, in their home environments. Techniques will be addressed for hearing families to comfortably learn ASL while simultaneously providing access to it to their Deaf babies. A diverse range of presenters; a Deaf mother of Deaf son, and a hearing mother and her Deaf adult daughter will explain the importance and benefits of natural early language acquisition through ASL for Deaf babies and children and how English is acquired through a bilingual approach irrespective of the technology used for enhancing residual hearing and acquisition of speech. Social development in relationship to language acquisition will be addressed. The presentation will discuss roles of professionals and mentors and how they can assist parents in the process of bilingual language acquisition. Techniques as well as a comprehensive list of resources for hearing families to acquire ASL will be presented and provided to the participants. Presentation(s): Not Available Handouts: Not Available