A Communication Program for Enhancing Interaction in Families with a Hearing-Impaired Child

A communication program for families with a hearing-impaired child (FWHIC) was developed and used with four families. A matched comparison group participated in loosely structured discussions. The program activities integrated positive communicative dimensions with issues related to this population. Findings indicate that the FWHIC program did have beneficial effects for parents and/or children. Some major findings include improved awareness skills, the ability to label feelings and skills, increased perceptions of family cohesiveness, and decreased perceptions of family conflict. The compared families participating in loosely structured discussions actually perceived some deterioration in their perceptions of family environment and a decrease in their awareness and social interaction skills. A follow-up analysis, 3 to 4 weeks following the program, indicated several long-term effects, although the majority of children and families perceived no changes.