Empowering Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Essential Social Skills Development at CCHAT

Previously Published January 2022

The development of social skills is important for all children. At the CCHAT Center, these skills take on an even greater importance for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). In some cases, children who are DHH have a harder time developing social skills than their hearing peers. Because of this, CCHAT emphasizes social skill development to enable our students to be successful and feel comfortable in a variety of social settings.

Understanding Social Skills: What Every Child Needs to Communicate Effectively

Social skills can be defined as a set of attributes that enable people to communicate and interact with others in a competent and appropriate manner. This can include both verbal communication and nonverbal gestures. Social skills that can be learned by children who are DHH include making eye contact during conversations, saying hello, taking turns during a conversation, being aware of others’ feelings, solving problems, maintaining a listening posture, and responding to questions. 

The Significance of Social Skill Development for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

CCHAT’s ultimate goal is to help its students successfully navigate life, now and in the future. Developing social skills is a critical component of each child’s success. Children who are DHH will face a multitude of social settings in which appropriate behavior and action are required – from making friends in school to trying to secure a job. Those who struggle socially may feel isolated and be unable to form meaningful relationships. Individuals with effective social skills will feel confident in their ability to navigate a range of social situations. 

How CCHAT Supports Social Skills Growth for Students who are DHH

The development of social skills is at the forefront of many CCHAT activities, whether in the classroom or at speech therapy. CCHAT students who are DHH, as young as toddlers, are equipped with the social skills needed to thrive in their daily routine. 

Depending on age and present-level skills, CCHAT children may work on the following areas while in class:

• Making eye contact with teachers and classmates who are speaking
• Responding when asked a question
• Raising a hand to initiate conversation or ask an appropriate question
• Sitting up with proper listening posture
• Waiting for their turn and not speaking over their classmates

Additionally, recess serves as a positive setting to practice social skills with fellow classmates, including turn-taking, respect for others and proper behavior during gameplay.

Key Social Skills Taught at CCHAT: Building Foundations for Effective Communication

CCHAT further emphasizes the development of social skills during speech therapy. Each Friday, students participate in a group speech therapy session, where a different social skill is highlighted each week. Students learn new social skills and practice by acting out scenarios with classmates and staff.

Some subjects being discussed in CCHAT’s social curriculum include:

• Greetings (saying hello)
• Recess rules
• Vocal volume
• Requesting/manners (saying please)
• Turn-taking and sharing
• Listening in noise
• Teamwork
• Personal space
• Following directions

Preparing Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing for Success: The Lifelong Benefits of Social Skills

Social skills can be learned at a very young age, and for children who are DHH, these skills are invaluable as they grow up. CCHAT wants to see every child in its program achieve success throughout life – academically, socially, and vocationally. By developing appropriate social skills, students who are DHH can feel confident in their ability to thrive in any social setting. 

With a strong foundation in social skill development, CCHAT alumni have gone on to enjoy success in a variety of educational settings and professional fields. This includes school-related success in academics, clubs, and sports, and achievement in public-facing work positions that require strong social skills, such as teacher, store clerk, financial advisor, and collaborative office positions. 

To learn about more ways in which CCHAT is preparing its students for success, read our blog about self-advocacy development. For more information about the programs offered by CCHAT, visit our Programs page.