Early Intervention
Also known as: EI, Early Childhood Intervention
Services and support provided to infants and young children (typically birth to age 3 or 5) with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families. For DHH children, early intervention is critical and includes sign language instruction, speech-language therapy, audiological services, and family support. Research consistently shows that early access to language — whether signed or spoken — significantly impacts cognitive, social, and linguistic development, making timely intervention essential for preventing language deprivation.