Enhancing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for Deaf Children and Their Families
Hearts & Hands introduces a family-centred, sustainable model that empowers parents and educators to actively support the social and emotional development of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) children.
GA number: 2025-1-AT01-KA220-ADU-000356904
Funded by: Erasmus+ Duration: 01/11/2025-29/02/2028
Challenge
Parents of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) children often face high stress, confusion, and limited guidance after diagnosis. With 11% of Europeans experiencing hearing loss and 96% of deaf babies born to hearing parents, many families struggle to access early support and inclusive learning environments. Up to 41% of DHH children aged 4–18 experience emotional or behavioral difficulties, and parents frequently lack the tools and confidence to support their child’s social and emotional development. As a result, a critical gap emerges in sustained, practical support for parents—one that directly affects both the child’s growth and the family’s well-being.
Innovation
Hearts & Hands trains parents and educators to support the social and emotional growth of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) children. Using play-based activities, interactive learning tools, and storytelling, the project helps parents build confidence and guide their children’s emotional skills at home. Educators are also trained to support families effectively, creating long-term, practical support structures. By combining hands-on tools, family learning, and expert guidance, Hearts & Hands empowers parents to foster resilience, communication, and self-expression in their children, ensuring sustainable support for social-emotional development beyond formal programs.
Action
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project Partners
Austria
Ireland
Cyprus
