Resources for Deaf Caregivers

[Images: Elena in a one-shoulder Taiwanese carry, taking a selfie amid a very green grass and with a small black dog in the background. In the next photo, Elena and baby are signing “MAMA.”] Used with permission from WrapInASL

One of the ways that babywearing instruction and information is obtained is through video tutorials about using carriers. For hearing caregivers, this usually works well. But for caregivers with hearing loss, this modality is lacking. Often, the instruction is verbal and there is no captioning of any type. While the visual information is helpful, crucial information is lost from the narration. Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing caregivers have had difficulty finding resources to learn carrying. 

This post will highlight the resources available to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing caregivers. 

​Wrap in ASL - Elena Ruiz maintains a lovely blog with reviews and photos, a Facebook page and Instagram, and also a babywearing-focused YouTube channel with all videos in ASL. She is an active advocate for Deaf babywearers. 

Deaf Babywearing Community - this Facebook group is a group exclusively for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled parents and caregivers to learn about babywearing. 

Deaf Babywearing Access - this Facebook group is a space where Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard-of-Hearing babywearers and their hearing supporters can address access to babywearing information at meetups, conferences, consultations, and more. 

Amy Wraps Babies - All videos at this YouTube channel are fully captioned. 

Wrapping Rachel - All videos at this YouTube channel are fully captioned.

Wrap You In Love - This educator maintains a comprehensive website (with reviews, photos, tutorials, and more) and a YouTube channel with captioned videos. 

For further search options, the Deaf babywearing community uses the hashtag #DeafAndWearing on social media. 

If you know of any more resources that you think should be included on this list, please leave a comment, or contact me and I will add them! 

[Image: Light turquoise and black color-blocked image with central text in white font. Text reads: #DeafAndWearing.] Used with permission from WrapInASL