Education professor receives grant for family language planning research 

Canadian Hearing Services Global Partnerships for Research and Innovation, a non-profit organization and strategic global leader in the advancement of research and innovation that improves the quality of life for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, has awarded four research grants to :institutions leading research that will break down barriers to participation for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families.” 

One of these four grants is to Dr. Christi Batamula, G-’02, of the Education program in the School of Language, Education, and Culture. Batamula’s project, Family Language Planning for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and their Families, will examine how bilingual and multilingual families with young Deaf and hard of hearing children (aged 0-8 years old) navigate implementing multiple languages, including sign language, the majority language, and/or home languages in their daily lives. Batamula’s co-principal investigators are Dr. Bobbie Jo Kite Herbold, ’04 & G-’06; Dr. Julie Mitchiner, ’98 & G-’00; and Candace Jones, ’08. 
 
According to CHS, this study has the potential to fill a gap in early intervention services and will provide families and professionals with resources and information on how to navigate bilingualism with their Deaf and hard of hearing children and will increase language and communication opportunities for their Deaf and hard of hearing children to minimize the risks of language deprivation and delays. 

Since its launch in January 2022, CHS Global Partnerships for Research and Innovations has awarded a total of $782,425 in research grants. Each of the winning research projects has the potential to unlock new insights and breakthroughs in the field of hearing health and Deaf studies. 

Congratulations, Dr. Batamula and team! 

Read the full CHS announcement.