An intervention program to support sign language development in deaf children
Official title: Strategic and Interactive Signing Instruction (SISI): An intervention program to support sign language development in deaf children
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-10979164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called Strategic and Interactive Signing Instruction (SISI) to help deaf children aged 5 to 8 learn sign language better, so they can communicate more easily and improve their overall learning and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $157,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021024-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are deaf children aged 5 to 8 who are at risk of language delays.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are older than 8 years or those who do not have hearing impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing an intervention program called Strategic and Interactive Signing Instruction (SISI) aimed at improving sign language skills in deaf children aged 5 to 8. The program is designed to address the critical period of language development, which is essential for enhancing communication abilities and overall cognitive function. By utilizing evidence-based strategies from sociocultural and cognitive theories, the research aims to create effective training and implementation protocols for educators and caregivers. The ultimate goal is to improve language competencies that can lead to better literacy and health outcomes for deaf children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance language development and academic skills in deaf children, leading to improved overall health and social outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early intervention programs targeting language skills in deaf children can lead to significant improvements in communication and literacy outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holcomb, Leala — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Holcomb, Leala
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.