SISI sign-language program for children ages 5–8
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-11285276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program teaches and supports sign language skills for deaf children ages 5–8 to help their communication, reading, memory, and school learning.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $157,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021024-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11285276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Deaf children aged 5–8, especially those with limited sign language exposure or early language delays, are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
Children older than 8, children who already have a solid foundation in sign language, or those unable to attend program sessions are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
Your child would join a new program called SISI that uses strategic, interactive signing activities designed for young deaf children. The research team will develop and refine training and step-by-step instructions for teachers and caregivers who deliver the program. They will then pilot the program with children ages 5–8 to see how it affects signing, literacy, memory, and related skills. Activities may include guided signing practice, story-based interactions, and coaching for adults who support the child.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SISI could help deaf children build stronger sign language and literacy skills and improve cognitive and academic outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar strategic, interactive language programs have improved oral and written language skills in other groups, and early evidence links stronger sign language to better literacy, though targeted sign-focused trials are still emerging.
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.