Establishing American Sign Language as the first language for deaf American children is essential. By making American Sign Language their first language, you provide an accessible language that will help your deaf child learn English later. Many classes use Total Communication which uses sign language, English, pictures, videos and other tools to teach concepts in the classroom. Deaf children who have early access to American Sign Language, such as those born to deaf parents, have been shown to be four times more likely to attend college than those with hearing parents ( Wilbur). Other countries have already demonstrated that bilingual-bicultural classrooms are the way to go. In Sweden, the compulsory main language for deaf children at school is Swedish Sign Language. Deaf students who participate in these bilingual-bicultural programs graduate on par with their hearing counterparts (Allen). Not only do these bilingual-bicultural programs help teach English, but they also aim to teach your child about Deaf and hearing culture, personal identity, and high academic standards. America still has not established American Sign Language as a compulsory language of instruction, which may explain why "30% of deaf students leave school functionally illiterate, compared to less than 1% of their hearing peers.". »”