Promoting Deaf-Adults' Participation in Early Care and Education of Deaf Children.

This article focuses on the roles of deaf adults in early care and education (ECE) for children who are deaf in Ghana, a low-to-middle-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. Through interviews with 17 deaf adults holding leadership and advocacy positions, the study explores their perspectives on language and communication challenges, current deaf-led activities, and the future potential for deaf leadership in supporting young deaf children and their families. Participants emphasized the importance of Ghanaian Sign Language in early communication, the benefits of deaf adults serving as mentors and role models, and the need for expanded training, collaboration with other professionals, and increased resources to develop structured, culturally sensitive ECE programs. The findings highlight the critical role of deaf leadership in fostering accessible communication, enhancing caregiver support, and improving developmental outcomes for children who are deaf in Ghana.