Establishing American Sign Language as the first language for deaf American children is critical. By establishing American Sign Language as a first language, you will provide an accessible language that will help your deaf child learn English later. Many classrooms use total communication that uses sign language, English, pictures, videos, and other tools to teach classroom concepts. It has been shown that deaf children who have early access to American Sign Language, such as those born to deaf parents, are four times more likely to go to college than those who have hearing parents (Wilbur). Other countries have already shown that bilingual-bicultural lessons are the way to go. In Sweden, the compulsory primary language for deaf children at school is Swedish Sign Language. Deaf students who attend these bilingual-bicultural programs graduate on par with their hearing counterparts (Allen). These bilingual-bicultural programs not only help teach English, but also focus on teaching your child about deaf and hearing culture, personal identity, and high academic standards. America has not yet established American Sign Language as a mandatory language of instruction, which may explain why “30% of deaf students leave school functionally illiterate, compared to less than 1% of their hearing peers”.”