Abstract:

I will explore the research on sign language development and early childhood in Belgium, highlighting key research milestones achieved over the past decades. The discussion will center on visual communication and early language development, emphasizing their critical role in the field. Further, particular attention will be given to a recent project focusing on bilingual education in Dutch and Flemish Sign Language (VGT). This project investigated existing organizational approaches and implementation within the framework of mainstream primary education in the Flemish context. The study also examined the need for differentiation in language pedagogies and instructional methodologies tailored for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing children. To accomplish these objectives, a literature review was conducted followed by a qualitative data collection to assess the feasibility of implementing bilingual education in Flanders. This involved convening two think tanks, and three educational and two parental focus group discussions. The findings underscore co-enrollment as the most viable and desirable organizational approach contingent upon specific preconditions. Moreover, the study identifies four core principles of co-enrollment, supplemented by six preconditions essential for a successful implementation of bilingual education Dutch - VGT.