Developing a Research #2 question:

I have been taking American Sign Language (ASL) classes in the hopes of becoming bilingual. I would love to be able to teach young parents and families sign in order to help them connect with their infants on a more intimate level than those who choose not to learn ASL. This poses a debate in my field of study, Speech and Hearing, as well as to families and every young couple considering having a child.
Some believe, myself included, that teaching an infant sign will help with communication between the infant and the parents or family. An infant who doesn't have control of the fine muscles of the larynx and pharynx does have control over gross motor movements, like making a fist and waving an arm to signal it's wants and needs. Some others believe that before an infant can talk they do not have cognitive function and therefor cannot express what they want or need because they don't know. These individuals may also believe that if you do teach a child sign before they can speak they will not want to talk and will not use speech at all. This is untrue and teaching them sign may help develop social skills before most their age. I would love to discuss in my next research project the controversial ideas of whether or not teaching an infant sign language prevents them from developing speech or not.

Does teaching an infant American Sign Language before they are able to speak limit their speech abilities in the future?

I have also been curious about discussing if ASL is a language or not. Many believe that ASL is not a language because it does not involve speaking; even though it is a form of communication. I think this would also be a fun topic of discussion.

Is American Sign Language a true language?

Which brings up yet another question for families and young couples:

Is it best to have hearing impaired or ASL children go to a public, hearing school or a ASL, hearing-impaired or deaf school?