PUBLICATION OF THE WORK OF PIONEERING RUSSIAN TEACHER OF THE DEAF
Trailblazing early intervention method, by renowned Russian Teacher of the Deaf, Emilia Leongard
We are delighted to announce the publication of the English version of “Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss within the Family: The Leongard Method for teaching deaf children to speak using auditory-visual strategies”, written by the pioneering Russian Teacher of the Deaf, Emilia Ivanovna Leongard. This essential work outlines Emilia’s innovative approach to helping deaf children develop speech and integrate into society – all within the context of family life.
Developed separately but in parallel with other evolving new approaches in the West, and in the face of significant initial opposition, the Leongard Method has revolutionised the way deaf children are taught to speak in Russia, challenging outdated systems that once excluded them from full participation in family and society. From the start, Emilia recognised what is now widely accepted by practitioners working with deaf children around the world: that proactive parental support is the single most important factor in teaching deaf children to speak, and enabling them to become full members of a hearing society.
First developed in the 1960s, Emilia’s methodology for supporting deaf children has not really changed over the decades but modern hearing aids, and especially cochlear implants, have made the process easier and quicker, particularly with the advent of newborn screening, enabling much earlier intervention.
Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany, co-founder of the Lehnhardt Foundation, was instrumental in bringing this book to life:
“We were inspired to embark on this project by [Emilia’s] impressive performance with Susann Schmid Giovannini in our PORA! webinar more than a year ago. We are convinced that [her] method of teaching children with moderate to profound hearing loss to speak will gain wider recognition through this translation. We will do everything we can to make sure parents and professionals around the world know that [her] book is now available in English and easily accessible.”
With only a few days to spare, the very first copy of Emilia’s book was taken on a long journey, carefully hand-carried from Germany, via Istanbul, and finally to St. Petersburg. Its arrival was perfectly timed for a very special occasion: the premiere of a documentary film about Emilia’s life and work, held in April to mark her 92nd birthday. During the event, it was observed that this is the first book by a Russian Teacher of the Deaf that has been translated into English.
“Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss within the Family” was published through an initiative of, and with financial support from, the Lehnhardt Foundation, with collaboration from individuals across Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and the UK. As Emilia Leongard has demonstrated throughout her remarkable career, with dedication, determination, patience and love, amazing results really are possible. We hope that you – parents, students, professionals – will enjoy and gain valuable insights from her book.
27 May 2025
