Couple documents emotional journey learning sign language after son is born deaf

When Callie Foster (@thelacouple) and her husband Leo welcomed their baby boy Luca into the world in 2021, they received an unexpected health diagnosis. After failing his newborn hearing screenings twice, and following further testing, at six weeks old they were told that Luca was profoundly Deaf. As first-time hearing parents, it was overwhelming and emotional news that they have shared with their followers on Instagram. "We grieved the sounds we thought he'd never hear, the whispered I love yous, the world we assumed he'd miss out on," Callie wrote in an Instagram video detailing their journey with Luca.

But they immediately took action, researching and engaging with online parenting and Deaf communities. One mother's advice changed everything: ‘All your baby needs is love and language—keep singing, keep talking, but most importantly, start signing.' So they did.

""We had so many emotions, so many questions. But one thing became clear—he didn’t need us to have all the answers, he just needed us to learn his language," she wrote. "We started signing before we were fluent, before we felt ready–because love, connection, and access to language couldn’t wait. And as we learned, we realized we weren’t alone."

The couple learned a staggering fact: that 90% of Deaf children are born to two hearing parents, and only 10% of those parents go on to learn American Sign Language (ASL). "Right then and there, we made a promise--we would be part of that 10%," she wrote in the video. "We started signing immediately. We didn't wait until it was easy. We just started. Because our son deserved access to language–his language."

The couple immersed themselves in lessons, and continue to practice with each other (even when Luca goes to bed.)

"We stopped seeing deafness as something to overcome and started seeing it for what it is–a beautiful, rich culture that we had the privilege to step into," she adds. "I never thought that becoming a mother would mean learning a whole new language–and then teaching it to my child. It has been the most beautiful journey, and one that has changed our family forever."

Now, the couple is passionate about raising awareness and supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. They recently launched a clothing collection in support of families and parents learning ASL in collaboration with Deaf Asian-American artist, Ka Yun Lau.

"We met so many others—parents, families, and individuals—on this same journey, choosing to learn, choosing to show up, choosing to embrace ASL. That’s what inspired this collection," she wrote. "A way to honor that commitment, to celebrate this journey, and to encourage more people to learn. Because the more people who sign, the more accessible, inclusive, and connected the world becomes."

And their story has garnered an emotional response from viewers. "The authenticity of your facial expressions - 🥹. The love that is communicated goes beyond words💕," one wrote.

Another commented, "Awww I love this so much! Truly thank you for giving Luca everything possible!!! ❤️"

And another viewer added, "Girl you have me tearing up. Your family is beautiful and seeing your communication and your son signing just warms my heart. Your son chose the perfect parents."