People who know her will tell you that Emilia Ivanovna Leongard is a truly extraordinary woman. A pioneering Russian Teacher of the Deaf, now in her nineties, Emilia was always convinced that profoundly deaf children could learn to speak, even before sophisticated hearing devices existed. This firm belief was necessary because, in the early years, most experts doubted her approach. In the end, her perseverance and patience bore fruit: she was able to demonstrate remarkable success and is now lauded as a trailblazer in her field.
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.
Today, we are delighted to announce the publication of the English version of Emilia’s ground-breaking book, “Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss within the Family: The Leongard Method for teaching deaf children to speak using auditory- visual strategies”. 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.
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.
The event began with a heartfelt video greeting in both English and
Russian from Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany, who was instrumental in
bringing this project to life.
“We were inspired to embark on this project by your impressive performance with Susann Schmid Giovannini in our PORA! webinar more than a year ago. We are convinced that your 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 professionals around the world know that your book is now available in English and easily accessible.”
- Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany
Watch Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany’s video greeting in English and Russian
Following the video, Marina Gureva, speech therapist and longtime friend of Emilia, officially presented the book to her in an emotional and stirring moment:
“The meeting with Emilia Leongard was amazing and touching. She was very grateful to the Lehnhardt Foundation, especially to Monika, for the fantastic gift – her book in English! As Elena Nikitina observed, “This book is the first book by a Russian Teacher of the Deaf to be translated into English.”
It is like a new level, an important point in audiology and rehabilitation of the deaf, in Emilia’s life, I think.”
- Marina Gureva, speech therapist
Developed separately but in parallel with other evolving new approaches in the West, 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.
“Initially, Emilia Ivanovna was hesitant about the idea of making a film about her. However, once the filmmakers began conducting interviews and documenting her teaching sessions, she recognised the importance of sharing her life’s work with a wider audience. Over the course of a year, the filmmakers delved into her life’s mission: the creation of “The Leongard Method”. This method revolutionised the approach to educating deaf children, particularly by challenging a system that once isolated these children from their families and communities. Emilia Ivanovna’s tireless advocacy for children and families who sought her help became central to her life’s work.”
- Sergej Kuzevalov, film producer
“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 the UK, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and Russia. A heartfelt thank you to all who made it possible! Special thanks to Nicole da Rocha for content adaptation and refinement, and to Tanya Saunders from AVID Language for editing and publication support. 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.
“This insightful guide is packed with practical strategies, expert advice, and a wealth of knowledge that makes language learning accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a professional or a parent, this book is an invaluable resource that will inspire confidence and success in every reader. A must-have for anyone passionate about communication and growth!”
- Nicole da Rocha, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Audiologist
authors: Tanya Saunders, Liubov Wolowik
