Indianapolis Father Shares ASL Moment With Newborn
A viral video captures a deaf father signing to his two-day-old daughter in their Indianapolis home.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Special Needs
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Robert Haney, a deaf father living in Indianapolis, has gained attention for a video showing him using American Sign Language to communicate with his newborn daughter, Matilda. The viral footage highlights the family's use of signing for daily communication.
Why it matters
The video highlights the role of American Sign Language as a primary tool for connection and daily communication within deaf families. It provides a look at how parents integrate visual language into early bonding moments with their children.
The Haney family uses American Sign Language, lip reading, and simultaneous communication to navigate daily life in Indianapolis. Name signs for the three children, Robby, Mylah, and Matilda, are derived from their individual personality traits.
The players
Robert Haney
A deaf father living in Indianapolis who uses American Sign Language, lip reading, and speaking to communicate with his family.
Maggie Haney
The wife of Robert Haney who utilizes simultaneous communication, signing and speaking at once, within their household.
Matilda Haney
The newborn daughter of Robert and Maggie Haney who was featured in a viral video at 2 days old.
The details
Robert Haney, who lost his hearing at age 3 due to meningitis, relies on direct eye contact and American Sign Language to interact with his wife, Maggie, and their three children. The viral video of him signing to newborn Matilda was filmed at 3 a.m. when she was just 2 days old.
Timeline
Robert Haney lost his hearing at age 3 after contracting meningitis.
The viral video was filmed when Matilda was 2 days old.
Culture Shift
The Haneys' reliance on name signs follows the established cultural tradition of assigning unique American Sign Language identifiers based on personality. This practice reflects a broader societal movement toward celebrating diverse modes of communication in family life.
The Haneys' experience underscores the importance of visual accessibility and eye contact when engaging in ASL-based communication. Families in Indianapolis may find this approach a helpful reference for fostering early connections through signing.
The takeaway
The Haney family demonstrates that communication is primarily built on connection rather than auditory capability. Parents interested in signing can start by learning basic name signs to create a personalized, visual language for their household.
Further reading
Learn more about resources for families navigating communication differences in our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TODAY.
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Would you actively incorporate American Sign Language into your daily household communication?
