Best Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
CHOICES for Parents is a a statewide group of parents and professionals offering resources and support for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children. I HIGHLY recommend you read through the "Notebook" they offer. They also have fantastic literacy resources specifically designed for infants and toddlers, plus tips for HOW to read with kids with hearing loss. Take a look at their Annual KidFest too!
Hands & Voices is a group of parents of deaf and hard of hearing children. The Illinois chapter hosts events throughout the year, such as their Annual Mom's Night Inn. They also run a program called Guide By Your Side to connect parents of a child with a newly identified hearing loss with veteran parents with shared experiences. Please check them out!
Illinois Service Resource Center is part of the Illinois State Board of Education and offers free behavior support for deaf and hard of hearing children, as well as children with vision loss. In addition to onsite assistance, they offer a free lending library, ASL literacy packets, and training programs for parents. Lots of good stuff here!
Hearing Like Me – They offer so many great updates such as hearing loss in pop culture, technology tips like adding captions on Instagram, and personal stories from others who are deaf or hard of hearing!
Baby Hearing – Everything here is tailored for parents of young deaf and hard of hearing children. It’s a fantastic resource with Early Intervention specific resources and plenty of video examples included too!
American Society for Deaf Children – ASDC is THE place for support for families learning sign language with their child. From ASL classes through the SignOn program, to Deaf Ambassadors for parents, and Friends Like Me for kids to connect with other kids, it’s fantastic!
The Scoop on Coop – I can’t say enough good things about Beth, mama of Cooper. Her posts are impactful and elegant. Check out her book hello, holland along with her tips “the scoop” on sharing a diagnosis with family, organizing your child’s hearing loss info, and even how to help your child feel comfortable with their hearing loss!
My Battle Call – Valli has tons of experience raising children with hearing loss, her kids are teenagers now, and her insight is great! Take a look at her posts ranging from IEPs to the dreaded phrase “nevermind.” Plus, I just love her children’s book, Harper Soars With Her Magic Ears!