Do you ever feel like you are “the only one” going through something? I can get so overwhelmed with a situation that it feels like I am “going it alone”. If you are impacted by hearing differences in any way, then you know how isolating it can feel at times. Whether you are a parent of a child with a hearing difference, or a professional working with a family affected by hearing differences, let me remind you today that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Let’s get you connected to the support you need.
Family Support
- Moms Matter – a parent support group for moms of children with hearing loss in the DFW area. The next meeting is on December 8th at 6:30 pm in Allen, Texas. Join the discussion in person at La Madeleine Country French Café, 810 W McDermott Dr, Allen, TX 75013. No reservations are required. For more information, contact Tiffany Savage at (479) 381-1959
- Hands and Voices – a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are non-biased about communication methodologies* and believe that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support. For more information, visit their website. For DFW area families, check out the Texas chapter website. For individual family support, register to be connected with their Guide By Your Side program by clicking here.
- Hearing First – an organization working to promote Listening and Spoken Language outcomes for families affected by hearing differences. The Family to Family Support program, launching in early 2017, will be a connection point for LSL families looking for a supportive online community, not limited by geography, schedules or time zones, to provide encouragement, insight, leadership and guidance. Sign up for updates here.
- AGBell – Alexander Graham Bell Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing supports listening and spoken language outcomes for children and adults affected by hearing differences. Find out how to connect with your local AGBell chapter. Also, check out these stories from other families who have been where you are.
*For more information about specific communication approaches check out this chart from the Jump Start to Listening Project provided by Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
School Support
If you are needing help navigating the educational process for a student with hearing differences, call or email us today! We are happy to help. Phone consultations with families are free of charge. Let’s set up a time to talk and get you connected to the support you need for your student in the classroom.
For other online supports for the classroom, check out these great resources:
- http://www.asha.org/slp/schools/prof-consult/hearing-impaired/
- http://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/relationship-hl-listen-learn/accommodations/
- http://www.hearinglikeme.com/teaching-a-child-with-hearing-loss/
- http://specialed.about.com/cs/teacherstrategies/a/hearing.htm
- http://www.projectidealonline.org/v/hearing-impairments/
- https://www.agbell.org/Tertiary.aspx?id=1232
Professional Support
If you are a professional working with children and adults affected by hearing differences, reach out today! There are so many ways to get connected.
- Take an online course: http://hope.cochlearamericas.com/online-courses
- Join the online discussion: https://hearingfirst.org
- Connect with what others are doing: https://texasdeafed.org
Most importantly, remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your journey. There are many people around you dealing with the affects of hearing differences. Our goal here at Collaborative Communications is to help bridge the gaps for families and professionals affected by hearing differences. Call or email today. Let’s get you connected to the support you need.
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