RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

If you are in need of information for your deaf or hard of hearing child or have a concern about your child's hearing, the following resources are listed to provide unbiased information to meet your families' needs.

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Need to find a pediatric audiologist?
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Early Hearing Detection & Intervention - Pediatric Audiology Links to Services is a web-based link to information, resources, and services for children with hearing loss. At the heart of EHDI-PALS is a national web-based directory of facilities that offer pediatric audiology services to young children who are younger than five years of age.

Resource Guide

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This Resource Guide is for

  • parents of children with hearing loss,

  • teachers, school administrators, and audiologists, or

  • those related to the community of deaf and hard of hearing individuals

 

We encourage you to become involved with Louisiana Hands & Voices, a support system for families and professionals. You're not alone, and we can help.

 

Hands & Voices National

 

  • A nationwide parent-driven, parent/professional collaborative group

  • Unbiased information about communication modes and methods

  • Print Materials available: Resources for communication, assistive devices, early intervention and special education rights

  • State-Specific Chapter Information available

  

LA Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

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  • LA EHDI goal is to ensure that all infants who are deaf or hard of hearing can achieve their maximum potential through early screening, detection and intervention

  • Provides the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Guidelines for Louisiana Hospitals

  • Promotes the national EHDI goals and timelines recommended by the CDC, AAP, JCIH, ASHA, AAA, HRSA/MCHB, NIH/NIDCD and other organizations

LA Commission for the Deaf

 

  • Provides accessibility services for persons who are deaf, deaf/blind, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment

  • Services include telephone relay service, interpreting, assistive technology equipment, hearing aids, information and referral, advocacy and training

Parent Pupil Education Program

 

PPEP is a free statewide outreach program provided by the Louisiana School for the Deaf for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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The Bright School

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  • Provide services to children with any type of or degree of hearing loss

  • Provide families with unbiased information about all modes of communication

  • Parent Education

  • Support family’s choice of communication and deliver services using their choice

  • Continuous support with Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

  • Monitor child’s expressive and receptive language

  • Support family to enhance communication development during all daily routines

My Baby's Hearing

 

  • Developed by Boys Town National Research Hospital

  • Answers questions about infant hearing screening and follow up testing, steps to take after diagnosis of hearing loss, hearing devices, language & speech, and parenting issues

National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management

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  • Provides important information for families needing to connect with their state EHDI program and other professionals

  • Family Support page provides links to family organizations that can help families of children with hearing loss

  • Print materials available: "Learning about Hearing Loss: A Roadmap for Families"

  • State-specific information: lists state contacts for EHDI programs and other contacts for families

Communicate With Your Child

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  • Family-friendly information about what to do when their baby fails the hearing test, what to do if they're worried about their child's hearing

  • Print materials available: Downloadable brochures and state-specific inserts

  • State-specific  Contact Information Available

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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  • "A Parent's Guide to Hearing Loss"

  • Features programs and services about understanding hearing loss and how hearing is tested; finding professionals with expertise in serving babies with hearing loss; fitting a baby with a hearing device; and family support groups

  • Lists national organizations and state contacts

Hearing Loss Association of America

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  • "Financial Assistance: Programs & Foundations"

  • Information about how to pursue financing for hearing devices via private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and charities

  • State Specific information: State regulations pertaining to laws covering hearing aids is provided

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Listening and Spoken Language

 

  • Offers information about options and considerations on how to select a communication approach for their child

  • Especially useful for families using a listening and spoken language approach

  • Provides information and resources to help families learn how to provide access to communication as early as possible

American Society for Deaf Children

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  • Oldest national organization founded by and governed by parents of deaf and hard of hearing children

  • Supports and educates families as well as advocates for high quality programs and services

  • First Year Free membership available for families who have deaf or hard of hearing children

  • "Deaf Autism America" strives to enhance the quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children with autism

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