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.
Need to find a pediatric audiologist?
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
This Resource Guide is for
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parents of children with hearing loss,
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teachers, school administrators, and audiologists, or
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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
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A nationwide parent-driven, parent/professional collaborative group
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Unbiased information about communication modes and methods
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Print Materials available: Resources for communication, assistive devices, early intervention and special education rights
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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
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Provides the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Guidelines for Louisiana Hospitals
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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
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Provides accessibility services for persons who are deaf, deaf/blind, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment
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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.
My Baby's Hearing
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Developed by Boys Town National Research Hospital
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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
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Family Support page provides links to family organizations that can help families of children with hearing loss
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Print materials available: "Learning about Hearing Loss: A Roadmap for Families"
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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
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Print materials available: Downloadable brochures and state-specific inserts
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State-specific Contact Information Available
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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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
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Lists national organizations and state contacts
Hearing Loss Association of America
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"Financial Assistance: Programs & Foundations"
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Information about how to pursue financing for hearing devices via private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and charities
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State Specific information: State regulations pertaining to laws covering hearing aids is provided
Listening and Spoken Language
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Offers information about options and considerations on how to select a communication approach for their child
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Especially useful for families using a listening and spoken language approach
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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
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Supports and educates families as well as advocates for high quality programs and services
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First Year Free membership available for families who have deaf or hard of hearing children
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"Deaf Autism America" strives to enhance the quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children with autism