The Power of Parent-to-Parent Support

Every family who has a child who is deaf or hard of hearing has a different story to tell, yet we all share a common bond. At Colorado Hands & Voices, we understand the power of parents coming together to support and learn from one another. Families who are just beginning the journey can learn from veteran parents about the challenges as well as the joys of raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. For many parents, their only regret in the ‘early years’ is not connecting to other parents sooner!

What the GBYS Program can do for parents

The Hands & Voices Parent Guide is a parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing child who has been trained to provide support and advocacy for other families. Our guides have real life experience in raising a deaf/hh child, and are knowledgeable about the issues encompassing this journey. These guides are available to respond to the individual needs of each family and can utilize a whole network of H&V chapters across the country and outside its borders as needed.

Services Available:

We’re here for you when YOU are ready! One-on-one consultation via phone, technology, or home visit on the topics you want to discuss, such as communication options, emotional support, educational choices, sibling and extended family issues, transition to preschool, where to find a pediatric audiologist or sign classes, etc.

We didn’t even know what to ask the parent guide, but she touched on questions we hadn’t dared ask ourselves yet. It was such a relief to know that we were not alone; and that our baby was going to be not just okay, but could have a terrific, fulfilling life.”  – parents in Aurora

Parent-to-Parent Networking looks like:

• Connection to practical resources: State and national resources; materials; recommended books, videos, websites, on a variety of topics from Deaf culture to language development, from bullying concerns to learning to swim and to drive.
• Regional events, access to other families, access to deaf/hh adults, educational workshops
• Advocacy for families, IFSP and IEP development, Special Education law information, navigating your community.
• Coordinators specifically for parents who are Spanish-speaking, and for families who have kids with unilateral hearing loss, “deaf plus” considerations like autism, Down syndrome and more.
• An experienced parent who can support you in understanding the unique needs of your child in the context of your family in this often unexpected journey.

Through the support of generous donors and businesses, services from the GBYS program are free. Reach out to us anytime from the time you learn your child has a hearing difference through age 18.

To be connected with a Parent Guide, please fill out our form at here. Colorado Hands & Voices members receive priority in IEP development assistance, and reduced fees to Hands & Voices events. To become a Colorado Hands & Voices member, please go to: https://co-hv.org/about/become-hv/

Contact Information for the GBYS Program

Guide By Your Side Coordinator:

Kelly Fernandez-Kroyer
GBYS@co-hv.org
720-937-8905 or 720-598-COHV

Or visit our Parent Guide Page to learn more about our Individual Parent Guides.