Newly Revised Edition 2018!
Download the 2018 Resource Guide here.
“The need and right to communicate is the most fundamental of human rights. To deny it is to harm the human spirit; to foster communication is to reveal all the possibilities of life.” (National Deaf Education Project)
So you want to know about resources for the deaf and hard of hearing…
This Resource Guide is for you. Whether you’re a parent who has just discovered your child has a hearing loss, or you’re a teacher, a school administrator, an audiologist, or someone else related to the community of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, this booklet is for you.
Please use it to:
- Connect families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing to each other for support.
- Explore choices for communication options that are presented in an unbiased way.
- Find out about services and supports available to families and professionals.
- Find out about services and supports available to families and professionals.
- Get information on resources for financial assistance.
- Learn about the rights of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and how to advocate for them.
- Discover community support systems, resources and programs.
As you look over this packet, you may come up with questions and ideas you haven’t considered before as you play your role in enhancing the quality of life for a child with deafness or hearing loss. Remember–the options and decisions facing any family are theirs alone to make, with information and support from professionals. There is no one “right” way when it comes to finding the program that will empower a child to succeed. His or her needs, as well as the needs of the family, will change with time. It is very important to see this all as a work in progress. Don’t be afraid to remain open to new ideas, and even change your approach if necessary. And remember, research clearly shows that a communication choice should not be solely based on the degree of hearing loss.
For families of babies newly identified with hearing loss, some important first steps are follow up care, understanding communication/early intervention choices, and connecting to other families like yours for information and support. The Roadmap for Families, Loss and Found video, and Book of Choice are other great starting out resources outlining important first steps.
Roadmap for Families: a checklist for parents to use when their babies are identified with a hearing loss as well as a list of valuable resources and local contacts that families need; www.cohandsandvoices.org/rmap/roadmap/
Loss and Found: a video explaining what to do if your baby didn’t pass the newborn hearing screening; www.handsandvoices.org/
The Book of Choice: parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing sharing stories and information; www.handsandvoices.org/
We encourage you to join Colorado Families for Hands & Voices, a non-profit, non-biased support system for families and professionals. You’re not alone, and we can help.
Editor’s Note: The authors of this guide do not officially endorse or certify any of the resources/service providers listed in this publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to check the validity and references of anyone listed in this guide
What works for your child is what makes the choice right.
Also Available in Spanish: (2008) – Download The Colorado Resource Guide en Espanol.
