Are you the parent of a Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing child, or a child with hearing loss? Are you at a loss regarding the Early Intervention process, need help battling your county for services, or looking for a good therapist? Most importantly, are you tired of being judged because of the way your family has chosen to communicate?
Believe it or not, you aren't alone. The national organization Hands and Voices was founded just by, and for, parents like you. Their mission statement explains that they are “dedicated to supporting families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology.” Use Total Communication? Fantastic. Cued Speech? Wonderful. American Sign Language? Phenomenal. SEE? Awesome. Some H&V parents are Deaf, some are hearing, some of the kids have cochlear implants, and some have been signing since birth. It is so nice to be free of that tension and drama.
Hands and Voices also provides Guide By Your Side, which helps parents through the IEP and evaluative processes for families by pairing them up with another parent “who has been trained to provide support and advocacy for other families.” These Guides help children of all ages in Oregon, and their services are free of charge. Priority does go to Hands and Voices members, though. If you need assistance getting the services your child needs, please don't hesitate to email Helen Cotton Leiser.
Come meet, mingle, and explore the many different ways that people can communicate. Monthly meetings are held in multiple cities, and it's a nice way to meet other families like yours.
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