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Dealing with deafness can be hard, but you are not alone. This website provides information that may answer many of your challenging questions about hearing loss.
A Parent Guide to Hearing Loss
Stay Connected!
As a parent, it is important for you to understand that you are not alone in this journey. Provided below is a list of local, regional, and national supports for you and your family.
1). Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind
The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) is a residential school in Virginia and an educational placement worth considering for your child. Even if your child does not attend VSDB, they are still a very helpful resource. Website: http://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/
2). Virginia Chapter of Hands and Voices
Hands and Voices is a national organization that supports parents who have deaf or hard of hearing children. This organization is based around parent needs such as a particular communication mode or an ideal educational placement for your child. This organization also has a "Guide by Your Side" program which serves as a "mentor" program and gives parents of deaf children the opportunity to connect with other parents who have deaf children. Website: http://www.vahandsandvoices.org/
1). Radford University
The faculty involved in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program at Radford University are a great resource for you as a parent. They are highly trained professionals who work with both deaf and hard of hearing students as well as those wanting to educate those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Website: http://www.radford.edu/content/cehd/home/rudhh/about.html
2). Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
The Radford University speech-language-hearing clinic is proudly licensed by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and can be of great assistance when wanting to get a test done for your child. Website: http://www.radford.edu/content/wchs/home/cosd/ruslhc.html.
2). Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Center, Inc.
The deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Center is a local organization that serves Deaf people along Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. They provide interpreters and other related services for the Deaf individuals in the area. Contact: 540-342-0031
1). National Association of the Deaf
This organization ensures civil rights for all Deaf individuals and promotes advocacy and awareness. In this oranization, deaf individuals promote equal opportunity for accessibility, education, employment, health care, and more. Website: www.nad.org
2). American Society for Deaf Children
This is a nonprofit organization that promotes and advocates for the Deaf culture. This organization also helps parents to cope with having a deaf child by supporting them and raising awareness. Website: www.deafchildren.org
3). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
This is a nationally known organization for speech language pathologists, audiologists, and parents of children with speech, language, and hearing problems. This website may answer questions about speech, language, or hearing problems in your child. Website: www.asha.org
4). National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education
This is an organization who practice the ideals set forth in the IDEA. That being said, they make sure that every child with special needs get the best education possible (this would be am ideal resource if you want more information on your child's rights regarding his or her education. Website: www.napcse.org
1). Center for Hearing and Communication
This is a professional organization and their goal is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages who are deaf or have hearing loss
Website: http://chchearing.org/
2). Hear Now
This is a professiona organization that provides hearing aids for adults and children with limited income who may not be able to afford them (this is actually a good resource for anyone because hearing aids are very expensive and insurance, whether you have it or not, does not cover much of it). Website: sotheworldmayhear.org
Local Resources
Additional Resources
Regional/National Resources
Professional Resources
Movies
1). Children of a Lesser God
James is a new speech teacher at a school for the deaf. He falls for Sarah, a pupil who decided to stay on at the school rather than venture into the big bad world. She shuns him at first, refusing to read his lips and only using signs. Will her feelings change over time?
2). Mr Holland's Opus
Composer Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) believes that he'll eventually write a transcendent piece of music, but in the meantime he's taken a job at an Oregon high school. Though at first the job frustrates him, and his unconventional methods often draw the ire of the straight-laced vice principal (W.H. Macy), Mr. Holland grows to love his students as the "temporary" position stretches into a decades-long career -- and in the end, they reveal just how much they love him back.
Books
1). Wonderstruck By: Brian Selznick
2). A Journey Into a Deaf World By: Harlan Lane, Ben Hahan, and Robert Hoffmeister
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