Now What?
Raising a deaf child is a challenge. After all you may have never been around a child or person with a hearing loss. Having worries and fears is very normal. Remember, you can do this! Many parents have been able to raise their deaf children to be happy successful adults.
Your baby
All babies grow and develop in different ways. A deaf child will not be able to hear the comforting words from you but they will be receptive to your touch.
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Hug and kiss your baby.
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Show love to your baby with your expressions and gestures.
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Play with your baby; make funny faces, show your excitement through your actions.
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Don't stop talking. Communicate is what ever way makes you feel comfortable as well. If you choose, take a class on sign language and sign concurrently as you talk.
Services
Early Intervention
A child with a hearing loss qualifies for a early intervention program. This program is for children 0 to 3 years and typically start out by having a school or county interventionist come to your home to work with your baby. At about 18 months your child will begin attending a early intervention program. Most areas offer programs for families who would like their child to learn sign language and speech (Total Communication) as well as strictly speech only (Oral Program).
School
Total Communication Programs
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Provide an interpreter for your child as she/he attends class.
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Provide speech therapy on school site
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Provide other training opportunities for your such as sign class or IEP training
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May provide a support group for parents of children that have a hearing loss
Oral or Speech Only Programs
This program can offer all the above accept of course for sign class and interpreter.
School for the Deaf
In the state of California there are two such schools. They are located in Riverside and Fremont.
The program offers
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