Yes to EI
8 Reasons to say YES to Early Intervention for your child who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing(D/HH)… What are you waiting for?
By Janet DesGeorges, H&V Headquarters
Why do some families say “no thank you” to Early Intervention? Early Intervention is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. For families of children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Early Intervention can be the key to ensuring successful outcomes for their kids.
There are a lot of reasons, and some of them were uncovered through a project developed by the Hands & Voices FL3 Center. Focus groups of both parents of D/HH kids, and Early Intervention providers were conducted during a recent Early Intervention conference. This information was utilized to create a positive infographic highlighting the importance and vision of effective Early Intervention.
Purpose of this resource
To share information about the positive aspects of Early Intervention for families with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
For providers to share electronically or in print some basics when discussing early intervention and why it is important.
All families, regardless of degree of hearing loss/level or communication/language of the child, should have the opportunity to understand and advocate for early intervention services, when needed for their child.
What are the Eight Reasons to say yes?
1. Early Intervention is worth the time.
Early Intervention (EI) will help you incorporate language development and needed supports for your child into your daily routines. Research shows early involvement can help your child avoid language delays. Starting EI now will help you and your child on the path to future success.
2. We are in this together.
Feeling overwhelmed or isolated? Professionals and other parents of D/HH kids can share this journey with you and support you. A whole community is ready to embrace you. Hearing other families’ experiences can help you think ahead through your own journey.
3. Early Involvement will help your other family members.
As you understand your own child’s needs through EI, your child’s siblings, extended family, friends and neighbors can learn to better communicate with and include your child . If your circle of support is small, EI helps build a larger circle to surround your family.
4. There is more to this than just ‘google it’.
With a seemingly endless world of resources, articles, videos, online support, podcasts, and more, where is the wisdom? A personal connection to EI providers can help you process the information available at your fingertips with what you know and can try with your own child.
5. Facing your fears will bring freedom.
You may feel like you don’t know anything about what being D/HH might mean for your child. You may not see your family as part of this world. A “new normal” can be a life of joy, and better than imagined.
6. You will ask better questions.
You don’t know what you don’t know. Having support through EI helps you learn important questions to ask and how to find answers in what works for your child. You will be able to answer the questions most pressing to your child’s needs.
7. You can do this in the context of your own family’s values.
You can adapt services to be in line with your family’s values and goals for your child’s future, provided in your language and cultural context. A system is in place to ensure that EI providers and programs are a match to your family and child’s needs.
8. You will gain confidence that you are your child’s best advocate.
You will become your child’s best advocate in the school years by learning about deafness, language and development through EI. Your advocacy will light the path for your child’s success. ~
Ed Note: You can find this infographic at the Hands & Voices website at: https://handsandvoices.org/fl3/resources/8reasons-ehdi.html
H&V Communicator – Fall 2020