Lifetrack s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Family Mentor Program

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1 Lifetrack s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Family Mentor Program Services for families with Young Children and Youth who are DHH include: FD eaf Mentor Family Program (DMFP), for families with children ages birth-21 Learn American Sign Language Introduction to Deaf Culture FS napshots Program, for families with children newly identified as DHH Introduces your child and family to individuals from the DHH communities who use Listening Spoken Language (LSL), Cued Speech, American Sign Language (ASL), and technology options Provides opportunities to address practical concerns in a less formal, more personal setting FE MPOWER! Program: Self-Advocacy Skills for Youth who are DHH, Ages 7-21 Introduces your child and family to a role model who is DHH and uses similar communication modalities Offers the opportunity to discuss topics such as peer friendships, using technology, self-esteem and identity, and thinking about the future

2 The more interactions that families have with adults who are DHH, the better they may envision their own child s future, including developing goals and dreams that are not limited by understandings about the lives of people who are DHH. Supplement to the JCIH 2007 Position Statement: Principles and Guidelines for Early Intervention After Confirmation That a Child is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, Lifetrack s Deaf Mentors and DHH Role Models encourage children and youth who are DHH to live life to their fullest potential and to see the best in themselves. Deaf Mentors are trained in ASL instruction and interact with children and families using ASL, show family members how to use ASL through informal interaction and from ASL lessons, teach the families about Deaf Culture and introduce them to the local Deaf Community. DHH Role Models are prepared to share their personal experiences and serve as a positive influence in the lives of youth and adolescents who are DHH. Role Models represent the full range of hearing levels, communication modalities (Listening Spoken Language, Cued Speech/Cued English, ASL), technology use, and education. For more information about Lifetrack s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Mentor Program, please visit or us at DHHFMP@lifetrack-mn.org. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Mentor Program is funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division and the Minnesota Department of Health.

3 Learn American Sign Language as a Family! The Deaf Mentor Family Program (DMFP) is offered to families who have a child identified as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), ages birth to 21, with a focus on young children. DMFP is focused on building a positive foundation for communication by facilitating early language through American Sign Language (ASL) and sharing valuable insight about the social-emotional development of children who are DHH. We know parents and caregivers are the best language models and the services provided by the DMFP can help children who are DHH to reach their full potential. We re opening doors to communication and learning in a way that isn t so intimidating and overwhelming. Having someone 1-on-1 working with you and supporting you while you try to learn, who understands the frustrations of your child is such a blessing to any family going down this path. DMFP Parent Participant

4 How It Works: Deaf Mentors use the SKI-HI, a research-based curriculum, which supports, teaches, facilitates, and models with families ways to promote communication and early language skills to best meet the needs of their child who is DHH. Deaf Mentors are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), but also have an easy communication style with family members who hear and genuinely enjoy working with children. Design Your Own Deaf Mentor Family Program is provided for flexible scheduling. Families begin with an introductory online ASL program to lay a foundation for DMFP visits. Visits occur where it is most convenient for families, at home. This also provides a comfortable environment where children can learn best. During visits, families learn ASL and other communication techniques unique to children who are DHH. In this relaxed setting, family members are encouraged to ask questions about ASL, Deaf culture, or daily life as an individual who is DHH. For more information about the DMFP, please visit us at or DHHFMP@lifetrack-mn.org Lifetrack s DHH Family Mentor Program is funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division and the Minnesota Department of Health.

5 EMPOWER! Program Self-Advocacy Skills for Youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing The adolescent years ages 7-21 can be challenging for many kids. These challenges have additional complexity for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). They often need additional support and help to develop self-advocacy skills and gain independence. Participating in the EMPOWER! Program offers your child the opportunity to meet with a Role Model who is DHH to discuss relevant topics such as: Self-Advocacy Social Skills and Peer Friendships Self-Esteem and Identity Using Technology Plans for the Future I felt as though [my son] finally had someone (an adult) that he could share things with that could understand, relate to AND offer advice. Parent Participant

6 How It Works: The child s needs are matched with a positive adult role model who grew up DHH and understands common challenges the child is currently experiencing or may experience in the future. During the sessions, the adult role model works with the child to begin considering his/her future, including recognizing and building on personal skills, interests and talents to set the stage for independence in adulthood, and practice self-advocacy skills, including requesting communication access. The Role Model Approach Role Models can make a profound difference in the lives of youth who are DHH. Exposing youth who are DHH to a variety of Role Models can be instrumental in developing career aspirations, educational goals, and consumer behavior. Studies show that young people with Role Models have more positive visions of themselves and their future, and they also achieve more positive outcomes in school, the workplace, and their communities. For more information about the Empower! Program please visit us at or at DHHFMP@lifetrack-mn.org. Lifetrack s DHH Family Mentor Program is funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division and the Minnesota Department of Health.