Hearing is one of our five senses. Without it, parents may worry about how their child will communicate.
One of the most important things that can help a child is early detection, and this can be preformed by a basic hearing test given to a child by an audiologist. Newborn screenings are provided by the Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program.
When hearing loss goes undetected, children are delayed in developing communication skills. Hearing loss can vary greatly among children and can be caused by many things.
- Deafness and Hearing Loss NICHCY Legacy
What help is available?
Michigan Department of Community Health provides a parent guide to support parents of children diagnosed with a hearing loss and helps them locate resources.
- Guide by Your Side program for families with infants or young children
- Resources for Families of Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) is a valuable resource for families. MDE-LIO provides technical assistance and resources to enable local service providers to serve and improve the quality of education for students with a visual impairment or those who are deaf and/or hard of hearing including those with multiple impairments.
- MDE LIO Service Delivery Tools including the Educational Impact Matrix for Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing to help identify students’ needs and potential level of service to support success in the general education setting. This data collection tool could also assist discussions for: three year re-evaluation, annual IEP, change of placement, and transition.
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center provides links to resources designed for families raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Topics include:
What do I need to think about for my child’s IEP?
- Adapting the School Environment to Support the Learner with Hearing Loss
- CHECKLIST: Accommodations and Modifications for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Visit our webpage for more info on the IEP process
- Considering the Needs of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing NICHCY Legacy
- American Sign Language Content Standards
- ADA Requirements Effective Communication, Title II
What are the educational options for a child who is deaf or hard of hearing?
There is choice within the law. IDEA requires students to be educated in the least restrictive environment with non-disabled peers, but it also requires the IEP team to consider the communication needs of the child. The decision as to what placement will provide a free and appropriate public education for an individual deaf child can only be made after an IEP addressing the full range of the child’s needs has been developed. The law also requires parents be an equal part of the IEP process. There are mainstream schools that have deaf programs.
- Deaf Student Services from the U.S. Department of Education: “The Secretary believes it is important that State and local education agencies, in developing an IEP for a child who is deaf, take into consideration such factors as
- Communication needs and the child’s and family’s preferred mode of communication;
- Linguistic needs;
- Severity of hearing loss and potential for using residual hearing;
- Academic level; and
- Social, emotional, and cultural needs including opportunities for peer interactions and communication.”
More info on placement:
- Considering Placement and Educational Approaches for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Educating Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Inclusion
- Michigan School for the Deaf
Is there some technology that can help my child?
Assistive technology is a related service listed in IDEA. Technology is a key to leveling the playing field for individuals with disabilities. Check out the TechMatrix for suggestions for finding educational and assistive technology products for students with disabilities. Learn more on our Assistive Technology webpage.
Where can I find support?
- Deaf C.A.N.
- Michigan Hands and Voices
- Sound Support at University of Michigan
- E-Michigan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Support
- Hearing Loss Michigan
- Early On® Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing Resources
- Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
Other organizations serving individuals with hearing loss: