Early Intervention Services
Infants & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
We provide specialized early intervention services to families and their children who have been identified as deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. Our providers work collaboratively with the early intervention team to support families to understand audiological testing, communication opportunities, assistive technology and monitor the child’s language development. Our team of outreach professionals have expertise in the full range of communication modes. Please visit our ERC Services & Programs page to see more services and programs or contact us to learn more about how we can support your family and child!
Programs
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Role Model Program
Provides families with the opportunity to meet a diverse group of deaf/hard of hearing individuals with a range of hearing levels, communication modalities, technology use, and educational backgrounds. Our role models are available to answer questions and share first-hand experiences to provide support and information to families.
Contact us for more information!
Family Sign Language Program
Provides direct sign language instruction to families of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or those who benefit from visual language, ages 0-21. Classes are offered in-home, virtually or at a mutually agreed upon location.
Contact us for more information!
Shared Reading Program
Based on the Shared Reading Project developed by The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, families learn research-based book-sharing strategies specific to children who are deaf or hard of hearing using American Sign Language.
Contact us for more information!
Visit our Education and Resource page for more programs and services.
Resources
Hands & Voices
http://www.handsandvoices.org/
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are unbiased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support. We have a local chapter in NH who offers events and opportunities to connect with other families and children throughout the year. Please see their Facebook page for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/nhdeafhhkids/
“Just in Time” Resources
http://www.infanthearing.org/just-in-time/docs/just-in-time-color.pdf
This guide is a tool to help families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) connect to family-to-family supports with a focus on state-level resources. NCHAM encourages copying and posting this tool by EHDI and Part C programs, family support organizations, and health care providers. States are welcome to adapt it for their own use, adding resources unique to their state. Additional resources are available at
www.infanthearing.org/familysupport/
NH Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/bchs/mch/hearing.htm
A statewide, family-centered, newborn hearing screening program coordinated across New Hampshire; located in the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Center, Maternal and Child Health Section.
NH Family-Centered Early Supports and Services
http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bds/earlysupport/index.htm
Provides early intervention services for children birth through age three who have a diagnosed, established condition that has a high probability of resulting in delay, are experiencing developmental delays, or are at risk for substantial developmental delays if supports and services are not provided.
NH Family Resource Book
This book is intended to be a comprehensive resource for families of children who have been identified as deaf or hard of hearing.
You may want to understand more about the ear and hearing loss, communication and language development, early intervention programs, about the impact of your child’s hearing levels on his/her education, and how your child can get the support he/she needs throughout the school years. We hope it provides you with one place to obtain some answers to your questions and about resources that can support you through this journey.
Download the PDF of the Resource Book
FAQs
My child was recently identified with a hearing loss. How do we receive services through your organization?
a) If your child is under age 3, your first step would be to locate your early intervention program which can be found through this directory:
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents/2021-11/fcessdirectory.pdf
Be sure to request a Teacher of the Deaf be part of your child’s team.
b) If your child is over the age of 3, you should request a Teacher of the Deaf be part of your child’s IEP or 504 team. ASL introduction classes.
*We are happy to help you navigate this process so please contact us with any questions!
We do not know which “communication modality” to use with our child. Can NDHHS guide/teach us?
Our providers have expertise in different communication modes of which they can inform and guide your family. It is important to provide your child with a fully accessible language. You know your child the best and we will support you in monitoring your child’s language development over time. For a full list of options provided, please see our Services page.
Does NDHHS provide opportunities to meet others in New Hampshire who have hearing loss?
Our NH Deaf/Hard of Hearing Role Model Program provides families with the opportunity to meet a diverse group of deaf/hard of hearing individuals with a range of hearing levels, communication modalities, technology use and educational backgrounds. If you are interested in participating in this no cost program, please complete this referral form.
Our NH Hands & Voices chapter offers opportunities for families and their children who are deaf or hard of hearing to connect with one another. See our Groups page for more information on this non-profit, parent-driven organization.
Questions?
Reach out to us today, we will be happy to help!
