Why Parent Guides are Important for Parents of D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: An Intro of the Maine Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side Program. Darlene Freeman, Program Coordinator Mitchell Daigle, Parent Guide Tracy Henderson, Parent Guide Darleen Hutchins, Parent Guide Introduce the title and ourselves

Participants will learn the Guide By Your Side Program process Learning Objectives Participants will learn how and why Maine developed the Guide By Your Side Program Participants will learn the Guide By Your Side Program process Participants will understand the importance of parent- to-parent support in raising a child who is D/deaf or hard of hearing. Participants will learn how to refer a family for a Parent Guide Read the objectives

Why Did We Need Guide By Your Side in Maine? Maine had good services for families with children born with hearing loss but… Majority of families are hearing Most families have never met another D/deaf or hard of hearing person Many choices that need to be made for their children are very personal It’s hard to make important choices when emotions are so high Some opinions about communication opportunities are strong and conflicting It is hard to be confident in your choices when you do not feel you know what you are talking about

MAINE HANDS & VOICES DEVELOPS A GUIDE BY YOUR SIDE PROGRAM A few professionals and our EHDI program Start with 3 guides and a coordinator Trainings/paid positions/unbiased support Initial process would include 6 visits

Parent Support is Important! Who knew? Darlene’s story Mitchell’s story Tracy’s story Darleen’s story Parents reporting social networks with other parents of children who are deaf were associated with less isolation, greater acceptance of their child, and improved interactional responsivity. (Hintermaier, M., 2000) Share your “aha” moment of when you found out parent support was important.

How Can a Parent Guide Support Families with a Child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing? Let them know they are not alone Share similar experiences to develop strategies to help their children who are D/deaf or hard of hearing Share local resources Share knowledge of the early intervention process to help advocate for their children Offer an experienced ear to help consider pros and cons in decision making for their children who are D/deaf or hard of hearing Celebrate in the joys of raising a child who is D/deaf or hard of hearing Talk about subjects they may not want to share with the professionals who work with them Give examples from your experiences for each

How to Refer to the Guide By Your Side Program Anyone can refer to the program coordinator, at mainegbys@gmail.com or call or text 207-400- 0713, with family’s permission Families can be referred at any point during their journey from prior to diagnosis until age 21 The family will receive a call within 48 hours after the referral

You Don’t Have to do it Alone! Call for a Parent Guide today!