1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. How to Refer to the Guide By Your Side Program
Anyone can refer to the program coordinator, at or call or text , 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

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