Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Free one-week program provides support and information on communication options, language development, amplification, social-emotional development and school programs.

The Institute is a one-week program for parents of children ages 5 and under who have a significant hearing loss. It takes place on the campus of the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville from June 10 to June 15, 2018.

Participating parents attend daily lectures by experts in the field to learn about raising a child with hearing loss.  Lecture topics include child development, types of hearing loss, language development, communication choices, deaf culture and school programming. Other activities include meeting in small groups to discuss specific concerns and connecting with other caregivers.

During the Institute, children attend classrooms overseen by experienced teachers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They have the opportunity to receive hearing, vision, psychological, speech, language and educational evaluations as well as play with other children who have a hearing loss.

Siblings who are 12 and under are welcome to attend.

There is no cost for families to participate, and meals and housing are provided at no charge.

UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children supports the Institute, along with other sponsors.

For more information, click here.