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

Free one-week program provides information and support to families.

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.

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 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 will undergo hearing, vision, psychological, speech, language and educational evaluations and have the opportunity to play with other children who have a hearing loss.

Siblings who are 8 and under are welcome to attend.

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

For more information and a list of sponsors, click here.