Therapists and educators use innovative intervention methods to help deaf and hard of hearing children develop the language skills to succeed in life.

Childhood Speech, Language & Hearing - Parent-Infant Program

Boys Town National Research Hospital provides early support services for children, birth to 3 years of age, who are identified with hearing loss. Services are typically provided in such natural environments as family homes or day care settings. These services are provided through contracts with school districts in Omaha and outlying areas.

There is no one “right” course of action for a family who has a child with hearing loss. Parent-infant specialists can help parents learn about hearing loss and guide them in learning about their child’s strengths and needs. Specialists assist parents in the exploration of hearing technology, communication methods, and educational options. Once parents have this information, they will be able to make the best decision for their child. Any decision parents make today can be modified as the child develops.

Families can take advantage of a variety of services through the Parent-Infant Program including:

Diagnostic Early Intervention Program

The Diagnostic Early Intervention Program (DEIP) is designed to assist families of newly identified children with hearing loss. The primary goals of the program include:

To support parents and families in understanding and adjusting to their child’s hearing loss.
To guide families in the stimulation of the child’s language, auditory and speech development throughout daily activities.
To gather objective information on the child’s learning style, strengths and current needs. This information will assist the school district and parents in developing an appropriate educational program for the child.

Parent-Infant Services

There are several parent-infant services available, including:

Parent-Infant Visits: Home visits with parent and child once a week. Visits can also take place in the child’s day care setting.
Baby Group: Parents, children and siblings are invited to an informal playgroup once a month. Parents have the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other families.
Parent/Toddler Group: A Parent/Toddler Group meets twice a week for parents and their toddlers over age two.
Parent Group: Parent discussion groups meet periodically to share experiences and to provide additional support for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Parent Library: Books, resources and videotapes about hearing loss and child development are available for families to check out.
Family Sign Language Class : Boys Town National Research Hospital offers families of infants, toddlers and preschool age children sign language classes. These classes focus on everyday communication with children and deal with such topics as dressing, playing, going to school, etc.

Consultative Services

Parent-Infant consultation services are available to school districts. This model is best suited for children with multiple needs. Services may include:

Periodic home-visits to home or day care setting.
Assisting the primary service provider and family in learning about amplification options, information about hearing loss and related issues.

Outreach Services

A unique program designed to assist school districts and families in meeting the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing in their local communities. Through this program, school professionals can obtain technical assistance and consultation from experienced educators of deaf and hard of hearing children. Experienced professionals (Educators of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Speech Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Parent/Infant Educators) at Boys Town National Research Hospital and the Omaha Hearing School are available to consult. The Outreach Service may include the following:

Support to parents and families in understanding and coping with the child’s hearing loss
Guidance to the early intervention team regarding strategies for working with the child and family. This will include guidance in the stimulation of the child’s language, auditory and speech development
Input in developing the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
On-going evaluation of outcomes and child/family needs. The Outreach consultant will assist in gathering objective information about the child’s and family’s learning style, strengths and areas of need
Observations of the child in as many settings as possible to get a comprehensive view of how he/she can best function in the community
Assistance to parents, schools, districts and Education Service Units in researching educational options available, as well as, assistance with accessing, designing and implementing an appropriate family-centered education program for the child
Support for adjusting to cochlear implants and learning to listen with these devices

More information

To receive more information about Parent-Infant Services at Boys Town National Research Hospital, please contact:

Debbie Smith, M.S.
(402) 452-5078 (TTY)
smithd@boystown.org

For more information about contracting for Parent-Infant Services, please contact:

Cathy Carotta, Ed.D.
(402) 452-5032 (Voice)
carottac@boystown.org