Evie’s Desk: Parent Connections and the Deaf CommunityJune 23, 2008 |
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 I recently learned of a resource for parents whose children are deaf or hard of hearing. Initiated by the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) and funded by the California Community Foundation, PARENT CONNECTIONS links families of deaf and hard of hearing children from ages 0-12 to information, health care services, early intervention programs and other parents. Dr. Patty Hughes, GLAD CEO says that, "often their child is the first deaf or hard of hearing person a parent has ever met and it can be overwhelming. It is important for parents to realize that they are not alone when they discover their child cannot hear." GLAD has been serving the deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families for 39 years, and has created this service to reach children and families immediately after they learn their child may have a hearing impairment. If you are a parent, healthcare provider, or an agency and want to be involved with PARENT CONNECTIONS, contact Paul Stuessy, program coordinator, at pstuessy@gladinc.org, (323) 478-8000 Voice/TTY or fax (323) 550-4255. I encourage all grantees and other service providers to keep this information on hand for any families you may see facing this challenge. Evelyn V. Martinez |
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