Resources
Hands & Voices
Most organizations serving families with deaf and hard of hearing children rally around common interests that usually include a philosophy of communication that is promoted by that group. Hands & Voices does not promote specific communication choices or methodologies.
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)
Iowa’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program works to ensure that all newborns and toddlers with hearing loss are identified as early as possible and provided with timely and appropriate audiological, educational and medical services, as well as family support.
National CMV Foundation
Congenital Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is the most common viral infection, and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss, that infants are born with in the United States. Every pregnant woman is at risk of acquiring CMV. And only 9% of women know about it.
CMV is common, serious, and preventable.
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AG Bell of Iowa
AG Bell is working globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and talk. Their goal is that all families are informed and supported, professionals are appropriately qualified to teach and help children with hearing loss, public policy leaders are effectively addressing the needs of people with hearing loss, and communities are empowered to help their neighbors with hearing loss succeed.
https://www.facebook.com/IowaAGBell
Iowa Deaf-Blind Project
Iowa’s Deafblind Services Project serves children and young adults age birth through twenty-one who are suspected of having both a hearing AND a vision loss or difficulty in processing auditory and visual information. They are dedicated to building the knowledge and skills of all stakeholders involved in the education or parenting of these learners. They believe in using a collaborative, multi-faceted, approach to achieve positive, fulfilling futures for children and youth with deafblindness.
https://www.facebook.com/iowaDBproject
ASK Resource Center
ASK (Access for Special Kids) Resource Center is a parent training, information, and advocacy center for families of children with special needs across the state of Iowa. Their vision is access, empowerment, and acceptance for all.
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Telecommunications Access Iowa
Wireless technology and devices are an important part of telecommunications. Telecommunications Access Iowa offers wireless devices with special pre-loaded accessibility apps that are specific to an individual's communications needs. They help Iowans who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have speech difficulties get specialized telecommunications equipment at little or no cost.
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Area Education Association
Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are dedicated to working together as a system to ensure all Iowa children have equal opportunity for an exceptional education. Iowa’s AEAs meet this challenge through services that accelerate student learning and development, inspire educators and propel districts and schools to maximize learning outcomes. They work closely with families to meet the needs of their children from birth to age 21.
Transition Iowa
Transition Iowa s a website for youth with disabilities, families, and professionals serving them. The resources found here support high expectations and successful outcomes for all students. Planning for the transition to adulthood is a process, not an event. It requires families and IEP teams to consider all aspects of adult life when transition planning. In Iowa, transition planning begins at age 14 and considers the areas of Living, Learning, and Working.
https://www.transitioniowa.org
CDC: Hearing Loss in Children
This resource has helpful information about hearing loss, screening and diagnosis, types of hearing loss, treatments, free materials, tools, data and statistics, and more.
Child Health Specialty Clinics
Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC) is a community-based public health agency serving Iowa children and youth with special health care needs. Approximately 145,000 Iowa children and youth (20%) have a special health care need often requiring services and supports from many different providers and specialists.