Resource Guide: SUPPORT GROUPS
Last Updated; April 29, 2011
ALDA, Inc.
8038 MacIntosh Lane, Suite 2
Rockford, IL 61107-5336
(815) 332-1515 (V/TTY)
1-866-402-2532 (Toll free V)
Contact Region I Director: Matt Ferrara
E-mail: RD1@alda.org
Web site: www.alda.org/
The Association of Late-Deafened Adults is about communication and acceptance of every deafened individual. Some people lip-read, some sign, some use hearing aids, some have cochlear implants, and some need to have others write down what they are saying - and at ALDA all the above is okay! ALDAs official communication philosophy is "Whatever works!"
Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH) and Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (GBSD)
Public School Outreach Program (PSO)
Angela Bruno, PSO, Program Coordinator
Mackworth Island
Falmouth, ME 04105
781-6224 (V/TTY)
781-6220 (FAX)
E-mail: angela.bruno@mecdhh.org
Web site: www.mecdhh.org/statewide-educational-services/public-school-outreach/
Kids Like Me
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing need peer support in order to share and comprehend how being deaf or hard of hearing impacts their daily lives. Learning that there are others who have similar life experiences and frustrations helps children to accept and understand what it means to be deaf or hard of hearing and maintain a positive self-image. Providing an adult role model who is deaf or hard of hearing is an integral part of the program that promotes positive self-esteem and a "can do" attitude.
Regional K-5 Student Groups
Peer support groups are established based on the number of students within a one-hour commute of designated sites. (Please contact us for locations.) K through 5 group meets two hours a week for eight consecutive weeks. Experimental learning activities like games, journaling, role playing, art projects, problem solving, small group discussions and assistive technology demonstrations are designed to build assertive listening and communication skills, self-esteem, leadership, personal awareness and a strong, positive identity as a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual.
Note to Local School Districts…
Interpreters, transliterators and educational technicians used by the students within their academic program will also be used during the K-5 peer support groups, and districts are responsible for transporting students to and from the program site. An MECDHH health form must be completed for each student and given to the group facilitator/MECDHH staff person. In the event that a student is unable to attend a session, the student's school should notify the Regional Program coordinator.
Mid School/High School Student Groups
Groups of students from grades six to twelve meet for two consecutive days (one overnight) with deaf and hard-of-hearing peers from all over the state for a total of 24 hours of fun. Our program provides a stimulating context for building friendships and self-advocacy skills, expressing thoughts and feelings, and sharing cooperative learning experiences. Activities may include: games, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping out, orienteering, rock climbing and other activities in the great outdoors. Three two-day sessions a year are offered, and students are strongly encouraged to attend all three sessions to reap the greatest benefit from the program.
Communication Access Commitment
Each child's preferred mode of communication is accommodated and respected. Interpreters, Cued Speech transliterators, and hearing assistive technologies are an integral part of all our programs.
W.I.S.E. - "We Increase Sensitivity and Educate"
Web site: www.mecdhh.org/statewide-educational-services/public-school-outreach/w-i-s-e/
Student diversity enriches the educational experience for all children. Training provides an opportunity for students who are hearing to better understand the needs of their peers who are deaf or hard of hearing. This program uses a hands-on, experiential education model and incorporates group activities and discussions to facilitate student learning. This comfortable safe environment encourages students who are deaf or hard of hearing to express their feelings and share some of the challenges they face in their everyday lives as well as respond to questions their classmates may have. Working Together: To assist with the development and implementation of a specialized program for each student who is deaf or hard of hearing, consultation occurs with their case manager, classroom teacher, parent(s) and a Public School Outreach consultant.
The program consists of a variety of activities focusing on topics such as:
•Communication
• Respecting diversity
• Assistive technology
• Life with a hearing loss
W.I.S.E. Diversity Awareness Criteria:
• Session length of 2 - 2 1/2 hours
• Class presentation size of up to 45 students
• Classroom teacher's participation is required
• Other service providers are encouraged to participate
• The student with a hearing loss must be present - if absent, the program will be rescheduled
Services can be requested by:
1. Parents
2. Special education directors and teachers, speech/language pathologists, classroom and special education teachers, audiologists, physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists and other service providers with parental approval.
Parent Infant/Toddler Program
Governor Baxter School for the Deaf
Mackworth Island
Falmouth, ME 04105
781-6335 (V/TTY)
781-6220 (FAX)
The Parent Infant/Toddler Program offers a family centered approach. Services are provided to parents and caregivers, children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have suspected hearing loss, and their siblings. A multidisciplinary approach is used to meet the needs of families. The program meets twice each week with offerings for the parents including a parent support group, auditory support sessions, and an ASL class. The Parent Infant Toddler program supports the continuum of communication options.
Peer Support Group
Maine Center on Deafness
68 Bishop Street, Suite 3
Portland, ME 04101
1-800-639-3884 (V/TTY) (free if you are outside of Portland)
797-7656 (V/TTY)
24.97.54.28 (VP)
797-9791 (FAX)
E-mail: jmccann@mcdmaine.org
Individuals who are D/deaf, hard of hearing or nonvocal with developmental delays or mental illness get together for social activities in a signing/visual gestural environment. This group meets once a month in Augusta and Bangor with special activities state wide. Please check our web site or call the Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) for more information, or to be added to the mailing list regarding Peer Support Group.
Hearing Loss Association of America
Formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH)
Website:
www.hearingloss.org/
Hearing Loss Association of America (Self Help for Hard of Hearing) is a volunteer, international association of hard of hearing people, their relatives and friends. It is a nonprofit, educational organization devoted to the welfare and interest of those who cannot hear well.
