Welcome to Parent Links!

SACRAMENTO - The California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. announces the implementation of PARENT LINKS, a statewide program that links families of deaf and hard of hearing children (age 0-3 years) to information, health care services, early intervention programs and other parents. In addition, PARENT LINKS will provide parent group meetings and one-on-one support. The program will also provide information and training to service providers within the Early Intervention System and to the medical community about the needs specific to deaf and hearing. Funding for the program was provided by a $891,522 grant from The California Endowment, the state's largest health foundation.

PARENT LINKS Consultants will be located in four locations throughout California. Their goal will be to empower families through education, training and support to become equal participants in education, medical and social decisions that have a life-long impact on their deaf or hard of hearing child.

"As parents, we have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding about our children. Our child is often times the first person we have ever met who is deaf or hard of hearing. It is significant to parents who have just learned that their babies cannot hear to realize that they are not alone," said Program Coordinator Sandy Harvey.

For parents, the complexity of raising children with a hearing loss, meeting their social, psychological, and educational needs is complex and at times, overwhelming.

The Coalition believes that parents desire to become knowledgeable in issues relating to hearing loss, to advocate for the rights of their children and to make informed decisions. In keeping with this position, the concept of PARENT LINKS was developed. The Coalition represents eight sister non-profit agencies throughout the state serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families for over 25 years.

In collaboration with IMPACT, the statewide organization for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, volunteer Key Parent Links will be available throughout California to provide local information and contacts.

For more information, please contact Sandy Harvey at (916) 921-1045 V/TTY.

To support the goals and efforts of IMPACT, please consider becoming a member.

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