Is my child receiving good services from our teacher of the deaf/SLP/AVT/early interventionist? Well, how on earth would I know? How can I tell “good” therapy when I see it? How do I choose between Program A and Program B for my child? Where do I go from here?
Most parents of children with hearing loss were thrust into the job by accident. One day, you’re moving along, learning how to parent your child, and the next, you’re thrown into a whole new world full of professionals whose titles you can’t pronounce, jargon you are only beginning to understand, and more technology and appointments than you can fit in a day planner. You didn’t sign up for this, but it’s your life now and, like any good parent, you want to do your best. But how? Here are some great, free checklists available online to help you evaluate various professionals and programs. These can help if you are fortunate enough to have the choice of several programs or, if you only have a “choice” of one, to provide areas for improvement that you can discuss with your service providers.
How can I compile and evaluate information about communication/methodology choices?
Remember, YOU ARE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE! If you do not speak up for your children until they are able to speak for themselves, nobody else will. You have a right, as a parent, taxpayer, and consumer to critically evaluate your child’s services. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Learn your rights, learn how to advocate effectively (Advocacy Tips for Parents), and build partnerships with high-quality professionals, organizations, and other parents to help you along your way!
Elizabeth A. Rosenzweig 