Thinking of our community today, October 25, 2024, as we remember the tragic events of one year ago. A message to all from our executive director can be found HERE

A link to an ASL version of the letter is included.

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ASL for Families

MECDHH/GBSD is exploring opportunities for families to learn American Sign Language and participate in ASL classes.
If your child is learning American Sign Language it is important for you to as well.  Your child’s IFSP or IEP team can support you in finding the appropriate services for your family. ASL Family Training (for parents of children age 0-2)  and ASL Parent Training and Counseling (for parents of children age 3-5) are two services that can be added to your child’s early intervention or education plan. Talk with your child’s team to learn more!
Check our  Upcoming Events page for opportunities to learn ASL.

For more information about the opportunities below, please contact Margaret Airey at 207- 781-3165.

Deaf Mentor/ASL Family Training Program

The Deaf Mentor Program offers families the opportunity to meet Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults with different experiences and varying educational backgrounds. Families are encouraged to ask questions and have discussions about the Deaf or hard of hearing adult’s lived experiences. The Deaf Mentor program supports families in implementing bilingual/bicultural home-based programming for young children. Services are embedded into the child’s early intervention services.

These providers have received specific training and certification from the National Deaf Mentor Program and a Bachelors or Masters Degree from an accredited college or university.

ASL Parent Training

The ASL Parent Training program supports families in implementing bilingual/bicultural home-based programming for young children, ages 3-21, who are deaf or hard of hearing. The ASL Parent Training program provides the family regular sessions with an ASL teacher and teaches the family members how to communicate in ASL. This helps the family understand and appreciate deafness and Deaf Culture.

These providers have received specific training and certification from the National Deaf Mentor Program and a Bachelors or Masters Degree from an accredited college or university.

ASL Coffee Chats

MECDHH/GBSD offers an opportunity for families to come together and learn ASL and interact with other families. These sessions are facilitated by deaf staff and are engaging and fun and exclusively for families, caregivers and others in close contact with children that sign. The goal of the program is to provide families with ASL skills as they apply to regular, daily communication. Sessions occur weekly in 8 week sessions. Click HERE for information on the next Coffee Chat.

Children 0 – 2

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