Welcome to the Deaf Mentor Program
This a home based, optional (parents choice) program that provides American Sign Language (ASL) instruction, Early Visual communication, and Deaf culture to families of Deaf children. Services begin after a referral and by determination of need at any time before the child's third birthday and continue for up to three consecutive years.
The objectives of the Deaf Mentor Program are:
• To provide instruction of ASL and Early Visual Communication.
• To enhance the family's communication with their Deaf/Hard of Hearing child.
• To provide cultural information.
• To empower the family.
• To provide a positive role model for the Deaf child.
• To support your parent-infant relationship.
• To assist your infant/toddler to learn essential skills needed for independence.
• And to help your child develop skills to achieve his/her fullest potential.
What are the benefits of a Deaf Mentor Program?
Recent research has shown that Deaf children who are identified and receive appropriate language development (learning ASL) at an early age are more successful than their peers. Research experts say in a child's first few years of life, especially before 6 months of age, American Sign Language (ASL) benefits significantly and they will have the advantage of communicating and accessing information that is vital to overall development. ASL stimulates learning through different senses and enhances a child's visual, spatial or tactile ability to learn, as well as it increases your child's IQ.
Deaf Mentors fill many roles and serve as language models for Deaf children with limited language. Deaf children will be able to work independently once they develop skills to achieve his/her fullest potential and be able to communicate with their families and others around them.
What services are provided?
We provide weekly Home Visits that provide initial guidance for parents which includes information and techniques to develop parenting skills in the following areas:
• Communication (Using American Sign Language).
• Understanding of the child's needs.
• Conversational interaction with parents (Using Early Visual Communication methods).
• Interactive activities with the child.
• Use of cultural behaviors (Deaf Culture, etc.).
• Storytelling (Using Shared Reading Program).
• Accompaniment to a Deaf community event going to the library, park, grocery store, and more.
These Deaf adults not only serve as a support to the family's communication choice but are a mentor to the Deaf child.
Requests for these services may be made through the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind - PIP department or a Parent Advisor. Direct referrals from parents are also accepted.
Who is eligible?
The Deaf Mentor Program (DMP) serves all children from birth to age six with a bilateral hearing loss free of charge.
What are staff qualifications?
• Associates' degree in deaf education, early childhood special education, early childhood education, elementary education, child/family studies, or other related field.
• Knowledge of ASL and Deaf Culture.
• An early intervention credential. Not required, but helpful.
Who Should I contact?
By calling or emailing the following below:
State Wide: 1-800-990-9328
Ogden Area: 801-629-4848 (VP)
Emily Tanner at emilyt@usdb.org
Requests for these services may be made through the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind - PIP department or a Parent Advisor. Direct referrals from parents are also accepted.