About The decibels foundation
The Decibels Foundation: Providing Specialized Early Intervention and Educational Services for Children with Hearing Loss
The Decibels Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides specialized early intervention, educational services, family support, and access to essential technologies for children with hearing loss from infancy through high school. The foundation was established in 2000 by a group of parents who were concerned about the lack of resources available to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The mission of The Decibels Foundation is to ensure that every child with hearing loss has the opportunity to reach their full potential. They believe that early intervention is critical in helping children develop language and communication skills, which are essential for success in school and life.
One of the unique aspects of The Decibels Foundation is their focus on providing individualized services based on each child's needs. They work closely with families to develop personalized plans that address the specific challenges faced by each child. This approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to succeed.
Early Intervention Services
The foundation's early intervention services are designed to help infants and toddlers who have been diagnosed with hearing loss. These services include:
1) Auditory-Verbal Therapy: This therapy focuses on developing listening and spoken language skills through intensive one-on-one sessions between a therapist and a child.
2) Parent Education: Parents play an important role in their child's development, so The Decibels Foundation provides education and training programs for parents on how best to support their child's language development at home.
3) Accessible Technology: The foundation provides access to essential technologies such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, FM systems, and other assistive devices that can help children hear better.
Educational Services
As children grow older, they face new challenges related to communication in educational settings. To address these challenges, The Decibels Foundation offers educational services such as:
1) Classroom Support: The foundation provides support to teachers and school staff to ensure that children with hearing loss have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers.
2) Advocacy: The foundation advocates for policies and practices that promote equal access to education for children with hearing loss.
3) College Scholarships: The Decibels Foundation offers college scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing. These scholarships help students pursue higher education and achieve their career goals.
Family Support
The Decibels Foundation recognizes that families play a critical role in supporting children with hearing loss. To support families, the foundation offers:
1) Family Support Groups: These groups provide a supportive community where families can connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
2) Counseling Services: The foundation provides counseling services for families who need additional support in coping with the challenges of raising a child with hearing loss.
3) Financial Assistance: The Decibels Foundation provides financial assistance to families who need help covering the costs of audiological services, assistive devices, and other related expenses.
Conclusion
The Decibels Foundation is an organization dedicated to providing specialized early intervention, educational services, family support, and access to essential technologies for children with hearing loss from infancy through high school. Their individualized approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to succeed. By providing these critical services, The Decibels Foundation is helping children reach their full potential and achieve success in all areas of life.
decibelsfoundation.org
