At BCFHRC, we believe a comprehensive approach to Early Intervention provides the best opportunity for success. This includes inviting families to participate in the wide range of group programs offered at our three Centres.
There are many benefits to both parents and children, when joining a group at BCFHRC. First of all, there is very simply the opportunity to make new friends. And not just any friends, but the kind that understand the journey that your family is on as you learn about having a child who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. Many families have made connections in groups that stay with them many years into the future. Having the chance to spend time with other parents allows so many opportunities to share honestly and be understood, to compare notes about the many decisions you have to make and to learn from one another’s experiences. The added bonus is our staff that act as group facilitators, bringing their own knowledge and training to share. Also, some of them have their own real-life experiences as individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or as a parent of one.
Your child also shares in these benefits when becoming a part of one of our group programs. Self-identity for children is very important; being around other children who may look, sound or communicate the same as them is positive and empowering. Even at a young age, they recognize that they are not alone and that there is a community for them that understands their needs and accepts them as they are. Skills such as social interaction, literacy, communication and many more are learned in these group settings through play, art, stories and music. Our small group sizes allow for more individual attention and focus to be put on each child and their needs.
Most of all, our groups are fun! And who doesn’t want to have fun? To find out more about the groups currently running, please visit the pages for our Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria Centres. Occasionally, we are able to offer groups outside of our three Centres; those programs can be found HERE.