Becoming an Effective Advocate for Your Child

Research on what predicts better outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children is telling us that parental involvement in early intervention makes a difference. Parents who participate in informed decision making about their child’s intervention based on knowing their child and family best are then able to implement strategies and monitor their child on a daily basis. These parents are getting information from professionals and integrating that information together with their own knowledge of their child to appropriately advocate for resources and support.

Ways to begin to advocate for your child include:

• Gather information through talking with other parents (contact local, national and international organizations with parent support groups such as Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA), Family Network for Deaf Children (FNDC), Hands & Voices) and reading information available in books and online.
• Ask questions
• Clearly and honestly state your opinions and feelings about your child’s and family’s needs
• Evaluate your style of communicating and learn how an assertive style is more effective than aggressive or passive styles.

Learn more about this in Chapter 23 of My Turn To Learn.