Resources
Support for Families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Parents of deaf and hard of hearing children often rely on a variety of resources to support communication, learning, and advocacy. We’ve gathered a list of credible organizations and tools that families in the Kent ISD Oral Deaf Program commonly use. Each resource offers high-quality information, community connections, or hands-on support to help your child thrive.
AG Bell is an international organization dedicated to listening and spoken language. They provide resources, guidance, and support for children and adults with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Their materials help families understand hearing technology and spoken language development.
This organization serves the deaf and hard of hearing community through assistive technology, community education, advocacy, interpreting services, and more. They support individuals and families with resources designed to improve daily communication and access.
Hear to Learn offers online tools and videos to help parents and professionals support spoken language development in young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Their easy-to-use resources focus on building early listening and communication skills.
Hearing First provides family-friendly information and courses that support listening and spoken language learning. Their resources help parents understand hearing loss, explore communication strategies, and build strong language foundations at home.
Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan is an initiative aimed at supporting the language development of all children in Michigan who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), ages 0-5. Passed into law by the Michigan Legislature in 2022, PA 0256 [PDF] recognizes that a strong foundation of language acquired early in life is essential for kindergarten readiness and future success.
Created by Phonak and Advanced Bionics, The Listening Room features free, fun listening and language activities for people of all ages with hearing loss. Families can use these games and exercises to build speech, listening, and communication skills in everyday settings.
Michigan Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, nonprofit organization supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing—regardless of communication method. The group includes parents, professionals, audiologists, teachers, and interpreters who work together to share unbiased information, advocacy, events, and community support.
This site offers a wide range of parent-friendly resources designed to support the success of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Families can access information on learning, communication, school readiness, and advocacy skills.