Families with learners who are deaf or hard of hearing now have access to a new webpage that helps connect them to mentoring support and age-level resources.
The Family Support Mentoring webpage educates and empowers families by providing deaf and hard of hearing resources to help navigate different life stages. It highlights the different types of mentoring services that families and individuals can access. Mentoring services assist individuals and their families who are deaf or hard of hearing and cover the ages of birth to 21 years old. Mentors provide individualized support and help foster discussions on a variety of topics, such as technology, communication strategies and self-esteem, among others.
The three types of mentoring services include:
Inspire to Empower Mentor – The Inspire to Empower Mentor works with an individual or family to share their experiences about growing up in a hearing world and provides information on upcoming deaf and hard of hearing events.
Deaf Mentor – The Deaf Mentor works with an individual or family to share their experiences about Deaf culture and community. Mentors also provide support in learning American Sign Language (ASL).
Family-to-Family Mentor – The Family-to-Family Mentor works with a family to share their experiences on how to support the child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
“The Family Support Mentoring webpage ensures families and individuals have the resources they need to make the best choices for their child,” said Anne-Michelle Pedersen, family support mentoring coordinator for the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa School for the Deaf. “Mentors who have lived similar experiences can provide context and knowledge on what it is like to be deaf or hard of hearing in today’s world.”
Visitors to the webpage can sign up to receive mentoring services at no cost. Additionally, individuals and families with first-hand experience can apply to become a paid mentor. All mentors complete a series of mandatory trainings prior to providing support to families.
The Family Support Mentoring webpage includes links to age-level resources as well as a calendar of upcoming Deaf and Hard of Hearing community events, which can help nurture socialization opportunities, strengthen language skills and make connections within the Deaf community.
“Since Iowa is mostly rural, many families who need support may be more isolated,” said Tori Carsrud, Department education program consultant. “The Family Support Mentoring webpage is an excellent place to find information, events and references that are current and verified. Iowa families as well as school districts can use this website to make connections to better assist children who are deaf or hard of hearing and build a sense of community.”
The Family Support Mentoring services and webpage are provided through 2022’s House File 604 and are funded through a 2024 state appropriation.
“By providing more information and support, families can find answers and build confidence,” Pedersen said. “Whatever their journey is for their child, we want them to know they aren’t alone. Support is available.”
Direct questions regarding the Family Support Mentoring webpage can be directed to Anne-Michelle Pedersen at annemichelle.pedersen@iaedb.org or Tori Carsrud at tori.carsrud@iowa.gov.