The following list of websites was compiled for parents of children newly diagnosed with hearing loss. In an effort to help direct parents to useful resources, these websites have been previewed and summarized. They are listed in alphabetical order. Certainly information regarding deafness is not limited to the websites listed here; this is simply a starting point for parents to begin researching services and options.
Local Resources
- California Department of Developmental Services, Early Start Program
P.O. Box 944202, Sacramento, CA 94244-2020
The Early Start program publishes a directory of family resource centers, regional centers, local education agencies, and other public agencies who are knowledgeable about early intervention and disabilities, and other related resources for infants and toddlers with special needs and their families.
- California Department of Education: Special Education Local Plan Areas
515 L Street, Room 270, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-4613
Fax: (916) 327-3516
Early intervention services (non-medical) are administered and coordinated by organizations known as special education local plan areas (SELPA). Early intervention services are provided by local education agencies (LEA) such as school districts and county offices of education. SELPAs and LEAs serve infants and toddlers who are not eligible for Regional Center services and who have a visual, hearing or orthopedic impairment or a combination of these.
House Ear Institute CARE Center2100 West Third Street, Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: (213) 483-9930
TTY: (213) 484-2642
E-mail:
mwinter@hei.orgClinical services for children, ages 0-18 years, including behavioral and physiologic auditory assessments. CAPD evaluations, hearing aids, cochlear implants and speech/language services.
John Tracy Clinic 806 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (800) 522-4582
TTY: (213) 747-2924
Fax: (213) 749-1651
Email:
ceubanks@jtc.orgJohn Tracy Clinic provides, worldwide and without charge, parent-centered services to young children with a hearing loss offering families hope, guidance and encouragement. The Clinic’s free services for families are supported entirely by grants and donations.
National Organizations
ABLEDATA 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (800) 227-0216 or (301) 608-8998
TTY/TDD: (301) 608-8912
Fax: (301) 608-8958
E-Mail:
ABLEDATA@macroint.com or
kabelknap@aol.comAn information and referral project that maintains a database of 25,000-plus assistive technology products. The project also provides fact sheets on devices and other aspects of assistive technology.
Academy of Doctors of Audiology, formerly the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists - Supports professional dispensing of hearing aids, research, and professional development in aural rehabilitation. Maintains a list of audiologists nationwide as well as a list of frequently asked question and answer.
ADARA P.O. Box 727, Lusby, MD 20657
Phone/TTY/TDD: (410) 495-8440
Fax: (410) 495-8442
E-Mail:
ADARAorgn@aol.comA nonprofit, incorporated association of professionals and interested persons involved in promoting and participating in quality human service delivery to deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
American Academy of Audiology 8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 750, McLean, VA 22102-3611
Phone/TTY/TDD: (800) 222-2336 or (703) 790-8466
Fax: (703) 790-8631
E-Mail:
molek@audiology.orgProvides professional development, education, research, and promotes increased public awareness of hearing disorders and audiologic services.
American Hearing Research Foundation 55 East Washington Street, Suite 2022, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 726-9670
Fax: (312) 726-9695
Supports medical research and education in the causes, prevention, and cures of deafness, hearing losses, and balance disorders. Keeps physicians and the public informed on the latest developments in hearing research and education.
American Society for Deaf ChildrenP.O. Box 3355, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone/TTY/TDD: (717) 334-7922
Fax: (717) 334-8808
E-Mail:
ASDCI@aol.comA nonprofit parent-helping parent organization promoting a positive attitude toward sign language and deaf culture. Provides information, encouragement, and support to families with deaf and hard of hearing children.
American Society for Deaf Children
10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (888) 321-ASHA or (800) 498-2071
TTY/TDD: (301) 571-0457
Fax: (877) 541-5035
E-Mail:
actioncenter@asha.orgA professional and scientific organization for speech-language pathologist and audiologists concerned with communication disorders. Provides materials and a toll-free help line for consumers to inquire about speech, language, or hearing problems. Provides referrals to audiologists and speech-language pathologists in the United States.
Association for Research in Otolaryngology 19 Mantua Road, Mount Royal, NJ 08061
Phone: (856) 423-0041
Fax: (856) 423-3420
Encourages and promotes research, publishes the Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, and maintains ARO abstracts on their websites.
BEGINNINGS P.O. Box 17646, Raleigh, NC 27619
Phone/TTY: (919) 850-2746
Fax: (919) 571-4846
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The website hosts a broad range of services and resources. Produces materials and videos oriented towards helping families make choices about communication methods.
Better Hearing Institute Helpline 515 King Street, Suite 420, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (800) 327-9355, (888) HEAR-HELP or (703) 684-3391
TTY/TDD: (703) 684-3391
Fax: (703) 684-6048
E-Mail:
mail@betterhearing.orgNonprofit educational organization that implements national public information programs on hearing loss and the available types of assistance.
Boys Town National Research Hospital 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131
Phone: (402) 498-6511
TTY/TDD: (402) 498-6543
Fax: (402) 498-6638
E-Mail:
btnrh@boystown.orgMission is to help and heal children and operate a leading clinical and research center for childhood hearing loss and related disorder
- California State University
Northridge National Center on Deafness
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8267
Phone: (818) 677-2145
TTY/TDD: (Library) (818) 677-2665, (Main Number) (818) 677-2611
Fax: (818) 677-4899
Provides information and referrals on a wide variety of topics related to deafness.
Captioned Media Program: National Association of the Deaf1447 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307
Phone: (800) 237-6213
TTY/TDD: (800) 237-6819
Fax: (800) 538-5636
E-Mail:
info@cfv.orgProvides free loan services of open-captioned media for deaf and hard of hearing persons, teachers, parents, and others. Materials include videos (pre-school through college level-on a variety of topics (classical movies and special interest topics).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
4770 Buford Highway NE, MS/F-15, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724
Phone: (770) 488-7360
Fax: (770) 488-7361
E-Mail:
ehdi@cdc.govProvides resources and information related to the detection and management of hearing impairment at an early age. Families and professionals are welcome to participate in bi-monthly teleconferences.
Central Institute for the Deaf 818 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110-1549
Phone: (314) 977-0000 or (877) 444-4574
TTY/TDD: (314) 977-0001
Fax: (314) 977-0025
A network of resources addressing the progressive treatment of adult and childhood deafness.
Council for Exceptional Children Ballston Plaza Two
1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201-5704
Phone: (888) 232-7773
TTY/TDD: (866) 915-5000
Fax: (703) 264-9494
Toll Free: (800) 224-6830
Professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and the gifted.
Cued Speech Association Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
Voice/TTY: (716) 586-2525
Provides advocacy and support regarding use of cued speech for deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages, their families and friends, and professionals who work with them.
- DB-Link
Teaching Research
345 N. Monmouth Ave, Monmouth, OR 97361
Phone: (800) 438-9376
TTY: (800) 854-7013
Fax: (503) 838-8150
Email: dblink@tr.wou.edu
A federally funded information and referral service that identifies, coordinates, and disseminates free information related to deaf and blind children in the United States. DB-LINK is a collaborative effort between: American Association of the Deaf-Blind, Helen Keller National Center, Perkins School for the Blind and Teaching Research.
Easter Seals230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (800) 221-6827 or (312) 726-6200
TTY/TDD: (312) 726-4258
Fax: (312) 726-1494
E-Mail:
info@easter-seals.orgProvides early intervention services, support groups, equipment loans, information, and referrals. Contact for local affiliates.
Hear Now 4248 Park Glen Road, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Phone: (800) 648-Hear
Fax: (952) 828-6946
Committed to making technology accessible to deaf and hard of hearing individuals throughout the United States. Raises funds to provide hearing aids, cochlear implants, and related services to children and adults who need financial assistance.
House Ear Institute CARE Center 2100 West Third Street, Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: (213) 483-4431
TTY: (213) 484-2642
E-mail:
mwinter@hei.orgClinical services for children, ages 0-18 years, including behavioral and physiologic auditory assessments. CAPD evaluations, hearing aids, cochlear implants and speech/language services.
International Hearing Society 16880 Middlebelt Road, Suite 4, Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 522-7200 or Hearing Aid
Helpline: (800) 521-5247
Fax: (734) 522-0200
A professional association of Hearing Instrument Specialists who test hearing and select, fit, and dispense hearing instruments. The Society conducts programs of competence qualifications, education and training, and promotes
specialty-level accreditation. The Hearing Aid Helpline provides consumer information and referrals.
John Tracy Clinic 806 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (800) 522-4582
TTY: (213) 747-2924
Fax: (213) 749-1651
Email:
ceubanks@jtc.orgJohn Tracy Clinic provides, worldwide and without charge, parent-centered services to young children with a hearing loss offering families hope, guidance and encouragement. The Clinic’s free services for families are supported entirely by grants and donations.
Joint Committee on Infant Hearing ScreeningIndiana University School of Medicine
James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children
702 Barnhill Drive, Suite 0860, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5230
Phone: (317) 274-8868
Fax: (317) 274-6680
Addresses issues important to the early identification, evaluation, and follow-up care of infants and young children with hearing loss.
League for the Hard of Hearing50 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10004
Phone: (917) 305-7700
Phone: (917) 305-7700
TTY: (917) 305-7999
Fax: (917) 305-7888
Email:
info@lhh.orgOffers comprehensive hearing rehabilitation and programs for infants, children, and their families regardless of mode of communication. Promotes hearing conservation and provides public education about hearing.
Marion Downs Center University of Colorado at Boulder
Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science
Campus Box 409, Boulder, CO 80309-0409
Phone/TTY/TDD: (303) 492-6283
Fax: (303) 492-3274
E-Mail:
MDNC@spot.colorado.eduProvides technical assistance on newborn hearing screening and assessment and early intervention systems.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)814 Thayer Avenue, Silver Springs, MD 20910-4500
Phone: (301) 587-1788
TTY: (301) 587-1789
Fax: (301) 587-1791
E-Mail:
NADinfo@nad.orgThe oldest and one of the largest consumer organizations advocating for equal access by people who are deaf or hard of hearing in the areas of employment, education, telecommunications, and rehabilitation. Also, maintains the NAD Publications Department, deaf awareness programs, a legal defense fund, a public information center, youth programs, and certification programs for interpreters and for sign language instructors.
- National Campaign for Hearing Health (Not DHCS)
575 Fifth Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Phone/TTY/TDD: (800) 535-3323 or (212) 599-0027
Fax: (212) 599-0039
E-Mail: drf@drf.org
Provides public outreach, professional education, and government relations activities to ensure that all Americans, especially children, can benefit from research breakthroughs and enjoy lifelong hearing.
National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) Utah State University, 2880 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Phone: (435) 797-1121
Fax: (435) 797-1448
Develops training materials for hospital universal screening programs, information dissemination, refinement of screening techniques and technology, and data management.
National Cued Speech Association 23970 Hermitage Road, Cleveland, OH 44122-4000
Phone/TTY/TDD: (800) 459-3529
Fax: (216) 360-0359
E-Mail:
cuedspdisc@aol.comProvides instruction, counseling and support in the use of Cued Speech for deaf, hard of hearing, cochlear implanted or persons diagnosed with auditory processing disabilities, their families, friends, and professionals who work with them.
- National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-2572
Phone: (202) 205-8134
TTY/TDD: (202) 205-4475
Fax: (202) 205-8515
Provides support for disability rehabilitation research and disseminates information about rehabilitation methods and technology for individuals with disabilities.
National Parent Network on Disabilities
1130 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
Phone/TTY/TDD: (202) 463-2299
Fax: (202)463-9403
Advocates and supports the development and implementation of legislation that improves the lives and protects the rights of children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Provides information, support, and referrals.
National Parent-to-Parent Support and Information System, Inc.
P.O. Box 907, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone: (800) 651-1151 or (706) 374-3822
Fax: (706) 374-3826
E-Mail:
nppsis@ellijay.comLinks families nationally whose children have special health care needs. Provides information, resource, and referrals. Encourages participation in parent programs and disability organizations. Networks parents with local Parent-to-Parent organizations.
Oberkotter Foundation Phone: (877) ORALDEAF or (877) 672-5332
Provides free videos, and other educational materials and information regarding Oral-Deaf education for children.
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209-1903
Phone: (703) 524-6686
TTY/TDD: (703) 524-6639
Fax: (703) 524-6630
E-Mail:
info@resna.orgPromotes research, development, education, and dissemination of information. Programs include an annual conference, RESNA publications, publication of the journal Assistive Technology, professional development opportunities, and participation in professional specialty groups.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 657-2248
TTY/TDD: (301) 657-2249
Fax: (301) 913-9413
Educational organization promoting the awareness and information about hearing loss, communication, assistive devices, and communication skills through publications, exhibits, and presentations.
Provides leadership, partnership, and resources to advance the health of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents.
State Organizations
California Department of Developmental Services Prevention and Children Services Branch
1600 9th Street, Room 310, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (800) 515-BABY or (916) 654-2773
Fax: (916) 645-3255
Oversees the statewide system of Regional Centers that coordinate, plan and/or provide services and supports for eligible individuals with disabilities. The Branch administers California's early intervention program, known as
Early Start (Not DHCS), for infants and toddlers under three years of age with special developmental needs and their families. The program arranges and/or pays for needed (non-medical-early intervention services and supports (e.g., assistive technology, speech and language therapy, family training and counseling).
California Department of Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit 515 L Street, Room 270, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 327-3850
Fax: (916) 445-4550
Provides information and assistance to parents, to special education programs and to providers serving infants and pupils with early intervention and special education needs related to hearing loss.
California Department of Education, Special Education Division 515 L Street, Room 270, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-4613
Fax: (916) 327-3516
Is responsible for developing and coordinating the provision of programs to students with special educations needs. This includes non-medical early intervention services for infants and toddlers who have a visual, hearing, or orthopedic impairment or a combination of these. Services are coordinated and provided locally through Special Education Local Planning Areas and Local Education Agencies.
California Department of Health Care Services, Children's Medical Services
P.O. Box 997413, MS 8100, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Phone: (916) 327-1400
Fax: (916) 323-8104
Plays a key role in overseeing and supporting programs that provide or fund preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services, including well-child assessments, immunizations, specialized health services, therapy, and rehabilitation services.
The
Children's Medical Services (CMS) administers the following Programs:
- California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Office of Deaf Access
744 P Street, Mail Station 6-91, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 653-8320
Voice/TDD: (916) 653-7651
Fax: (916) 653-4001
Oversees CDSS service contracts and fiscal accounting of regional service agencies that provide access, assistance and services for persons who are deaf or have any degree of impaired hearing. Regional service agencies provide a variety of direct services which include advocacy, communication assistance, information, referrals, counseling, and community education.
- California School for the Deaf, Fremont
39350 Gallaudet Drive, Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: (510) 794-3666
TTY: (510) 794-3672
Fax: (510) 794-2409
Toll Free: (877) 654- DEAF (3323)
- Educational resources for families with deaf children and the community in Northern California
- California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR)
3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 782-6500
The CSDR offers comprehensive educational and extra-curricular programs that prepare students to achieve their full academic, social, and career potential.
Cued Speech Association, California Chapters, Central California-Central Vines
3034 East Cornell, Fresno, CA 93704
Phone: (559) 222-9139
E-mail:
ANN3TT3@aol.comProvides advocacy and support regarding use of cued speech for deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages, their families and friends, and professionals who work with them.
Cued Speech Association, California Chapters, Northern California-West Coast Programs
348 Cernon Street, Suite D, Vacaville, CA 95633
Phone: (707) 448-4060
E-mail:
NilCue@aol.comProvides advocacy and support regarding use of cued speech for deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages, their families and friends, and professionals who work with them.
IMPACT42101 Camino Santa Barbara, Fremont, CA 94539
Phone: (949) 653-5770
TDD: (949) 653-5770
E-mail:
john_all@msn.comAdvocacy organization for deaf and hard of hearing children regardless of communication modalities. Promotes a quality education for children, support and early intervention services for families, and information and education for parents.
Self-Help for the hard of hearing People (SHHHP)
714 Prospect Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone/Fax: (626) 796-0034
E-mail:
gracetiessen@earthlink.net Promotes awareness and information about hearing loss, communication, assistive devices, and alternative communication skills through publications, exhibits, and presentations.
Web Resources
American Society for Deaf Children This organization provides support, encouragement, and information to families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Its website provides highlights of the latest legal developments concerning the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), educational issues, etc.
ASL Access This organization provides ASL (American Sign Language) video resources for public libraries. It also provides video reviews and names of places to purchase ASL videos. Check out this website to learn more about the videos available.
BEGINNINGSThis is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The website hosts a broad range of services and resources.
The Care Notebook The Care Notebook is an outstanding organizer for families who have children with special needs. Families use the notebook to keep track of important information about their child’s health and care. The best part is the whole thing can be downloaded for free!
Hands and Voices Hands and Voices is a parent driven, non-profit organization dedicated to providing unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We provide support activities and information concerning deaf and hard of hearing issues to parents and professionals that may include outreach events, educational seminars, advocacy, lobbying efforts, parent to parent networking, and a newsletter. We strive to connect families with resources and information to make informed decisions around the issues of deafness or hearing loss.
The Hearing Exchange An online community for the exchange of ideas and information on hearing loss and related issues.
John Tracy Clinic John Tracy Clinic is a private, non-profit deaf education center founded by Louise Treadwell Tracy in 1942. Its mission is to offer hope, guidance and encouragement to families of infants and preschool children with hearing losses by providing free, parent-centered services worldwide. The Clinic has 60 years of expertise in the spoken language option.
The Listen-Up Web This is a very large website dedicated to gathering information and developing products geared to the special needs of deaf/hard of hearing children and their families.
My Baby's Hearing This is a website developed by Boys Town National Research Hospital with support from National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders. It provides parents with information regarding hearing screening and walks them through the process if their child has a diagnosed hearing loss.
- NorCal Center on Deafness
This is a wide-ranging agency that provides services for the deaf and hard of hearing of all ages across Northern California.
S.E.E. Center The SEE (Signing Exact English) Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children was established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization to work with parents and educators of hearing impaired children. Peruse this website for more information.
Sound and Fury This website provides a thorough list of resources on the topics of cochlear implants, deaf children, sign language, books, and more. Definitely check it out!
Special Needs Project This website showcases a one-of-a-kind bookstore specializing in disabilities. Special Needs Project has thousands of titles in stock, including many of those "hard to get" books.
