Families' Perceptions of Early Intervention Programs for Deaf Children

Over 90 percent of deaf individuals have hearing families. When a hearing loss is detected at birth it is often a surprise to the family. Early detection allows for entry into early intervention programs that enhance the prospects for future language acquisition and serve to educate families and prepare deaf children who will have to adjust to living in a hearing world. In Minnesota various programs connect families to support services. The current research involved in-depth interviews with six professionals that work with deaf children and early intervention programs in Minnesota to examine the following: (1) their backgrounds and context of existing deaf services; (2) perceived benefits of early intervention programs; and (3) perceptions of the challenges in providing early intervention for deaf children and families. The surveys documented the expanding programs and outreach to deaf children and their families and there was consensus about the value of early intervention. Challenges that were discussed included concerns about reaching every deaf child and the potentially negative consequences when utilization of services is delayed.