“Bridging Programs and Services for Families”
The Family Supports Program has been providing individual and group support to families of children enrolled in the Early Intervention Program and Early Childhood Services since 1997. In 2009, a number of services within Connect Society were consolidated and through this process the Family Support Program was launched. The development and expansion of this program offers a continuum of activities and services that provide families with children, support that spans from infancy through to school years.
“Does my family qualify for the program?”
The program accepts:
- Families with children from birth to 18 years
- One or more family members (parent or child) has a hearing loss
“What does the program offer my family?”
In Home Consultation and Support
- A Family Support Consultant meets with parents to discuss and share information, resources and referral, on issues that parents might identify.
Group Activities
- Children and their families are given opportunities to attend group activities that are both family focused and participant driven, based on topics that they have identified as areas of interest. Criteria for attending specific groups may depend on the age of the child(ren)
Family Literacy Program
- The Family Literacy Program provides home and centre based activities that promote early literacy and social interaction skills for children.
- The goal of the program is to enhance early literacy experiences and social interaction skills of children aged 0 - 6 years, so they are better able to achieve success at home, school and community. We also work to strengthen and build basic literacy skills of the parents. This includes a lending library, groups and home visits.
In-Home Sign Communication Program
- Families, with children 0-6 years, are supported to enhance their relationship with their child who has a hearing loss, through signed communication skills building, in an natural environment of their own home.
In-School Mentoring
- Connect Society partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area to provide in school mentoring to elementary age children of deaf adults (CODA)
“How do I find out more?”