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Show State program helps deaf infants Editor's Note: This is one article of a series which is part of Operation l-hild Find, a month-Ion" effort to inform the public about existing services ser-vices for handicapped pre-schoolers. For further information about existing ex-isting programs serving handicapped handicap-ped children, call Helpline 789-4888. If identified, infants with hearing problems can receive early help through a state funded diagnostic program for hearing impaired infants and preschoolers, the Parent Infant Program. The program is administered by the Utah School for the Deaf and is based on the philosophy that language is developed and acquired in the home at an early age. "Early evaluation and intervention is so important," said Susan Williams, parent advisor, "because the critical language development period is between bet-ween age zero and three years." Infants with possible hearing problems are identified by a questionnaire received from the hospital which identifies infants which may suffer hearing problems due to heredity, Rubella during pregnancy, low birthweight, RH factor, EXT defect, serious illness since birth or any other reason for concern about hearing. Many infants with hearing problems are identified from referrals from the doctor, Mrs. Williams said. After the infant is identified and the - child is given a hearing aid, the parent advisor instructs the parent about the care, function and maintenance of the hearing aid. Three to four aids may be used over a period of time to determine which aid is best suited to the child. "The parent advisor," said Mrs. Williams, "teaches parents to teach the child to use the hearing he has and to gain skills through listening activities. We also help parents in developing communication skills." Most of the program takes place in the home of the infant. Every three months the child's progress is evaluated by a group of state specialists who develop a program to meet the needs of the child. If persons know of a child who may have a hearing loss, or are concerned about their child because he doesn't respond re-spond to sound, isn't talking or if there is deafness in the family, they should contact Skip Reese, Parent Infant Program, Utah School for the Deaf, 846 20th Street, Ogden, Ut. 84401 or call 399-9631. 399-9631. Also, further information can be obtained through Help Line, 789-4888. |