Welcome!
DCARA's Youth & Family Services Department works with Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/Hard of Hearing/LateDeafened/hearing parents with Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/Hard of Hearing/LateDeafened or hearing children to create and bolster family language, family communication, and family bond. YFS' programs for parents include Family Mentoring, Youth Mentoring, Family ASL, IFSP/IEP/ITP advocacy, Club Saturday, and more. YFS' programs and services center around linguistic and communication needs of the child and family.
Meet the Team
Susan Gonzalez
Youth & Family Services Manager
Phillip Smith Jr.
Family Support Specialist
Resources
15 Principles for Reading to Deaf Children
A new language for DeafBlind people uses touch to communicate
DeafBlind Communities May Be Creating a New Language of Touch
DeafBlind Culture and Community
Revolutionizing the Science of Learning
The Importance of Early Exposure to American Sign Language with Deaf Children
Why does inclusion often neglect the needs of deaf students?
Why sign language is vital for all deaf babies, regardless of cochlear implant plans
https://www.rit.edu/ntid/
https://gallaudet.edu/
https://w2.csun.edu/
Hands & Voices: School Placement Considerations for Students Who are Deaf and Hard of HearingDeaf Schools: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Schooling For a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child
CEASD: What Constitutes the Least Restrictive Environment for a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student?
California Department of Education: Specialized Programs – Deaf Education
https://www.tactilecommunications.org/Resources/ProTactile
https://www.protactileresearch.org/resources.html
https://www.protactilelanguageinterpreting.org/home.html
https://www.deafblindkids.org/
https://nfb.org/resources/deafblind-resources
https://cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/pdf/ODA/DeafBlindResources.pdf
https://healthbridges.info/welcome-to-pro-tactile-the-deafblind-way/
Youth & Family Services Manager
DCARA's Youth & Family Services Manager supports all services provided by the Youth & Family Services Department. The Youth & Family Services Manager also supports YFS' Youth & Family Services Coordinator, Education and Language Advocacy Coordinator, and Family Mentor. The Youth & Family Services Manager represents YFS internally at administrative meetings and externally with funders, community events, and various systems including educational, medical, and legal.
Family Mentor
When is the right time to bring in a Family Mentor? The earlier the better! Right from the start when the infant is identified Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/Hard of Hearing and Early Start Services have begun is the best time to introduce Family Mentors to the family. Language acquisition begins at birth!
• ASL acquisition & vocabulary
• Family engagement
• Deaf role model
• Deaf Community & ASL resources
• Sharing & hosting community events
• Answering questions about Deaf culture & needs
• Building confidence in raising Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/HoH/LateDeafened Children and Youth
Family Support Specialist
DCARA's Family Support Specialist provides services for the families with Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/Hard of Hearing/LateDeafened infants and children aged 0 to 22 years. Services are oriented to families and to Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/Hard of Hearing/LateDeafened youth. Services range from:
• Family Oriented Community Events
• Parent and Family Education
• Youth Oriented Community Events
• Youth Oriented Education
• Deaf Community and Culture resource sharing and connections.
Education & Language Advocacy Specialist
The Education & Language Advocacy Specialist provides direct services to families with Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/Hard of Hearing/LateDeafened children aged 0-22. Service plans are tailored to meet family needs and may include:
• IFSP/IEP/ITP Advocacy
• Language Access Advocacy
• Communication Access Advocacy
• Social-emotional support
• Information and referrals
And More!
It Takes A Village (ITAV)
Are you a parent of Deaf/DeafBlind/DeafDisabled/LateDeafened/Hard of Hearing children? Want to get connected with other parents in this community? The Youth & Family Services Department hosts an It Takes A Village Zoom (ITAV) series workshop on Wednesday evenings starting on September 4, 2024!
Club Saturday
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Family Club Day
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Love & Literacy
There are no upcoming events at this time.
It Takes A Village
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Trunk or Treat
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Other
There are no upcoming events at this time.
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