Early Intervention
The Early Years are critical to a child's cognitive development. Early intervention specializing in
supporting families with children who are deaf or hard
of hearing is available from the Parent Infant
Program. These services are offered to assist families
in communicating and bonding with their children in
the child's natural environment.
The Early Intervention Program brings together
children from infancy through preschool age, their
parents and family, and a variety of experienced
professionals to work as a team. The staff and
specialists serve as resources for families by providing
early childhood development information, parental
guidance, family support and transition plans for future
educational goals. Support groups are available as
well.
Additional services, available statewide, include
information, dissemination, inservices, training,
consultation, and a wide array of assessment services.
Toddlers may join our center-based program at 18
months of age to engage in peer interaction and
language opportunities provided through
age-appropriate learning centers.
"The Early Intervention Program gave us direction
and support in a world of confusion and
unanswered questions. They led us down
a pathway of hope. They offered us the keys
to unlock our son's future and gave us
'permission' to dream again."
-- Ron and Laurel Gerbrandt, parents of Samuel
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Who?
The Early Intervention Program serves Indiana families with
a child under the age of five  who is or may be deaf or
hard of hearing.
Where?
Services provided by the Early Intervetnion Coordinators
and staff may be delivered in the child's home, daily
environment, day care program, at the Indiana School
for the Deaf in Indianapolis, or the Elizabeth Willard
Assessment Center on the ISD campus.
When?
Most services are available Monday through Friday 8
am to 4 pm. However, home visits are arranged to fit
the family's schedule. Sign Language classes are
offered during the day and evening.
How?
Parents, local Special Education Directors or First Steps
Service Coordinators can contact one of ISD's Early Intervention Coordinators to arrange a meeting. Services
provided by the Early Intervention Coordinators complement
services provided by other First Step providers.
Contact us at (317) 924-8415 (TTY/V) or toll-free
(800) 724-9550.
Or email: earlyinterventions@isd.k12.in.us
How Much?
There is no charge to the family, First Steps program, or
any other agency. All services provided by the Indiana
School for the Deaf, including the Early Intervention services, hearing tests, psycho-educational
evaluations, language assessments, family counseling,
educational planning, home visits, and other services
are funded by the State of Indiana and are always
available free of charge.
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