Early Intervention
The Early Years of birth to age three are the critical period for a child's language and cognitive development. Outreach Services' Early Intervention Program specializes in supporting families with children, birth through five years of age, who are deaf or hard of hearing. 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.
"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 Intervention 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 with a flexible schedule to meet each family's needs.
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 cost to the families. All services provided by Outreach Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, including the Early Intervention Programs, audiology, psycho-educational evaluations, language assessments, family counseling, educational planning, home visits, and other services are funded by the State of Indiana.
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