The CHIP Model
Community Based	The Early Literacy Initiative (ELI)
Family Centered Assessment	Eligibility
Communication Approaches	Service Coordination
Transition Program	Program Support
In-Home Sign Language Instruction	Deaf Adult Role Models
Bilingual Providers	Unilateral Hearing Loss
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)	Auditory Neuropathy
FAMILY Centered Philosophy

The Early Literacy Development Initiative

The Integrated Reading Project (IRP): The Integrated Reading Project (IRP) is designed to help families learn how to read and enjoy books with their children who are deaf and hard of hearing. The importance of literacy skills for children who are deaf and hard of hearing can not be over-emphasized. It is never too early to begin to develop a love of books, and lay the foundation for future success in reading and writing. The foundation for these skills is laid during the early years. As parents read to their children, language learning is enhanced and communication is fostered. Reading together also provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding!

Key Points of the Integrated Reading Project: 

• The Integrated Reading Project is designed for families who have chosen a simultaneous communication approach (signing and voicing at the same time).

• Sign is taught using conceptually accurate signs in English word order.

• The sign language instructor includes reading activities in the individualized in-home sign language instruction program.

• Each month, a new storybook is loaned to the family so they can continue practicing their signs as they read to their child.

• The family's Colorado Home Intervention Program (CHIP) facilitator uses the same book to work on language expansion, auditory skills, speech, and cognitive skills.

• This program is designed for newborn children through five years of age and their families.

• IRP is available to families year-round.

For more information about IRP, please contact:
Susie Broderick

sbroderickcsdb@earthlink.net

The Shared Reading Project: SRP teaches parents and other family members how to read stories to their child who is deaf or hard of hearing using American Sign Language (ASL).

• Families sign up for a twenty week session during the school year.

• Each week, a Deaf tutor visits the family and demonstrates how to read a children's book using ASL.

• The book is left with the family so they can read to their child each day.

• This program is designed for families with children newborn through eight years of age.

For more information about SRP, please contact:
Deb Branch dbranch@csdb.org or 719.578.2221

Cathy Bennett cbennett@csdb.org or 719.578.2168 (t)