Parent Resources
Getting Started	Welcome Parents
Why your child needs assessments?	Parent Testimony about Assessment
Unilateral Hearing Loss	F.A.M.I.L.Y Assessment
Terms and Definitions	An Open Letter to Parents

Welcome Parents

CHIP Parent Consultant Janet DesGeorges and her daughter Sara

As the Parent Advisor for the Colorado Home Intervention Program (CHIP) program, I wish to welcome you and your child to this wonderful program. When I say wonderful I speak from experience. My daughter was diagnosed with a hearing loss at the age of two, and within a month my new CHIP facilitator was at my door. Looking back I can't quite even remember how she got there, I know there were several phone calls and conversations from somewhere. And I knew that this CHIP facilitator would help me to sift through this new world of information and choices about deaf/hard-of-hearing issues, I had a general sense of confusion about what was going to happen next, and this program literally was a lifeline to me in those early days. I hope you will be able to receive as much benefit from this program as I did.

My job with CHIP is not to give parents advice; it is to advise the program on issues from the parents' point of view. I am actually here to represent you I am also available to offer information to share experiences, or to help you in any way I can! You will be receiving a quarterly newspaper "The Communicator." You can also access CHIP's resource library through me. I truly hope as you begin this new journey with your child that the support and information you need, to make choices for your child, will be there for you.

As I have met other parents who have children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing, I am always amazed at the unique experiences each family has gone through: some good, some very challenging. I think a common thread among families who are making choices for their children is this: You have the freedom that comes in knowing that no decision is set in stone. If you make a choice about methods or programs, take your cues from your child. Are they making progress? Is it at the rate you had hoped for? Do you feel your child is happy? do you feel like communication is growing between you and your child? As your child grows and his/her needs change, some of your choices may change! We make decisions based on the information we have, and as we gain knowledge and experience we are able to move forward with confidence. There are no set answers to the questions that face us. Our goals for our children are the same as all parents. To raise healthy happy children who have a strong sense of themselves, who know how to be a friend, and to have friends. We want our children to have every opportunity to receive a quality education, and to give them the tools to communicate effectively.

I also want to invite you to participate with our statewide parent organization, Families for Hands & Voices. You can access many resources and information through our web site, www.handsandvoices.org, or feel free to contact me for more information about this wonderful organization.

So, once again, welcome! Enjoy our beautiful child. Experience the world with him/her! You will see that this journey you are on, although it may be somewhat unexpected, will change your life in not only challenging, but also in wonderful ways! Please feel free to contact me at anytime, via phone, mail, e-mail, TTY. Know that you are the best advocate for your child because of your love! Take Care…

- Janet DesGeorges, CHIP Parent Consultant