CHIP Staff
CHIP Director	CO-Hear Regional Coordinator
CHIP Facilitator	Parent Consultant
Consumer Advisor	Sign Language Instructors
D/HH Adult Role Models	Advisors and Consultants

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Connections

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adult Role Models

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adult Role Model position was established to provide families with young children who are deaf and hard of hearing a natural connection with the deaf community. As most of the children in the CHIP program have hearing parents, interactions with deaf or hard of hearing adults have generally been very limited. This position was designed to facilitate this interaction in a way that is consistent with a family-centered approach. The role model shares his/her experiences of growing up with a hearing loss, what it means to be a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, and introduces the family to Deaf Culture, when appropriate, thus helping the child and the family develop positive attitudes about hearing loss.

Qualifications:

In order to be considered for this position, the deaf or hard of hearing adult must be:

• Employed

• Respectful of the family's values

• Supportive of the family's choice of communication

• Interested in working in a family-centered program

• Willing to attend training sessions

• Able to communicate with a variety of individuals, whether or not an interpreter is present

Credentials:

• Professional, established homemaker, or full-time college student (income not dependent on government subsidy)

• Attendance at in-service trainings and workshops sponsored by the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind

Responsibilities:

The Deaf Adult Role Model will be responsible for the following aspects of the program:

• Introducing the family to the Deaf community and to Deaf Culture, as appropriate

• Providing a positive role model for the child and his parents by discussing his/her experiences growing up with a hearing loss, sharing career and work experiences, sharing his/her special talents and interests, demonstrating use of assistive devices

• Interacting with the child in play

• Collaborating with other service providers, (e.g., CHIP Parent Facilitator, CO-Hear Regional Coordinator)

Guidelines For Participation in the Adult Role Model Program

How do I contact the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Connections program?

Please contact:

Dr. Laura Douglas

719.578.2110
ldouglas@csdb.org