Kelowna Deaf and Hard of Hearing

In response to massive gaps in early intervention service and support, we have developed the Fill the Gap Hearing program at Mamas for Mamas. This program aims to provide American Sign Language classes at no charge to any parent or guardian raising a child who is deaf/hard of hearing, sign language will be taught by a qualified Deaf or Hard of Hearing instructor. Further, we work closely with parents to provide them with the financial assistance needed to cover the cost of hearing aids, ear molds and supplies after they’re cut off at the age of 3, and supplementary support once all funding is cut at age 5.

Parents of children who are deaf/hard of hearing can access limited financial supports through the Provincial Early Hearing Program of BC. Unfortunately, parents lose financial support for communication support of American Sign Language (ASL) classes at the age of 2, unless they can go to the lower mainland or their toddler can learn their language over zoom. This greatly impacts the ability for parents to learn how to effectively communicate with their children, further contributing to behavioral concerns and the ability to develop a secure attachment. Beyond this, inadequate access to proper early intervention support creates disability where there wasn’t one to begin with.

At the age of 3, families with a child who is deaf/hard of hearing lose all funding for equipment, including hearing aids, ear molds, hearing aid batteries, FM systems to communicate with the children from far away, and other necessary equipment to support their integration into their world. At the age of 5, families lose all funding support for occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioural support, physiotherapy and counselling.

To learn more contact Kelly below!