Family Resources

Helping Families With Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children

It’s our goal to help families across the state by providing resources and quality services for families with deaf and hard-of hearing-children.

Resources for Parents/Guardians

Wondering if your child is hitting their developmental milestones? Need information on educating or raising your child who is deaf or hard of hearing? We live in a world with overwhelming information and it may be a struggle to find information specific to your child’s needs. A collection of links, including state events and development guides are available through the link below.

Family Support Resources

Upcoming Activities, ASL Classes, Workshops and More

ASL Classes

Learning American Sign Language (ASL) will enable you to have direct, meaningful communication with your child or learner. It will help them develop their vocabulary and thrive with language access. Free ASL classes are offered both in-person and online.

On-Campus In-Person ASL Classes

Virtual ASL Class

ASL Storytime

All area families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing are welcome! Non-ISD families also welcome. Held at the ISD Elementary Library on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dates for school year 2024-2025:

  • Sept. 19 – Theme: Deaf Awareness month, Monster Hands by Karen Kane
  • Oct. 10 – Theme: Fall, It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff
  • Nov. 21 – Theme: Native American Culture, Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
  • Dec. 12 – Theme: Holidays, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Jan. 9 – Theme: Winter, Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Feb. 13 – Theme: Generosity and problem solving, The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges
  • March 20 – Theme: Spring and special qualities about each child, Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayer
  • April 24 – Theme: Friendship and sharing, How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen

Workshops

Educational workshops for families and educators are provided by the outreach department. Find more details here.

Upcoming Events

Find statewide events here!

Family Support Mentors

Mentors for families raising children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind may request an adult mentor. Mentors have formal training in working with families, and have experience either as a Deaf individual or as a parent who has raised a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Mentor services are free.

Link to article about Iowa’s Family Support Mentoring Program

Family Support Mentor information

Statewide Resources Library

Electronic and hard copy materials on a host of sign language and related topics are available through the library.

Learn About the Resource Library

Want to learn more?

Contact us with questions about Iowa School for the Deaf’s outreach or other programming.

Contact Us