
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. For more information, contact Stacey Morgan: stacey.morgan@iaedb.org, Videophone: 712.406.0512

Resources for Parents/Guardians
We live in a world with overwhelming information. It may be a struggle to find information specific to your child’s needs. There are countless ways to succeed in advocating for your deaf or hard-of-hearing child to thrive. ISD works with its families to locate specific resources, such as:
- at-home activities
- helpful articles
- suggestions of parent and other organizations
- other valuable information regarding communication options and support services for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Each child is different and there’s no formula that will work for everyone. Let’s start advocating for your child. Then, they will advocate for themselves and thrive in the world.
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
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, register here
- 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.
Upcoming Events
- Family Resources Workshops
- Fall Festival: Oct. 17, 2024
- Explore ASL: Nov. 2, 2024
- Deaf Cultural Celebration: April 5, 2025
- Spring Festival: May 20, 2025
- Saying & Signing Symposium (S3): March 25, 2025
- Li’l Paws Camp: TBA
- Summer Camp: Summer 2025
Deaf Mentors and Parent Mentors
New for school year 2024-25: Deaf Mentors are now available throughout Iowa to work with all families who have a young child who is deaf or hard of hearing. This service has been expanded to include all families across Iowa with the adoption of the LEAD-K bill. It is planned for parent mentor services to be offered to Iowa families in the future.
Deaf Mentors and parent mentors are free services which match families with formally trained and screened adults who are either deaf, hard of hearing or who have raised children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visits are structured to accommodate family schedules and comfort levels. Visits may be virtual, in-person, at public meeting places or in the family’s home.
Deaf Mentors©
With 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents, it is common for parents to struggle with how to raise a child who is deaf. These children likely respond better to visual information than auditory input. A Deaf Mentor connects families who have deaf children with Deaf adults who are trained in helping parents learn and use visual learning strategies. Mentors have likely experienced the feelings and situations families are facing, and can share insight and provide an optimistic perspective. Deaf Mentors and families often build lasting relationships.
Deaf Mentors are trained individuals who meet with families regularly in-person or virtually, answering questions and providing reassurance about the child’s future. Eligible families have a children who is 5 years old or younger who is deaf or hard of hearing and lives in Iowa. Deaf Mentors provide insight to families using experiences as a Deaf person living in a hearing world. Mentors are trained through the SKI-HI curriculum. SKI-HI encourages families to develop communication and language which is right for the child, may it be auditory-oral, visual/sign communication and/or American Sign Language (ASL)/English Bilingualism. Through formal and information interactions, Deaf Mentors demonstrate how to use ASL. Deaf Mentors might introduce families to the Deaf community in their area and teach them about Deaf culture. Deaf Mentors is about giving families choices, possibilities, information, resources and skills to help parents feel more confident about raising their child.
Parent Mentors
Currently only available to families enrolled at Iowa School for the Deaf. It is anticipated this service will be available for all parents in Iowa who have a young deaf or hard-of-hearing child later during school year 2024-25.
Parent mentors know what you are experiencing. They have also raised children who are deaf or hard of hearing and can provide understanding and support, parent-to-parent. Parent mentors help parents understand the unique needs their children have. They offer information and resources to connect you to other parents and find the best opportunities for your child. Finally, parent mentors know exactly how you feel. They are empathetic listeners and trusted peers who also want what’s best for your child.
Statewide Resources Library
Electronic and hard copy materials on a host of sign language and related topics are available through the library.