Thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (2010), Deaf Access Simcoe Muskoka has partnered with the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf and Silent Voice to offer a variety of innovative new family, children and youth programs in Simcoe County.

Parent-Child Early Support Services
(Children from birth to 6 years and their families)

Parent-Child Early Support Services provide child and family focused education and guidance for parents and their children, from birth to age 6, who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
At Deaf Access Simcoe Muskoka we aim to provide parents with unbiased information and provide unconditional support as they learn about their child’s hearing loss and make decisions about early interventions, assistive listening technology, communication and education options.

Parent and Child Playgroups

Playgroups are a wonderful opportunity for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, their siblings, parents and grandparents to interact and play in a safe, stimulating, language-rich setting.
Children participate in interactive and imaginative communication based activities, sensory stimulation, and early learning activities that promote improved communication and positive emotional and social development.
Playgroup staff are on hand to help parents implement learning strategies, and work towards achieving goals for their children with regards to communication, behaviour, cognitive and academic skills. Staff will work closely with parents, and caregivers to observe and assess their children's use of residual hearing, vision, gestures, and vocalizations for communication, as well as temperament and interactions, to discover how the child best responds to different language stimuli.

Parent-Child Playgroup Barrie Spring 2012
Parent-Child Playgroup Registration Form

Children’s Recreation Program
(Children ages 6 to 12 years)

The Children’s Recreation Program provides deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their siblings with the opportunity to make connections with other children with hearing loss throughout the elementary school years. The goal of the CRP is to provide children with fun and esteem building activities where full access to communication is always available with both staff and peers.

Children's Rec. Program Spring 2012
Children's Recreation Program Registration Form for Spring 2011

The Youth Leadership Program offers an opportunity for culturally Deaf, oral deaf, and hard-of-hearing youth to make connections with other teens while taking part in various social and educational activities. The program will offer various youth outings and workshops with a focus on self-advocacy, self-esteem and leadership skills development.

Bulldog Interactive Fitness for Teens with hearing loss

Parent Support Group
Ontario HANDS & VOICES - Simcoe Chapter
(Parents of children from birth to 18 years)

“What Works for Your Child is What Makes the Choice Right.”

Parent Support meetings are an opportunity for families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to come together to receive support, without a bias around communication modes or methodology, from other parents and Deaf Access staff. It is our goal to provide families with the resources, networks, and information they need to improve communication access, social experiences and educational outcomes for their children.

Group meetings, outreach activities, parent/professional collaboration, and advocacy efforts are focused on enabling Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children to reach their highest potential.

For more information about Ontario Hands & Voices please visit www.ontariohandsandvoices.com

The Family Communication Program 

The Family Communication Program aims to provide families with skills that help facilitate improved communications and relationships within each family.  An instructor fluent in American Sign Language will provide in home lessons to the deaf or hard-of-hearing child’s parents, siblings, grandparents and/or caregivers. Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth and teens who use spoken English as a first language and are interested in learning to sign may also take part.
Family Communication Program Registration Form

 Community Events

For a list of upcoming events for the whole family Click Here