Early Intervention Programs in Oregon
If your child has been identified as deaf or hard of hearing, they can benefit from Early Intervention (EI) services.
EI programs are free services provided through the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) that help support children under the age of 3 to reduce developmental and language delays.
After birth, babies begin learning skills such as:
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communication (talking, listening, signing, understanding);
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cognitive (thinking, learning, solving problems);
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physical (reaching, rolling, crawling, and walking);
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social/emotional (playing, feeling secure and happy); and
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self-help (eating, dressing).
Children who are deaf and hard of hearing are at risk of not learning these skills due to lack of language access (spoken and/or signed) and can benefit from services offered by EI programs to help learn and develop these skills.
Here are some important facts about EI services for deaf and hard of hearing children:
- Children who start intervention services by 6 months of age are less likely to experience developmental delays.
- They support you and your child in getting connected to supports that can help your baby grow and develop on track.
- They are partners in helping you and your family learn to communicate with your child.
All infants and children identified as deaf and hard of hearing receive an automatic referral for EI services.
Watch this video to learn more about what to expect:
Public EI Programs