The Thayer Lindsley Program

The Thayer Lindsley Family-Centered Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants and Toddlers offers a family-centered approach to services for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. Communication-focused services are provided at this crucial stage in speech and language development. This involves working directly with the children as well as assisting their families as they prepare for the unique challenges of raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.

The Thayer Lindsley Program provides a number of services:

• The Parent-Infant Group provides educational and emotional support for families who have recently learned that their infant has a hearing loss. Parents are taught developmentally appropriate ways to encourage their child’s speech and language growth.
• The Toddler Group is a treatment program for children aged 18–36 months, and facilitates the development of their communication skills. This experience teaches parents creative ways to encourage their child’s communication growth and supports them in choosing the best communication approach for their family.
• The Parent Support Group provides a network for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Parents discuss specific challenges they may be facing, alternative communication approaches, school and treatment options.
• Individual therapy sessions provide one-on-one treatment for the development of auditory skills, speech, receptive and expressive language. Parents are involved in their child’s therapy, learning techniques and communication strategies to use at home.

Special events are offered throughout the year as part of the Thayer Lindsley Program, such as Family Day for extended family members to participate in a therapy session, panel discussions for parents, and community outings.