ASDB Deaf Mentor Program
DEAF MENTOR PROGRAMThe Deaf Mentor Program is a statewide group of mentors that provide families with children who are deaf and/or hard of hearing the opportunity to interact with and learn from a Deaf or Hard of Hearing adult.
Who Qualifies?
Birth to Three: Children with a wide range of hearing losses that receive Early Childhood and Family Education service through Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind.
- Three to Five: Deaf and Hard of Hearing children who attend ASDB-related preschool services (PDSD (Phoenix) preschool & ASDB (Tucson) preschool)
- Satellite preschool in Queen Creek
- Preschool programs that receive services from regional cooperatives (DVR, NCR, EHR, SER)
Telephone: (602) 824-8914
Email: [email protected]
Who are our Deaf Mentors?
The Deaf Mentors at ASDB are professionals and Deaf or Hard of Hearing community members that are bilingual users of American Sign Language (ASL) and written (and sometimes spoken) English. We even have some mentors that use Spanish! Our Deaf Mentors are specifically trained to work with families focusing on promoting positive beginnings to visual language development of ASL using direct instruction to families and indirectly to children, encouraging natural acquisition of sign in the home environment.
Mission
Our Mission
The Deaf Mentor Program provides families with deaf/hard of hearing children an opportunity to work with highly trained deaf/hard of hearing adult role models to begin acquiring American Sign Language and introducing the family to Deaf Culture. Deaf Mentors strive to promote strong family relationships by focusing on natural language acquisition, strengthening communication, and allowing deaf/hard of hearing children early access to actively participate in their environment as they develop healthy identities.
A message
From Our Deaf Mentor Coordinator
“It has been an amazing year for our program with varieties of changes happening. I am thrilled to share that our team has been growing and we have also expanded our program service from birth to 3, to birth to 5! Also, our program added ASL classes. We now provide classes in Tucson, Peoria, Phoenix, and Tempe.”
“All of us share the overarching goal to provide a language-rich environment and encourage quality interactions during the first five years of your child’s life.”
Calendar
Our Upcoming Events & Activities
11
Sep
Beginner ASL Sign Class
Saturdays at 10am starting September 11. Email your rsvp to [email protected]
8
Sept
Intermediate ASL Class
Wednesdays at 6pm starting September 8. Email your rsvp to [email protected]
13
Sept
Advanced ASL Class
Mondays at 7pm starting September 13. Email your rsvp to [email protected]
11
Sept
Deaf Studies Class
Every other Saturday at 9am. Email your rsvp to [email protected]
Our Program
About our Deaf Mentor Program
Deaf Mentors share valuable insight about their personal experiences as a deaf person, as well they share their knowledge on social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children who are deaf/hard of hearing. Together the Deaf Mentor and families can work together to provide a visual language environment for children.
How often do Deaf mentors provide their services in our home?
The family’s needs and goals determine how many hours of home visit services will be scheduled. This will be determined during the IFSP meeting.
Do Deaf mentors participate in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings?
Yes, Deaf mentors do participate in the IFSP meeting. You may also request to invite Deaf mentors to the IFSP meeting.
Can we invite our Deaf mentors to our Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting?
Yes, you can invite your Deaf mentor to the IEP meeting.
Do all Deaf mentors come from a similar background?
No, each Deaf mentor has their own unique background, experiences, skills, personalities, and knowledge; However, all Deaf mentors are fluent in American Sign Language.
Families
Services
Faculty
Students
Get In Touch
Text: (520) 829-1585
Email: [email protected]
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in receiving more information, please contact Deaf Mentor Coordinator by email: [email protected] or text: (480) 202-4085.
Already receive Deaf Mentor services?
Your experience matters! Tell us what you think!