#USA #Philadelphia #Oberkotter Foundation #Hearing First #Listening and Spoken Language

Launch of First LSL Lessons to Support Hearing Loss

Introduction

Hearing First, a program of the Oberkotter Foundation, has proudly introduced a groundbreaking resource called First LSL Lessons. This initiative aims to assist families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing clear, sequential steps to enhance their listening, speaking, and reading skills. Designed by certified specialists, these lessons are now available at no cost, ultimately empowering families in their crucial early journeys.

Understanding the Importance

Around 94% of infants with hearing loss are born to hearing parents. This statistic highlights the overwhelming challenge many families face upon learning of their child’s condition. Parents often report feelings of uncertainty and confusion about what to do next. They grapple with questions regarding their child's future and how best to support their development right from the start. The First LSL Lessons resource fills a significant gap by offering essential guidance tailored to these families.

Breakdown of Lessons

Hearing First's First LSL Lessons features a series of 12 comprehensive lessons. Each lesson caters to the immediate needs of families with children diagnosed with hearing loss. The initiative conveys crucial expertise in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL), breaking down complex concepts into accessible, actionable steps. This format ensures that all families, regardless of their geographic or socio-economic status, can benefit from the resources provided.

As Dr. Teresa Caraway, CEO of the Oberkotter Foundation states, “First LSL Lessons is the first tool of its kind to provide easily understandable steps for families.” This initiative empowers parents to take proactive measures in teaching their children to listen and talk, essential skills for successful communication and overall development.

Designed for Busy Families

Recognizing that many families lead hectic lives, the First LSL Lessons are time-efficient. A recent Pew Research study revealed that 84% of families often feel rushed. Consequently, the lessons are crafted to be completed in under 20 minutes — allowing families to engage with the material at their convenience, whether that be all at once or spaced out over time.

This flexible approach means that busy parents can seamlessly incorporate these lessons into their daily routines. By removing unnecessary barriers to accessing quality information and support, Hearing First aims to meet families where they are and help them on their journey.

Resources Offered

Available at no cost, the lessons comprise a variety of learning tools including:

• - Real-life examples of LSL strategies in action
• - Videos for visual learners
• - Printable handouts and checklists for convenience
• - Visual aids to enhance comprehension

They cover key areas essential to supporting the development of children with hearing loss, including how to:

• - Use hearing devices effectively
• - Talk and read to infants
• - Build upon linguistic skills
• - Understand audiograms, among other crucial skills.

Conclusion

The launch of First LSL Lessons demonstrates the commitment of the Oberkotter Foundation and Hearing First to equip families with the right knowledge exactly when they need it. This initiative not only supports children with hearing loss but also partners with professionals to ensure the best outcomes for these children. To discover more about how Hearing First assists families and access these lessons, visit HearingFirst.org/Lessons.

About Hearing First

Hearing First is dedicated to providing infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing with equal opportunities to learn listening, spoken language, and literacy, sets itself apart by offering free resources and online learning experiences. The initiatives spearheaded by the Oberkotter Foundation have been instrumental in transforming the lives of children with hearing impairments for nearly 40 years.