How Do I Enroll?
Enrolling in the Guide By Your Side program is easy, confidential, and free of charge!
Parents and family members can request services in English or Spanish.
Professionals can also request services for staff or families they serve with written consent.
Why sign up for GBYS services?
-
Early-identified children who had high levels of parental involvement showed significantly better language, cognitive, and social outcomes than those with less involved parents. “The factor that most strongly predicted outcomes was the quality and consistency of family involvement in intervention.” [Yoshinaga-Itano, C. (2003) Yoshinaga-Itano, C., Sedey, A. L., Coulter, D. K., & Mehl, A. L. (1998)]
Early intervention alone is not sufficient; high levels of family involvement were critical for successful language development. “Children whose families were rated as highly involved had significantly better language outcomes.” [Moeller, M. P. (2000)]
Parents' self-efficacy and active participation in language learning activities directly influenced their children's expressive and receptive language development. [DesJardin, J. L. (2006)]
"Family-centered early intervention, with a strong emphasis on parent participation and coaching, is essential for optimal outcomes." [JCIH Position Statements (2007, 2019)]
-
“Parent-to-parent support is uniquely effective in providing empathy and encouragement from someone who has ‘been there,’ which professional support alone cannot replicate.” [Jackson, C. W., Becker, H., & Schmitendorf, K. (2009)]
Peer connections help families feel less alone in navigating complex choices. Parents often rely on other parents’ experiences to help make difficult decisions about communication methods and interventions. [Eleweke, C. J., & Rodda, M. (2000)]
“Support from other parents of children with hearing loss was linked to reduced stress and greater involvement in educational activities.” [Zaidman-Zait, A., Most, T., Tarrasch, R., Haddad-eid, E., & Brand, D. (2017)]
Parent to Parent support gives the family a chance to meet others who are traveling down the same path.
-
Direct parent-to-parent emotional support
Sharing information and resources in an unbiased manner
Workshops, trainings, and events for parents and children
Networking opportunities with other families
Referrals to other programs that serve children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
What does GBYS provide?
Parent Guides
Meet the team here! Parent Guides are trained to share their lived experiences, help connect you with the Deaf community, provide support as you navigate educational/medical systems, assist with unbiased decision-making, explore communication options, and answer questions along the way.
Family Events
See where we’re hosting events here and join us! You are not alone. Meet other families with children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing to build connections and foster the joy in raising our kids.
Our Video Channel
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here to watch recorded webinars covering topics from IEPs, updates from TEA, transitions, and educational advocacy.
Resources and Information
Click here to access our helpful links to learn about financial assistance, Texas education, legislation updates, resources in Spanish, and more!
Recursos en Español
Haga clic aquí para accesar los enlaces útiles.