FSDB Parent Infant Program DHH

08/22/2026

The FSDB Parent Infant Program offers statewide early intervention, family-centered opportunities free of charge for children ages 0-5 who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. A specialized team of trained professionals – who serve as parent advisors – provide individualized services in the family’s home and during daily routines, in the child’s natural environment.

Curious to learn more about the Parent Infant Program?

Check out our website: https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/parent-infant-program

We look forward to welcoming more families into OUR family! ❤️

08/22/2026

🚁 Safety on Scene! 🚁

Come out to the Polk County Sheriff's Office for a day of safety! ⛑️

Join us for an exciting, family-friendly morning with the Polk County Sheriff's County Office at the end of August in Barlow, Florida! Safety on Scene is happening at the end of August- on Friday, August 28th from 10:00am-12:00pm. We will be learning safety signs, touring the station, and seeing real police vehicles! There will be police cars, horses, helicopters, and more! We will also be providing food from Chick-fil-A! Please RSVP to secure your spot (and food 😋).

📍 Polk County Sheriff Office: 4200 Ben Durrance Rd., Bartow, Florida 33830

This event is FREE. Contact us on Facebook by direct message or your Parent Advisor with any questions about the event or to find out more information.

💻 RSVP Today- Send us a DM or use this link to register: https://bit.ly/3TrHRzx

This family meetup is open to all families currently enrolled in the Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind's Parent Infant Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

We can't wait to see you at the Polk County Sheriff's Office soon! 💚

08/20/2026

How to navigate school as a deaf or hard of hearing family:

See the post below from Mama Hu Hears ⬇️

08/19/2026

How fun! Great pictures!

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

🧡 September ASL Fun! 🧡

Next Up!! 📢 The Parent Infant Program invites you to our September virtual ASL Literacy Series Event happening next month on Saturday, September 5th, 2026! 📖

This virtual ASL StoryTime is designed to show you / teach you how to sign a book with your child. Our ASL Literacy Series is offered in 2 sessions- Choose the session for your child based on your child's development. Voice interpreters will be provided for both sessions. This is a great opportunity to learn how to sign a book with your child!

🦁 Birth-2 years old: “Little Lion Shares” by Michael Dahl- This first session is for the littles from 9:30am-10:00am (EDT).

🍂 3 years old-6 years old: “We're Going on a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger- This second session is for the older littles from 10:15am-11:00am (EDT).

Please RSVP for this online story telling event today in order to ensure your book arrives in time! Our ASL stories happen once every month. It takes place the first Saturday of each month. This is a very popular event. Please register only if you can attend; this event fills up quickly. The registration form is in both Spanish and English.

Secure your spot TODAY! 📙

Please send us a DM to RSVP or RSVP at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/tX3XZeCrpQ

Our virtual ASL StoryTime is an event available only to families of children currently enrolled in the Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind's Parent Infant Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Not enrolled in our program? Please message us today to find out how you can be a part of all the fun and learning!

08/16/2026

📚✨ IEP Meeting Coming Up? ✨📚

We posted this before thanks to FSDB Parent Infant Program Blind/Visually Impaired! We want to share it again because it is so important for families with little ones in school/getting ready to enter school!

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than a list of goals— It is a plan created around your child’s unique strengths, needs, and future independence.

For children who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or have complex needs, families may want to ask these questions:

👀 Access & Participation
• How will my child participate in classroom activities with their peers?
• What adaptations or supports will help my child access toys, books, materials, and routines?
• Are materials being provided in a way my child can understand and explore?

👐 Communication
• How is my child communicating wants, needs, choices, and ideas?
• Are we including AAC, tactile communication, gestures, objects, pictures, or other communication methods?
• Do all team members understand how my child communicates?

📚 Learning & Development
• Are goals focused on meaningful skills that increase my child’s independence?
• How will my child practice skills during daily routines and play?
• Are we addressing skills beyond academics, including the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?

🌎 Sensory & Motor Needs
• How is my child learning through touch, sound, movement, and other senses?
• Are there opportunities for safe exploration and active participation?
• Are sensory needs being considered throughout the day?

🤝 Team Collaboration
• Who supports my child throughout the day?
• How will teachers, therapists, and vision professionals work together?
• What can we do at home to support the same skills?

Remember: Every child communicates, learns, and participates in their own way. Your voice as a family member is a powerful part of the IEP team. 💙

08/16/2026

🎒📚 SCHOOLS ARE BACK IN SESSION! 📚🎒

The backpacks are packed, the school supplies are ready, and a new school year is beginning! ✏️🍎

For our little ones who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, DeafBlind, or have complex needs, starting school can come with some extra preparation. Thank you FSDB Parent Infant Program Blind/Visually Impaired for this insightful post.

A few things to think about as your child heads back:

👀 Make sure their hearing and/or visual needs are understood. Share current audiological reports, eye reports, visual information, and strategies that help your child hear, see and learn the best.
🤲 Think beyond hearing/vision. Your child may learn through touch, sound, sight, movement, and other senses. Make sure their team knows what works!
🏫 Practice the environment. Before the first day, explore the classroom, playground, bathrooms, cafeteria, and other important spaces when possible. Practice role playing at home for the first month of school.
🧸 Keep familiar routines and objects. Familiar songs, objects, tactile cues, and routines can help make a new environment feel less overwhelming.
💬 Share what you know! Parents are experts on their children. Your observations and ideas are an important part of your child’s educational team!

🌟 And remember… every child has a unique way of learning. The goal isn’t to make your child learn like everyone else—the goal is to provide the supports and opportunities they need to participate, explore, communicate, and succeed.

Here’s to a school year filled with new discoveries, growing independence, friendships, and BIG little milestones! 💙🎒

Happy Back-to-School, friends! 🍎📚

08/14/2026

Creating a Home Environment That Supports Your Child’s Vision Needs 🌟

Check out this post from FSDB Parent Infant Program Blind/Visually Impaired:

🏡 Creating a Home Environment That Supports Your Child’s Vision Needs 🌟

Your home is your child’s first learning environment! For children who are blind or visually impaired, small changes can make a big difference in helping them explore, learn, and build independence.

✨ Here are a few ways to create a supportive space:

👋 Create consistent routines — Knowing what to expect helps children feel confident and ready to explore.

🔊 Use sounds, textures, and touch — Add sensory experiences that encourage curiosity and help your child learn about their surroundings.

🧸 Keep favorite toys and materials accessible — Encourage your child to reach, explore, make choices, and participate independently.

💡 Think about lighting and contrast — Many children with low vision benefit from thoughtful use of lighting, colors, and contrast to make objects easier to see.

🗣️ Talk about your child’s world — Describe what is happening during everyday activities to build language and understanding.

Remember, accessibility doesn’t have to mean complicated changes. Small, intentional adjustments can create opportunities for learning, connection, and confidence.

Your Parent Advisor is here to support you in finding strategies that work best for your child and family. 💙