Welcome to the Official page for the Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind's (FSDB) Parent Infant Program (PIP)- The Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) section of the program. The Parent Infant Program (PIP) at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) offers early intervention through family-centered programs for children ages 0-5 who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. Services are provided in the family’s home and during daily routines, in the child’s natural environment. Families are paired with a certified Parent Advisor (PA). The Parent Infant Program's Parent Advisors receive specialized training in working with families who have infants and young children who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. Through regular visits, the PA addresses family concerns and helps to determine goals and priorities. Together families, caregivers, and Parent Advisors share information, discuss ideas and adaptations, and monitor the child’s progress. This program enhances the family’s ability to assist their child in becoming a participating family member and a part of the larger community. The first years of a child’s life provide the foundation for later learning. Research suggests that the period between birth and five years of age is a critical window for development. Young children with hearing or vision loss have the same needs as other young children. The impact of hearing or vision loss; however, can create unique development needs. One of our two PIP tracks is designed for children who are blind/visually impaired. This PIP track focuses on learning through the senses, orientation and mobility, communication skills, developmental skills, and transitioning into a school system. The program uses the VIISA curriculum which includes acquiring a wide range of skills and concepts that work for the child and family, as well as information about resources and support services. One of our two PIP tracks is designed for children who are deaf/hard of hearing. This PIP track focuses on language development, communication options, understanding hearing aids/cochlear implants, child development, and transitioning into a school system. The program uses the internationally known SKI-HI curriculum, which supports families by offering unbiased information. FSDB programs respect and support any and all communication methods that work for the child and family. This page focuses on the deaf/hard of hearing PIP track. For more information, contact:
Kim Carr
Director, Parent Infant Program-Blind/Visually Impaired
904.827.2232
Melissa Brasic
Director, Parent Infant Program-Deaf/Hard of Hearing
904.827.2437
904.236.4100 VP
You can email the Parent Infant Program at [email protected] or [email protected].
