Ask-A-Parent Program

Listen Foundation’s ASK–A–PARENT group was founded in 2017 and includes parents that have successfully completed Listening and Spoken Language Therapy (LSL)/Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) with their children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

The parents were nominated by their therapist and/or audiologist and this group is made up of families from different counties throughout the state.

The ASK–A–PARENT family volunteers are an available resource to anyone interested in a real life witness to LSL/AVT therapy and its outcomes. They are available for questions and to share their experiences. This community of families attends the Listen Foundation and Colorado AG Bell Calendar of Events to help engage as advocates, to celebrate their successes and to continue to share and learn about experiences in life after therapy in the hearing world.

Ask-A-Parent Program Contact List

Tips For Parents

• Why it so important that children with hearing loss be properly diagnosed, receive appropriate audiological intervention and learn spoken language through listening……

“Ninety percent of a young child’s knowledge is attributed to hearing background conversation. More than a third of children                        with even slight hearing loss, researchers estimate, will fail at least one grade.” (excerpt from ‘What Your Nose Knows and                        other amazing facts about your senses’, Jennifer Kahn, Parade Magazine, July 29th, 2012).

• How should you determine what is best for your child?  This article will help …click here for details
• Advice from an expert on when is it time to consider a cochlear implant…click here for details
• To help with cochlear implant costs…a list of resources. …click here for details
• A great resource for supporting young children with cochlear implants from Med-El. You can download and print…click here for details
• This might be of interest for those contemplating a cochlear implant for their child…click here for details
• Looking at schools?  This article will help.…click here for details
• Don’t forget music training in your child’s auditory development.

Disability Benefits

Hearing loss is defined as any impairment to the body that results in loss of ability to process sound. Because of the general definition, there is a great range of hearing loss cases, from mild to very severe. Childhood hearing impairments can affect a child’s development and ability to function at age-appropriate levels.

If your child has a hearing impairment that fits these parameters, they may be eligible for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits, called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, can be used to cover day-to-day expenses. Continue reading to learn more about qualifying for SSI benefits on behalf of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is designed to provide financial assistance to disabled individuals who earn very little income. In order to qualify, the applicant’s income and resources must fall within strict limits set by the SSA. An adult applicant is evaluated based on the income they earn and the resources that they own. When evaluating the application of a child, the SSA will assess his or her parent’s income to see if they meet the financial requirements. This is called parental deeming. Learn more about parental deeming here: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/blog/parental-deeming-process.

Learn more about SSI eligibility, here.

Definition of Childhood Disability and SSI Medical Eligibility

In order for your child to receive SSI benefits, they must meet the SSA’s definition of childhood disability. According to this definition, a child under age 18 is considered disabled if he or she has a long-term, physical or mental health condition that significantly impairs his or her ability to do day-to-day activities. The SSA will decide whether or not your child is disabled based on their abilities, their required level of assistance, and the effects of any treatment they’ve received.

In addition to meeting the SSA’s general definition of disability, your child will also be evaluated based on his or her specific impairment.  The criteria used to evaluate childhood disabilities is found in the SSA’s Blue Book—or handbook of disabilities and conditions that qualify for benefits.

If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, he or she will be assessed using the criteria found in sections 102.10 and 102.11 of the SSA’s Blue Book.  Section 102.10 covers children with hearing loss not treated by cochlear implantation and Section 102.11 covers children with hearing loss that is treated by cochlear implantation.

Be sure to review the appropriate listing before applying and, if necessary, request that your doctor perform the required tests.

Preparing for the Application

In order to begin the application, you will need to make sure you have all of the appropriate documentation to support your child’s SSI claim. This should include medical documentation of your child’s diagnosis, treatments, and medical history. You can also supplement this information with statements from teachers, therapists, or other professionals who have witnessed how your child’s hearing impairment has affected their daily functioning.

You will also need the appropriate financial information required for SSI. This means any financial information pertaining to your child, as well as tax and income information for your own finances. For a complete list of required documents visit the Childhood Disability Checklist.

Beginning the Application

The SSA requires that all SSD applications for children be conducted in person. You will need to schedule an interview with a local SSA representative. There may be a considerable wait time, so be sure to schedule the appointment as soon as you can. Keep the appointment, even if you have not yet gathered all of the required information listed above.

There is a high variance in wait times for a decision, with most applications taking at least three months to process. There is also no guarantee that your child will be approved right away, regardless of their diagnosis. In fact, many applications are only approved upon appeal. If you receive a denial, you will have 60 days to appeal that decision. After 60 days, you may still apply for SSD benefits, but the application must be begun anew.

Applying for SSI benefits is a lot of work, but it is important that you remain persistent. For information regarding the benefits available for adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, visit the following page: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/hearing-loss-and-social-security-disability.

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