“Parent Guides” are specially trained parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They work directly with families in need of the unique support that comes from someone else who has walked the path him/herself and can share from direct experience and wisdom. Parent Guides can provide emotional support at the time of screening and/or confirmation of a hearing loss, as well as provide a continuity of support to families throughout the child’s life, especially at times of transition. Guides offer resources, information, encouragement, and an opportunity to network with other families.

“Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Guides” are specially trained to provide families and children with invaluable perspectives that come from personal experience.  Their role is not the provision of service (i.e., to teach families sign language or to share oral training techniques), but to provide helpful examples drawn from direct experience of life as an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing. Like Parent Guides, DHH Guides are often an important link for extended family members who do not have direct contact with service providers, but do need to increase their understanding of the unique needs of a family member who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Contact information:

DEBBIE KOPP –Texas Guide By Your Side™ Program Coordinator

512-462-5738 (voice) 512-410-1198 (VP) or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To request services go to: http://www.formstack.com/forms/GBYS-request

Para solicitar servicios, pase a: http://www.formstack.com/forms/GBYS-requestSP

María I. Muñiz - Enlazadora Estatal para Hispanos  877-9ENLAZO, 877-936.5296