BEGINNINGS SC provides a lifeline to a huge population of infants, toddlers, and youth who have an invisible disability – deafness or loss of hearing. The importance, not only of early intervention, but also an understanding of options – whether for parents, teachers, or pediatricians – is critically important. Support for the family and teacher can make the difference between a confident, successful adult and one who never reaches his or her full cognitive development.
- American with Disabilities Act 1990
- IDEA 2004: Information and the law that sets up Part C, or Early Intervention: From the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
- IDEA 2004: Regulations and information about Part B, or the laws that govern children in Special Education in schools: From the Center for Parent Information & Resources
- Section 504 of the Rehab Act of 1973
- Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (Recommendations about early intervention for deaf and hard of hearing children): 2007 Position Statement and the Supplement to the JCIH 2007 Position Statement (2013)
- Early Childhood Hearing Screening Outreach: Information and recommendations for hearing screening
Identification of hearing loss is so important during the critical time between birth and kindergarten, we have partnered with the Division of Early Care and Education (which is part of the Department of Social Services) and the SC Inclusion Collaborative to provide hearing screenings and education in child care programs.