Just wanted to share this for all families that have child(ren) with hearing loss. There is this particular article that caught my eyes and I wish I read that last year when I was feeling low in late Spring. I really want to share this with all families..so you're NOT alone!
http://www.hearingfamilies.com/2010/10/fighting-burn-out-what-to-do-when-your-work-is-really-never-done/
Bookmark this! this is probably the most interesting site I ever read..
Please take this moment to read it..from a parent to another parent.
Opps..I spoke too soon! When I shared this with Family Support Worker, she liked it at the first glance but after reading a few more..(I didn't have a chance to read the whole blog) and told me that NOT once it mentioned Sign Language!!!! I was shocked! It seems to be really good but I overlooked that this writer doesn't support sign language. Needless, I was disappointed so I emailed her and shared my disappointment and was wondering why Sign Language wasn't mentioned in her blog. (among with my experiences and strong foundation of providing language overall..etc etc..blah blah..you know)
She emailed me back and was appreciated it. She wrote another article for me that morning and told me to read it. http://www.hearingfamilies.com/2010/10/imagine-speaking-greek-why-i-dont-think-sign-language-helps-children-with-hearing-loss/
I was astonished...
ADOPTING A DEAF BOY, OUR JOURNEY & EXPERIENCES WITH COCHLEAR IMPLANTS.
10/26/10
Pumpkin Patch..
We went on a Pumpkin Patch today on preschool field trip. The weather wasn't too bad..at least it was RAINY. Thank god.
Cory recalled few things from the farm today (from last year..) what a memory! He loves the cows part. The farmer was explaining few facts about his cows..Cory had a question. He asked if those cows have milk (udder, i guess). Interesting to see his ideas of things..
My Pumpkin with CI!
Those are the words that Cory said to Carrie-Anne today. He just wanted to emphazied that it is HIS pumpkin..probably is because she already got one few days ago. AND she tells him that is hers. So there! Kids! Cory came up with his own ideas to decorate the pumpkins. First, he wanted the markers and he drew eyes, mouth, nose, hair etc..then I was joking "what about CI?"..He had an idea and rush off to his room. I thought oh no..he is gonna want to use his other CI and put it on..but he found the "fake" one that was attached to his bear from the hospital. HE is so clever!!! I love it!!!! He asked me to help to put it on .
The second pumpkin, he want to cut out the features, all by himself!!! And he found an orange piece, he said "hat", "Mommy, please help..hat..pumpkin?" So the rest is his own..during the crafting today. He loved the Halloween Punch holes, and thought of gluing them on his pumpkin "cap". See pictures..
10/23/10
Choosing school?
I know that Cory is only 3 this year..but sometimes its best to start thinking NOW and planning for him to enroll Kindergarten wherever it fits especially with children who have hearing loss. I would like to start looking, observe programs and find out what school would be best for him. I don't want to wait until when time is closer because sometimes something can happen, the way you may not predicted it. I know most parents would love for their kids to go same school as their siblings or in their neighbour school, but there might be a chance that it may not happen. It's something we have to be prepare for. It is tough to hear if your child may need to go somewhere else, I can relate to that.
I have to start planning, find out what kind of resources do these schools have, do they provide bus transportation if its not local? , find a teacher that specialized with children of hearing loss or program that will provide ASL interpreters if needed? SO many factors we have to explore and find out what kind of "power" do we (as parents) can have to PUSH for the best education program for our child? I hope I will have that motivation and not to fight dirty if it doesn't come to it. It is hard to SAY at this point where Cory will be at the time..language wise and the "abilitity" to function same as his hearing peers. Is the school equipped and updates for possible FM system? Does school have a speech therapist on site? If not, where can I get the funding for that? is it my job? or is this school's job? I want the school to be PREPARED having my son there..if I want him in that school. (prefer to pick our local neighbour school..within walking distance) Better know NOW not later..and to allow them to prepare of having a deaf kid in their school, and be able to get the funding they need if necessary to accommodate Cory's needs.
Another factor, I have to think..is keeping Cory together with his Deaf or Hard of Hearing peers in same program, just for their deafness identity and social awareness. So he would have that while growing up..I always want that for him. One such program, is Bear Creek, there are some kids with hearing loss and apparently they have a good program. That is something I have to explore and find out more about it.
Yes, it may be little early to start planning but it's better than being too late! As a parent of hearing loss child, it's time to start getting ideas. Ask around, ask other parents who already have enrolled their child, ask your therapist, ask your local school, find out from school district and start searching and exploring. Remember one thing, you know your child the best, fight the best you can and find the appropriate place for him. Sometimes a dream is a reality! But reality comes first...
I have to start planning, find out what kind of resources do these schools have, do they provide bus transportation if its not local? , find a teacher that specialized with children of hearing loss or program that will provide ASL interpreters if needed? SO many factors we have to explore and find out what kind of "power" do we (as parents) can have to PUSH for the best education program for our child? I hope I will have that motivation and not to fight dirty if it doesn't come to it. It is hard to SAY at this point where Cory will be at the time..language wise and the "abilitity" to function same as his hearing peers. Is the school equipped and updates for possible FM system? Does school have a speech therapist on site? If not, where can I get the funding for that? is it my job? or is this school's job? I want the school to be PREPARED having my son there..if I want him in that school. (prefer to pick our local neighbour school..within walking distance) Better know NOW not later..and to allow them to prepare of having a deaf kid in their school, and be able to get the funding they need if necessary to accommodate Cory's needs.
Another factor, I have to think..is keeping Cory together with his Deaf or Hard of Hearing peers in same program, just for their deafness identity and social awareness. So he would have that while growing up..I always want that for him. One such program, is Bear Creek, there are some kids with hearing loss and apparently they have a good program. That is something I have to explore and find out more about it.
Yes, it may be little early to start planning but it's better than being too late! As a parent of hearing loss child, it's time to start getting ideas. Ask around, ask other parents who already have enrolled their child, ask your therapist, ask your local school, find out from school district and start searching and exploring. Remember one thing, you know your child the best, fight the best you can and find the appropriate place for him. Sometimes a dream is a reality! But reality comes first...
10/15/10
CI Appt..updates
Hi.. we got a new person today as the other audiologist that Cory had before, she is finished with her terms. This guy, T seems really nice, and when I first met with him, I had a hard time understanding him because he is not a "lip mover" or it's because I'm not used to him?? I thought oh crap..but then the interpreter came by and I didn't know they got an ASL interpreter for that appointment. That was strange...we never ask for one and I only had to use an interpreter once at the very beginning when this is all new to us, but after that, we never had one. Anyway, I think it was a good thing until I'm used to the new guy.
It was interesting to see how Cory fares with him too, despite the fact that Cory can hear and understand most of the time but if its not a familiar face,...actually, its more of if its not a familar "voice"..Cory will not respond to it or it will take time for him to digested it. When T spoke with Cory, he would look at him first, then you can see how he is figuring out what he is saying THEN Cory looked right at the interpreter for the clarification.
We talked about the FM system, and I know everyone has their own opinions about them. The other audiologist we had felt that it was not necessary for her reasons. And I spoke to some of the parents regard to it, seems that yes we should get it, some said no etc.
There is a NEW product that just came out about two weeks ago, its for CI Nucleus 5 "FM" system, so basically its just a piece of boot that you can attached on to the processor. It is a new thing and it's something that we may want to try it. My biggest reason for Cory to have the FM is that he can use it in hearing preschool, he will probably go in January if I find one that is available...you know the government is NOT gonna provide us an ASL interpreter if I had my way so I have to opt for another choice. So FM will helps him in noisy classroom settings and his able to hear the teacher alone.
T is little hesitate about the FM himself, I wanted to know what his opinion etc. ITs good to hear different people 's ideas and opinions for it. Not just one person..it's IMPORTANT to ask around and get as many as other opinions. T, his concerns are that people overuse the FM system and not allowing CI getting the regular stimulations as they should. He wants Cory or CI users to relies on Cochlear Implants alone not the FM. That is the only problem he has..and I think he is right! You don't want to get into the habits of using FM all the times, but use it for important listening environments! It makes sense. We don't know if we will get it yet..its the $$ part, will they just give it to us? or will we have to get funding for it? Or will we get a loaner first and have it on trial basis? I would like to try it first before having to purchase it...
He is very impressed with Cory, considering he is only 3, had a late start with CI and process and is doing very well more than he has expected. He commented that one of his client who is 6 years old and has CI for 6 years..and Cory is meeting the same expectations as her as she is right now. Astonishing huh?
It was interesting to see how Cory fares with him too, despite the fact that Cory can hear and understand most of the time but if its not a familiar face,...actually, its more of if its not a familar "voice"..Cory will not respond to it or it will take time for him to digested it. When T spoke with Cory, he would look at him first, then you can see how he is figuring out what he is saying THEN Cory looked right at the interpreter for the clarification.
We talked about the FM system, and I know everyone has their own opinions about them. The other audiologist we had felt that it was not necessary for her reasons. And I spoke to some of the parents regard to it, seems that yes we should get it, some said no etc.
There is a NEW product that just came out about two weeks ago, its for CI Nucleus 5 "FM" system, so basically its just a piece of boot that you can attached on to the processor. It is a new thing and it's something that we may want to try it. My biggest reason for Cory to have the FM is that he can use it in hearing preschool, he will probably go in January if I find one that is available...you know the government is NOT gonna provide us an ASL interpreter if I had my way so I have to opt for another choice. So FM will helps him in noisy classroom settings and his able to hear the teacher alone.
T is little hesitate about the FM himself, I wanted to know what his opinion etc. ITs good to hear different people 's ideas and opinions for it. Not just one person..it's IMPORTANT to ask around and get as many as other opinions. T, his concerns are that people overuse the FM system and not allowing CI getting the regular stimulations as they should. He wants Cory or CI users to relies on Cochlear Implants alone not the FM. That is the only problem he has..and I think he is right! You don't want to get into the habits of using FM all the times, but use it for important listening environments! It makes sense. We don't know if we will get it yet..its the $$ part, will they just give it to us? or will we have to get funding for it? Or will we get a loaner first and have it on trial basis? I would like to try it first before having to purchase it...
He is very impressed with Cory, considering he is only 3, had a late start with CI and process and is doing very well more than he has expected. He commented that one of his client who is 6 years old and has CI for 6 years..and Cory is meeting the same expectations as her as she is right now. Astonishing huh?
10/6/10
Telling beforehand..
I find that lately, if I tell Cory beforehand with anything that I know "behaviour" will occurs..I would give him a warning and expectations. It really works. Cory is more cooperative now..and not so suddenly outbursts.
For example, before we go into the classroom, I would remind him to remember to play with friends nicely, share toys and when it's clean up time, he has to help or will have timeout etc.
With cleaning up..lately I noticed he has been slacking off not cleaning up like he used to before...and then I noticed that the last two weeks HE has not been "helping" with clean up times at preschool, it was hard for me to sit in the observation room and watching him doing nothing! I really tried to keep quiet about it but finally after two weeks and how he is not helping at home either. That makes things harder for us...
So today I discussed with him, what the expectations are and most of all, be a good boy and have fun!
And another tactic that I know that works for him...(lucky me)..is "If you don't do it..Mommy will do it for you." HE HATES that! He is so independent, he likes to do things on his own. So I ask him to go put your clothes on or shoes on etc..and he doesn't..then I would tell him one more time, "if you don't do it..then Mommy will do it." You will see him scramble so fast and get it on hisself!!! LOL.
I also would start counting 1, 2, 3 and when I reach to 5 and he hasn't do it. Then there are consquences. He knows that.
One thing, I noticed that Cory is so dead on with routines, if there is a slightly change, he gets upset or mad. Today at school, we ran out of time so there were no time to do "Auditory" games so we had to go straight to calendar time. Cory starts yelling and getting mad..and I was like "I'm out of here!!" because its between him and his teacher. (I'm so glad!!!) she did a great job explaining to him and eventually he accepted it but with a new word "I'm disappointed".. LOL
I know they feel bad in changing the routines, but honestly, I'm glad!! Because it is important for Cory to understand that not ALL always will be the same, he has to accept the changes and the situations. The other night, he missed bathtime because we were outside playing and he got upset with it. It was almost his bedtime anyway. So he had a hard time with that...we stick with it though. Or if we were coming home from after an outing, its already past his bedtime, so usually he goes straight to bed without bath, books etc. He gets into fits. We are working on "you need to accept it"..eventually THAT will be accepted as part of his life.
For example, before we go into the classroom, I would remind him to remember to play with friends nicely, share toys and when it's clean up time, he has to help or will have timeout etc.
With cleaning up..lately I noticed he has been slacking off not cleaning up like he used to before...and then I noticed that the last two weeks HE has not been "helping" with clean up times at preschool, it was hard for me to sit in the observation room and watching him doing nothing! I really tried to keep quiet about it but finally after two weeks and how he is not helping at home either. That makes things harder for us...
So today I discussed with him, what the expectations are and most of all, be a good boy and have fun!
And another tactic that I know that works for him...(lucky me)..is "If you don't do it..Mommy will do it for you." HE HATES that! He is so independent, he likes to do things on his own. So I ask him to go put your clothes on or shoes on etc..and he doesn't..then I would tell him one more time, "if you don't do it..then Mommy will do it." You will see him scramble so fast and get it on hisself!!! LOL.
I also would start counting 1, 2, 3 and when I reach to 5 and he hasn't do it. Then there are consquences. He knows that.
One thing, I noticed that Cory is so dead on with routines, if there is a slightly change, he gets upset or mad. Today at school, we ran out of time so there were no time to do "Auditory" games so we had to go straight to calendar time. Cory starts yelling and getting mad..and I was like "I'm out of here!!" because its between him and his teacher. (I'm so glad!!!) she did a great job explaining to him and eventually he accepted it but with a new word "I'm disappointed".. LOL
I know they feel bad in changing the routines, but honestly, I'm glad!! Because it is important for Cory to understand that not ALL always will be the same, he has to accept the changes and the situations. The other night, he missed bathtime because we were outside playing and he got upset with it. It was almost his bedtime anyway. So he had a hard time with that...we stick with it though. Or if we were coming home from after an outing, its already past his bedtime, so usually he goes straight to bed without bath, books etc. He gets into fits. We are working on "you need to accept it"..eventually THAT will be accepted as part of his life.
10/2/10
oy iy iy..watching this replay in my head in slow motion...
Poor Cory..he fell riding his bike down the steep hill near CA's school. FACE splat first on the concrete..and dragged him down a feet after. That is how fast he was going..oy oy oy. It would have been HELPFUL if I had a FM when I hollered him to stop and wait..but unfortunately, he went down the steep hill and didn't hear me because it's really noisy at outside the school with kids running around and screaming. Cory realized after a moment that HIS bike doesn't have brakes. (it's the "runner" bike..) and then he couldn't stop. Everyone were running after him but it was too late, it was the biggest wipeout I ever see..
I did a silent prayer and hope it's not too bad but seeing the bloods all over his face and two bumps on forehead. (weird that happened..considering he has his bike helmet on) But it was pushed back when he fell. He got some scraps on his knee, both arms, hands and mostly on his face. And his CI flew out as well about two feet away from Cory. OY! Imagine how fast he was going ? Poor guy..he was really upset (and me too..) it was tough to see. Thanks to CA's friends helping us to get home, they took his bike, helmet, our dog Pepper while I had to carry him home. I think the worse part is trying to clean him up while he was howling and crying, I had to give him ice cream to calm him down. I was trying to pry a piece of rock between his teeth and one logged under his cheek's flap. Day three, today..he is still recovering. Yet, he hasn't touch his bike...Photo: see it for yourself. It's NOT bad then..it was two hours ago.
It freaked me about his CI..whether he impacted on it? He only wore one that time because of the bike helmet, it is difficult to wear both. It seems to be ok..tough little thing!
It freaked me about his CI..whether he impacted on it? He only wore one that time because of the bike helmet, it is difficult to wear both. It seems to be ok..tough little thing!
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