Throughout this new journey with Cal, my husband and I have learned that there is a huge support group available to any parent who is going through these same tough decisions. If you are first learning that your child is deaf, get in contact with your local school for the Deaf and Blind. You will find several resources to get you on your way. The most important of those resources is the Parent Infant Program (PIP). Someone will come to your house once a week to teach you how to parent your deaf child. It has been the biggest blessing in our life. Our PIP advisor is Nicole Pilling. She is unbelievable! She has taught us so many great things to help Cal learn to communicate with us. We feel extremely lucky to have Nicole play such an important role in Cal's life.
The last thing I want to tell all parents of deaf children is that you are the only person that can make the best decision for your child. We have learned along the way that people are very passionate about the decisions they have made for their own child. This is fantastic. You should be passionate about the decions you are making, or else they wouldn't be the right decision. I have learned that every child has their own specific needs, and something that is perfect and great for one child may not be so perfect and great for your child. Do what is in your heart and in your gut. You are the only one who can decide what will work for you and your child. Don't let people push you into making certain decisions. Take all the advice you can get, and use what works best for you!
