FRIEND ACADEMY
(Family Resources, Information, & Education for Navigating the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Journey)
Embrace the journey and thrive.
Parenting is difficult enough. But, as a parent as a child with hearing loss, you've been thrown into a role you are not prepared for.
You need knowledge, resources, and guidance so you can equip and empower your child to grow up and be a successful and contributing member of his or her community, living a completely normal life with a job, a family, and a social network of friends.
Imagine a program that will guide you on YOUR road map to raising and empowering a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Goodbye confusion and overwhelm.
The F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy comes alongside of you to effectively navigate your journey as a parent or caregiver with a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
As a member of the F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy, you are no longer alone.
You are part of a community of people who know exactly what you are going through and who are able to help and support you along the way.
WELCOME TO YOUR ROAD MAP
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy?
F.R.I.E.N.D. stands for Family Resources, Information, and Education for Navigating the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Journey.
This program was created for parents and caregivers who are learning the have to navigate the needs, rights and responsibilities of their child who has been diagnoses with a hearing loss. The F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy comes alongside you and not only provides trainings, but also small group and individual training on how to not only successfully navigate the journey, but flourish within it!
Who should participate in the F.R.I.E.N.D Academy?
Any family member of caregiver of any child who has been diagnosed with a hearing loss! This program will support you from birth through graduation and beyond!
Is the F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy only for families with young children?
No. The F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy will support you in every stage of your child's life, all the way through high school graducation and beyond.
What does my membership give me?
There are two levels of membership in the F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy. The first level provides on demand trainings, resources, and tips and tools to apply information to you in your situation. The next level of membership includes these same trainings, plus a focus training of each month and group coaching. This group coaching provides community, support, and helps you individualize your specific needs to the monthly training.
There is a third level of support that is completely individualized and adds 1:1 coaching and support for you and your family. To learn more about this opportunity, email Stefanie Kessen at [email protected]
Does this program focus on listening and spoken language or sign communication?
We believe the process a parent or caregiver goes through in learning the needs of their child, technology choices, rights and responsibilities, navigating the school system/IEPs/IFSPs, and providing appropriate access to your child The F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy supports your journey regardless of communication mode.
Interested in registering for the F.R.I.E.N.D. Academy but still have some questions? Book a FREE consultation call and we'll help you start you on your journey!
