Family & Community Connections

One of the most important missions of the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education is to serve and support families as they navigate the early intervention and K-12 educational systems for their children. All children benefit when their parents are informed and involved, and collaboration between families and professionals improves language development and educational outcomes. The Center incorporates family support into every service and program that we provide, but there are also special services and programs specifically designed for families. 

Family Support Phone Line and E-mail

Sandra Lerman, Family and Community Education Liaison, can be reached by phone or email at 317-232-2826   slerman@isdh.in.gov

As a parent with experience navigating services for deaf and hard of children, Sandi can

answer general questions, provide resources, and make connections to services, and information and support for families. In addition to being the parent of a deaf child, she has many years of experience working with families as a parent coach and educator. She is also fluent in ASL and Spanish.

Family Resource Center

The Family and Community Liaison maintains a resource center with materials, brochures, booklets, websites, and nation-wide information and contacts for families. Contact Sandra Lerman for more information.

First Friday Family FOCUS:  Families Online for Community Understanding and Support

This monthly online chat group for families with deaf and hard of hearing children takes place at lunch time on the first Friday of each month. Attendance is open to any adult family member of a deaf or hard of hearing child. Visit our Facebook page, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact Sandra Lerman for dates and login information.

Family Events

The Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education provides special family events throughout the year. Recently we had over 30 families and 60 children attend our Hands Land Family Workshop. Like and visit our Facebook page regularly to stay informed about upcoming events.

Website, Facebook Page, and Newsletter

Bookmark our website, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to our newsletter:

Website:  www.cdhhe.isdh.in.gov

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/cdhhe

Newsletter:  Contact Sandi Lerman to have your email added to the newsletter distribution list.