Infant Hearing Program Language Development Services

Because hearing loss can affect the development of speech and language, the Infant Hearing Program (IHP) provides language intervention services for children already registered with the IHP and identified with a permanent hearing loss.

There are two language development options available: Spoken Language Services and Signed Language Services.

The goal is that children will develop one language, either spoken or signed, to the best of their ability by the time they enter school.

Language Development Options

Spoken Language Services

Spoken language involves listening to the spoken language of others and learning to use speech sounds, words and sentences to communicate. Both English and French are the spoken languages supported by the IHP.

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will work with your child to help develop spoken language. The SLP will also teach you strategies to use to help your child in to develop spoken language.

The SLP will regularly measure and track your child’s progress while working collaboratively with other professionals on your child’s team to help you make the best decisions about services for your child.

Signed Language Services

Signed language combines hand shapes, face movements, body movements and other grammatical features to form signs and sentences. American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) are the signed languages supported by the IHP.

An ASL/LSQ Consultant will work with your child to help develop signed language. The consultant will also teach you strategies to use to help your child develop signed language.

The ASL/LSQ Consultant will regularly measure and track your child’s progress and work with other professionals on your child’s team to help you make the best decisions about services for your child.

Referral Process and Criteria

Referral Process

A referral is required to access IHP Language Development Services. Health professionals and families can complete our online referral form. For more details, please visit our Intake Services page.

Criteria

Language Development Services provided through the IHP are for children:

from birth to school entry
already registered with IHP and diagnosed with a permanent hearing loss
live in the regions of Halton, Peel, Waterloo, Guelph-Wellington, or Dufferin

Start A Referral

Referrals will be reviewed and services will be determined based on your child’s individual needs.

Online Referral Form

Intake Services Page