Parents of Students transitioning to College or the workforce - FHSR

A Sound Investment in Our Children

A Sound Investment in Our Children

2025 - Our Year of Access & Inclusion

Parents of Students transitioning to College or the workforce

For Parents Who Are Also Transitioning:

For many parents, we share fear of the unknown when it comes to our children. For parents of children with disabilities, this can be a lifelong challenge. Now that our DHH children are transitioning to college, community college, trade school or the workforce, they will most likely be totally responsible for advocating for their needs. We will always be there as a backup resource, but the responsibilities rest on their shoulders. So how do we let go and trust that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive? This section offers tips from parents as our children transition to college and beyond!

“When my daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss 20 years ago, I dove into everything DHH related to identify how I could best serve her needs in a hearing world. I connected with the community, researched modes of communication, technology and schools that would serve her needs. I became an advocate and warrior when needed fighting the school system and insurance companies to support her needs. Over time, these roles became less necessary as she started to take control and become her own advocate. Once it was time to transition to college, I knew that it was time to let go of my fear and trust that she was well prepared. My best advice: It is not until you fully relinquish control that you realize just how capable our kids are in advocating for their needs.”

– Melanie

Supporting your child’s transition from high school to college/work.

“My biggest concern for my son attending college is him being comfortable advocating about his hearing loss, both academically and socially, if he cannot hear. He does a terrific job advocating for himself when it comes to academics but not necessarily for his hearing loss. He is such a good communicator that people tend not to even know he has cochlear implants until he tells them. That level of success means people may not be mindful when they are speaking with him, often forgetting he may not hear something in a noisy environment. It will be up to him to inform his new college friends and professors that he uses cochlear implants to hear and sometimes they are going to have to repeat themselves when engaging with him. This will be a hurdle for him when he goes away to college next year.”

– Kristen

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A Sound Investment in Our Children

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