From the Rocky Coast and Across the Mountaintops: Maine's Collaborative Early Intervention Program for Children Who Are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to share the old and new process of early intervention services in Maine for children who are D/deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), the Exploring Language and Communication Opportunities (ELCO) process and resources available to families of children who are DHH living in Maine. Conclusions: Prior to 2016, families in Maine with children who are DHH were referred to multiple agencies for services, causing confusion and increased stress. In addition, when gathering information to better support their child, families were receiving conflicting information across their service providers. With a new referral process and ELCO, a unified message related to communication and language opportunities is shared, as well as the resources available in the community.