Deaf & Hard of Hearing — Family Services
Lifetrack’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing — Family Services offer unbiased parent-to-parent support, instruction in American Sign Language, opportunities to develop relationships with successful Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults and training in educational advocacy.
These programs are recognized as playing a critical role in the Minnesota Early Hearing Detection and Intervention System.
Deaf Mentor Family Program
The Deaf Mentor Family Program (DMFP) is offered to families who have a deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) child. While the focus is on younger children, the DMFP is available to any child ages birth to 21. During home visits, families learn ASL and other communication techniques unique to DHH children. In this relaxed setting, family members are encouraged to ask questions about ASL, Deaf culture and daily life as a DHH individual.
Minnesota Hands & Voices
Minnesota Hands & Voices is a community of support for families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing. As parents of children who are deaf and hard of hearing themselves, the staff shares the same journey and commitment to helping a child meet their full potential. Parent Guides assist families by providing information about the full range of options, support, family to family connections, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.
Minnesota Employment Center
Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) is a joint effort of Lifetrack, Rise, Inc., and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services. For over 15 years, the MEC team has worked with clients who are deaf or hard of hearing to find the best job matches. MEC provides clients with free, on-the-job training in American Sign Language (ASL) and assists with finding job opportunities, resume and cover letter development, interviewing skills, job coaching, on-the-job support and more.
Resources For Families
Insights, Perspectives and Experiences Shared by Adults Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing