Virginia Guide By Your Side Program (GBYS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY GUIDE

The role of the Family Guide is to provide timely, unbiased, and complete information regarding communication options and available resources to families of children who have recently been diagnosed with a hearing loss. Emotional support and timely referral to Part C Early Intervention services are also integral roles of the Virginia GBYS Family Guide.

The Virginia GBYS Program Family Guides are trained to support other parents whose children have just received a diagnosis of hearing loss. Family Guides:

• have a child who is deaf or hard of hearing or deaf/blind of any age;
• are able to share information with others effectively;
• have good people skills;
• are willing to present information in an unbiased manner;
• are open-minded to the various communication options available to children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families;
• believe that families should be educated regarding all of their options and allowed to make the best choice for their child and family;
• can spend a few hours a month making visits; and
• have been trained to serve in the role of a Family Guide; and
• have been screened through criminal background check(s).

Family Guides

• are asked to be available to families in their geographic area; and
• are compensated for time and mileage.

If you are interested in becoming a trained Family Guide who will provide information and encouragement to families in your region, please click on the application link to the left or contact Regina Craig for an application at (866) 596-9367 or RMC4B@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu