Turn On My Ears

http://turnonmyears.blogspot.com/

Well, if you can't get enough blogging, here's another blog for you to follow.  Parents who chose to have their eight-month-old son receive bilateral Cochlear implants write it.  This blog discusses all of the topics covered here as well as many more.  If you want a parent's perspective and experience, I highly recommend that you check out Turn On My Ears.  What's unique is that this blog deals with the little details of daily life with a child who has implants.  From how to keep the devices on an infant's head to the joys of preschool, the parents' perspective is easy to relate to and encouraging. 

Cochlear Implants For Children Explained

http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/cochlear.html

This is a great site that explains Cochlear implants to parents.  Many of the topics are parent focused so that a child's questions can be answered.  These topics include what happens after the surgery, learning to use the implant and who is a good candidate for an implant.  There are great color diagrams that show an ear functioning normally and with an implant in place.  This information is also available in audio form with the text being highlighted as it is read. 

What's The IDEA About Assistive Technology And Services?

 http://www.deafchildren.org/resources/31_What's%20the%20IDEA%20-%20AT.pdf

Here is some clarification about what your school district is and is not responsible for, as determined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  While there are devices that should be provided by the school district to children with haring loss, Cochlear implants are not covered.  Be that as it may, the district is responsible for making sure that a student's implant has functioning batteries, is turned on and is operating properly.  There are also other services that students with Cochlear implants might be eligible for such as speech therapy.  If your student has an IEP, this page will help you determine which service you might discuss with the education professionals.

Insurance Coverage For Your Cochlear Implant

http://www.nvrc.org/wp-content/uploads/Insurance-Coverage-for-your-Cochlear-Implant.pdf

The reality for most of us is that cost is a factor in making major decisions and purchases.  This printable page covers all the basic facts about how much an implant can cost, how much of that cost is covered by health insurance and how to start that process with your insurance company.  Use it as a reference to guide you through the process of checking coverage.  In the event that your insurance company does not cover Cochlear implants, manufacturer websites are included where you can find lots of useful information on other options.

http://www.omsinsurancesupport.org/

For those who are overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with their insurance company, the OMS Insurance Group can help you navigate through the process.  If you are unsure of where to start, they can walk you through getting pre-authorized and verified as a candidate for a Cochlear implant.  More importantly, they are there to help you if your insurance company does not approve you.  Comprised of former insurance professionals, they know what questions to ask and where to submit them.  Start with their FAQ page to determine if they can help you. 

Videos Of Children And Adults With Cochlear Implants

http://deafkidscanhear.blogspot.com/p/videos.html

This collection of videos shows young children enjoying everyday activities while wearing their implants.  Watch for the heart warming Pledge of Allegiance rendition made even more adorable when recited to a group of very patriotic kittens. These videos would be useful for introducing young children to the topic of Cochlear implants and showing that children with implants are very much the same as them.

http://www.cochlear.com/au/personal-stories/watch

In addition to children, this collection of videos shows adults with Cochlear implants leading productive and successful lives.  We all want to encourage all children that they are capable of doing great things and that the world is wide open with possibilities.  One way of doing that is to provide role models that children can look up to and be inspired by.  Hey, if they can do it, why can't I?

Back To School

http://www.listen-up.org/htm/backto.htm

There’s enough stress already involved with getting a student prepared for the first day of a new school year.  This page shoulders some of the load by providing a checklist for parents to take care of before sending their children off to class. Simple reminders like bringing an extra battery can help avoid a potentially big problem.  I really like how there is a tip on how to make the student feel more comfortable around their new peers.  Making other students aware of the implant early on can raise awareness and comfort among the class.  You never know when you might have to have the whole class look for a small part that has been misplaced.    

What Educators Need to Know

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/CochlearImplants/ucm062887.htm

This is a wonderful list provided by the FDA for parents to share with their children’s teachers.  It discusses important facts about students with a Cochlear implant.  It also gives useful suggestions on how the teacher can make the classroom and the lessons more accessible to these students.  Teachers who have not had students with implants can use this page to start a conversation with  parents about what might be expected throughout the school year.