Badavas Parent Infant Program at Learning Center For The Deaf Receives $20,000 Grant From DCU for Kids

FRAMINGHAM – The Badavas Parent Infant Program (PIP) at The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from DCU for Kids.

The Badavas PIP program supports deaf and hard of hearing children birth to age 3 and their families who are enrolled in Early Intervention programs across the state of Massachusetts. 

Research shows that early exposure to Deaf adults and to quality language at a young age results in positive outcomes for young children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families. The Badavas PIP program supports parents and families to understand and explore their early learning options. 

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“The Badavas Parent Infant Program and Toddler ASL Immersion Program at TLC want to extend our deepest gratitude to DCU for Kids for their generosity in supporting our programs,” said Sarah Honigfeld, director of the PIP program. “With their support, we are able to provide services to more than 25 families with very young children — who are deaf and hard of hearing — develop language and social emotional skills.”

The Badavas PIP program provides support and training for both the deaf or hard of hearing child and their family through a combination of center-based playgroups, home visits, individual speech and language therapy sessions, family discussion groups and ASL assessments.

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During the current climate of Covid-19, when face-to-face appointments are not possible, Honigfeld shared that the program has offered creative ways to stay connected, using web-based platforms for meetings and playgroups. The staff has also created a number of ASL storytelling and early education videos, which, as an organization, TLC has shared with its families and community through a dedicated website.

Families are referred to the Badavas PIP program through their local Early Intervention centers, and services provided are incorporated into a child’s IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan). The program is housed in our comprehensive Early Childhood Center serving children from infancy through kindergarten.

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The PIP program staff includes three DPH-certified Speciality Service Providers (SSP) and one DPH certified Early Intervention Specialist (CEIS), a social worker, a Speech and Language Pathologist, and a family liaison.

DCU for Kids is a non-profit charitable foundation founded in 2005 by DCU – better known as Digital Federal Credit Union. To date, DCU for Kids has made charitable donations that total over $13 million, including to: Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boston Children’s Hospital and Boys & Girls Clubs. 

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The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) is a nationally-recognized leader in educational, therapeutic, and community services for deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. TLC (tlcdeaf.org) is the largest provider of services to deaf and hard of hearing children and adults in New England, and one of the largest private employers of Deaf individuals in the State of Massachusetts. The organization honors and celebrates Deaf culture through bilingual-bicultural education; linguistically accessible and culturally-responsive service provision; ASL classes for the community; audiology and hearing aid services; public school consultation; professional research, training, and scholarship; Deaf community events; interpreting services, and a Deaf Cultural Center.

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Press release and photo submitted to SOURCE media