Many parents who want to incorporate American Sign Language in their deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing child’s communication are not sure where to start. Deaf Mentor Family Services (DMFS) of Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS-MN) is here to help. LSS receives a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to support the Deaf Mentor Family Services program. You can find more details about the grant on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division's grant webpage.

What does this program do?

Deaf Mentor Family Services matches families with a qualified Deaf Mentor. Deaf Mentors focus on early language acquisition using early visual communication while learning ASL. They also teach families about deaf culture, deaf history, community and connecting to resources, using the SKI HI Deaf Mentor family curriculum.

What are the benefits?

Mentoring helps families build communication with their child. Having access to communication, relationships, and language with their parents and siblings sets up the child for future success. It helps a child to be confident and comfortable with their identity. This has a positive effect as they grow up. Working with deaf or hard of hearing mentors also helps families. They learn about Deaf culture, meet other parents going through similar experiences and become part of a wonderful community. Parents who completed the program often recommend it to other parents and encourage them to sign up as early as possible.

What families are saying about Deaf Mentor Family Services

• “One of the best things that has ever happened to us. Our Deaf Mentor has taught me how to sign and communicate with him. Truly a blessing for our family.”
• “We are now able to communicate with our child while she does not always wear her hearing aid, and in situations that she may become frustrated and not have the words to use.”
• “I do not believe we would have been able to start learning ASL without this program. It has been a true blessing to be able to give our daughter access to visual communication at an early age. We are so thankful.”
• “Our child has become more expressive with her feelings and storytelling.”
• “We feel confident that our daughter has full access to language, and she is thriving!!!”

Latest news

Currently, the program serves 47 families. The program’s goal is to serve 60 families by the end of 2023. They are also working to increase the number of Deaf Mentors on staff from 20 to 25. DMFS is also seeking more culturally diverse Deaf Mentors.

DMFS is excited to accomplish one of their goals this spring: hosting their first family retreat! The retreat will be at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, Minnesota, April 28-30. It is an opportunity for current and past families to meet other families with children who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing and to meet more Deaf Mentors. To learn more, email Emily Smith-Lundberg.

Do you have questions about Deaf Mentor Family Services?

Deaf Mentor Family Services Director, Emily Smith-Lundberg, will be happy to answer your questions. You can reach out to her by email. You can also visit the Deaf Mentor Family Services webpage.