Briefly Introduce Your Family
We are the Lopez family from southern California. Both Dad and I are in our early 20’s. Mom’s family is hispanic, so Spanish is spoken at the home regularly. It’s been a challenge teaching Remy three languages I will admit. But we’d love for him to be able to communicate with grandparents so it’s worth it.
Please tell us about your child’s earliest years
Remy was one day old when we found out he had microtia and atresia in his left ear. Mother was recovering from preeclampsia and developing Sepsis when it was discovered that her baby was completely deaf from the left ear. After seeing many specialists, the Genetics Doctor came to the conclusion that a medication mom was taking before pregnancy caused the microtia and atresia.
Please share a little about your child’s educational placement experiences
Remy is being followed by Early Start services. Mom takes Remy on playdates regularly to keep him interacting with kids his age.
How did your family prepare for a new school year, and what tips for teachers have worked well?
As of now, Remy is only in Early Start so we have to got the full scope yet. However, we love Remy’s Early Start teacher. Ms. Hannah is very informative and helpful. I think finding and working with a teacher you love definitely makes the transition better for the whole family.
Does/did your child attend their IEP meetings? What stands out from those experiences?
Remy is in the early start program where we are working to create a personalized IEP at three years of age. Remy has a review semi annually to track his progress.
Please share about your family relationships and inclusion tips you’ve found helpful.
Being transparent and open about Remy’s condition has helped the communication we receive with extended family. The transparency has helped us as a family avoid any stares or assumptions from kids and adults at holidays. It also equips the adults with knowledge on how to include Remy and communicate with him. Our favorite family activity is playing peek a boo with Remy.
Tell us about the tools, technology, or strategies your child uses that positively impact their day.
Remy has a BAHA that he uses regularly. So far we havent had any problems with keeping it on which is great. We love using the phone connection to play music for Remy.
What phrases, scripts, or strategies does your child use to express their access needs?
Currently Remy is only 10 months, we are actively working on communication and how to communicate his needs. Remy does a great job at pointing to or reaching for things he needs or wants.
What strategies have helped your child grow into a confident person who embraces who they are? Although Remy is still an infant he is very independent and confident. I think what’s really helped build these characteristics in Remy has been giving him no limits and not basing his whole identity on his condition. We definitely acknowledge his hearing loss and do everything we can to give him the same experience as a child with no hearing loss
Most Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children are born to hearing parents. What has your child helped you better understand about their world—or changed in how you see the world around you?
Remy has definitely influenced and inspired the entire family. Not only did his condition force us to become educated on the community but Remy has inspired us through the strength he was born with. Remy was born at 4lbs 10 oz fighting for a month in the NICU. His story is that of great strength and perseverance. Everyday, Remy faces adversities that he overcomes. My son being born with a special need has inspired me to become a stay at home mom to tend to his needs more carefully and also follow up with home schooling.
What cultural traditions are important to your family?
I think coming from a hispanic background ,mexican to be more specific, it’s a common perception to say that we’re hardworking people. However, I don’t think the hardworking characteristic stops at just a job. As many other DHH families out there are aware that having a child with a special need can be alot of work. Weekly appointments, early intervention, meetings with teachers, equipment maintenance and upkeep, learning ASL, these are all things we have to handle for our DHH children. As a family we get it done everytime and we always go the extra mile for Remy. No complaints.
As you look back on your child’s life, what was your proudest moment?
As I’ve mentioned before Remy was born at only 4lbs 10 oz he was on a ventilator his first day on earth. Remy was born with fluid in his lungs his apgar score was 1. He was on oxygen for about a month in the NICU. He is now weighing over the average 10 month old. Remy’s height is in the 80 percentile. He meets every milestone and then some. Remy, my son, inspires me every single day he makes me so proud. He’s not only overcome his hardships he’s succeeded beyond what any Doctor would have imagined. The genetic Doctor said it was a miracle Remy wasn’t affected more by the medication in the womb. Since he was only a fetus Remy was already overcoming. I thank God everyday.
Tips & Resources: What resources have been most helpful on your journey?
Looking back, I’m most grateful for God my supportive family, Remy’s teacher, the playdates, and my church. Being able to relate to other moms has definitely been a huge help for me so I wish I’d gone on playdates sooner.
