Bolesta Center, Inc.

Includes development of a School Assistance Action Plan; assisting with the implementation of plan; technology lending, training modules; and teacher coaching/ modeling. 

GOAL
To support school personnel in their efforts to provide the language development necessary for deaf and hard of hearing children to meet state standards in the least restrictive setting possible.

PROGRAM NEED/ EVIDENCE
Because of cochlear implants, school districts and teachers are faced with a new population of deaf children- who can learn like their hearing peers in an inclusive classroom.  Yet in some cases, districts and schools lack the resources, knowledge, and training necessary to integrate these kids into existing classrooms. 

SERVICE CAPACITY/ ACTUALS
As school support services are customized to meet specific district needs, Bolesta has the capacity to handle contracts of varying scope.  Bolesta piloted this program in Alachua County Public School District in 2008.

Includes a network of parents who have made the same decisions; parent meetings; a forum to meet and question parents and professionals; support groups; free resources such as books, tapes, kits, and directories; and parent mentoring.

GOAL
To empower parents to move their deaf or hard of hearing child through the appropriate developmental listening and speaking skills needed for him/her to learn spoken language.

PROGRAM NEED/ EVIDENCE
Parents need support, guidance, and help during this crucial time in their life.  Decisions must be made quickly, especially if a child is to learn spoken language, and parents need to know all the options available. 

SERVICE CAPACITY/ ACTUALS
Each Bolesta therapist has a capacity to serve 20 children and their respective families.  In FY 2009, Bolesta provided support to 126 parents and families.

Bolesta provides presentations, workshops, and module development on a variety of applicable topics and offers mentoring to LSLS certification candidates.  Group or individual training is available.
GOAL
To expand the population of certified LSL specialists with experience teaching children who are deaf and hard of hearing to use spoken language in order to prepare deaf and hard of hearing preschool kids for school readiness in the least restrictive setting possible.

PROGRAM NEED/ EVIDENCE
LSLS certification designates the highest level of professionals qualified to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing to use spoken language.  There is a distinct gap in number of qualified professionals (14 in all of FL) and the number of children needing services. 

SERVICE CAPACITY/ ACTUALS
As training services are customized, Bolesta has the capacity to handle contracts of varying scope.  In 2008/09, Bolesta trained more than 256 professionals.

Bolesta develops and globally distributes Auditory-Verbal educational tools to families and professionals.  These tools take the form of distance-learning courses, AV family activity kits, books, videos, and games. 
GOAL
To empower parents to move their deaf or hard of hearing child through the appropriate developmental listening and speaking skills needed for him/her to learn spoken language.

PROGRAM NEED/ EVIDENCE
With limited access to qualified LSL professionals and with parent demand for services at an all-time high as more babies are identified through enhanced Newborn Hearing Screening programs, professionals and families need products they can utilize to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing to use spoken language.

SERVICE CAPACITY/ ACTUALS
In FY09, Bolesta sold 43 items of 7 different products for a total of $3, 041.75.  Florida State distributed Bolesta’s Family Activity Kit free to all children who failed their Newborn Hearing Screening.