Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) is a tribally owned and operated, independent, not-for profit health care organization, founded in 1970 to meet the health care needs of the Inupiat, Siberian Yup’ik and Yu’pik people of the Bering Strait region. NSHC is governed by a 22-member board of directors that represents all communities and areas of the Bering Strait region, a 44,000 square-mile section of northwestern Alaska.
Norton Sound Health Corporation puts the patient first. This principle applies equally at the new Norton Sound Regional Hospital and at the 15 village clinics managed by NSHC.
Every day, NSHC’s approximately 700 employees – about 72% of them Alaska Native – demonstrate their commitment to our mission: providing quality health services and promoting wellness within our people and environment.
Norton Sound Health Corporation is a model of how Indian Self-Determination is meant to work, with tribes taking responsibility for their own health and well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions
“Early Intervention” might be the provider’s way of describing services that they provide to babies or young children. However, it might also indicate that the provider is a vendor for your state’s publicly funded program. This means the services with this provider might be covered by your state!
The first step in accessing these free services from your state is to get an evaluation. The evaluation will help the state determine what services your child qualifies for, if any. You can find your state’s local EI program by clicking here.
When you contact your local center, say “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if they are eligible for early intervention services.” They will ask screening questions and arrange for an evaluation, which is provided for free.
Get involved with local organizations, support groups, and professionals specializing in those hard of hearing. They can offer guidance, resources, and opportunities for your kiddo’s development. The more you know, the better you can support your child.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, nonprofit organization that provides unbiased support, regarding communication methodology and technology, to families with deaf or hard of hearing children.
Gallaudet University — Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is a federally funded institution offering exemplary academic programs to deaf/HoH students. They provide early intervention services, sign language classes, and uniquely designed resources for deaf/HoH communities.
Hearing Loss Association of America is a nonprofit organization with a mission to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support, and advocacy.
Visual aids can be a game-changer when it comes to preparing your child for new experiences. Create a social story or a visual schedule that explains what will happen during the eye exam. Include pictures or drawings to help them understand the process and what to expect. Going through the visual supports with your child beforehand can help ease anxiety and build familiarity.
Videos can also be a great tool to help prepare your child for what to expect during their eye exam. Here is a great example from the QuadSquad!
To help things go even smoother, review the visual aid of your choice with your child multiple times — a week before, a few days before, and then again the day before.
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