APPLICATION for Parent Guide Position

Illinois Guide-By-Your-Side Program (GBYS)

Parents of children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or deaf with additional disabilities are
encouraged to apply!
Spanish Speaking Parents are encouraged to apply!
Instructions: Complete the application by providing the information requested.
Questions can be directed to: Carrie Balian, 224-343-1873 or ilhvgbys@gmail.com
Applicants should consider before applying that they can adhere to the Illinois Hands & Voices mission
(provided below) and fulfill these minimum requirements of the position of a Parent Guide: (please check
all that you will be able to fulfill)
1. Reliable means of transportation ____
2. Willing to travel within your region_____
3. Willing to meet with families within their home ____ 4. Willing to attend the annual Moms Night Inn ____
5. Daily access to internet/computer
6. Provide outreach to local professionals/agencies ____
7. Host/ attend family social events ____
8. Participate in annual fundraising events ____
9. Willing to attend the initial training in Illinois (June 19-21 in Normal, IL) and 80% of ongoing trainings____
*parent guides will be reimbursed for mileage as per policies and procedures

Illinois Families for Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization that supports families with
children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or
methodologies.
Application Section
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Email address (if available): ____________________________________________________________________
Home Address:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
City

State

Zip code

County of residence: _____________________________ Number of years you have lived at this address?
Phone/VP Number(s):__________________________

Is it ok to text you at this number?

What is the best time of day to reach you?

How did you learn about the Guide-By-Your-Side Program? ___________________________________________
Why are you interested in a position with the Illinois Guide-By-Your-Side Program?

Why are you qualified for this position?

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Please summarize your experience(s) in raising a child(ren) who is/are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or
deafplus:
1. Age of diagnosis and experience with diagnosis:

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Experience with birth to 3 (Early Intervention/EI) and/or educational services:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Experience with different technology and personal communication choice(s) for your own child/family:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Do you have experience with communication choices that are different from your personal belief
system please explain:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Please explain how you would support a family who makes a communication choice(s) that is/are
different from your choice(s):
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Please explain you comfort level of meeting with families in their homes:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What specific skills or areas of expertise do you feel you can bring to your role as a Parent Guide (e.g.
experiences parenting your own child, informal support to other parents, familiar with resources in your
area, etc..)?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Knowing what you know now, what would you like to see families of newly diagnosed children with
hearing loss experience:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide three references (include one from a professional and one from another parent):
Name:

Organization

Telephone and Email

1._________________________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Interviews for qualified applicants will be arranged. Please check the time frame below that would work best for
you to potentially be interviewed via telephone for a position as a Parent Guide with the Guide-By-Your-Side
Program:
_____ 9 AM -- 12 PM
_____1 PM -- 5 PM
_____ 6 PM -- 9 PM

Please call, text or email with any questions: Carrie Balian 224-343-1873 ilhvgbys@gmail.com

Applications are due by April 18th, 2016.

Submit completed form by one of the following ways:

Fax: 866-695-3880
Email: ilhvgbys@gmail.com
Mail: Carrie Balian
917 Knightsbridge Dr
Island Lake, IL 60042