The SD University Affiliated Program (SDUAP), through the Department of Pediatrics in the USD School of Medicine, has a program devoted to assisting professionals and the families of infants and children who have vision and hearing concerns.

Vision and/or hearing loss in infancy can seriously impact a baby’s ability to bond with family, develop a sense of his/her environment, and – most importantly – to develop communication skills. Identifying a vision or hearing loss early is critical. This allows families and professionals to take advantage of these crucial early months to assist their baby in bonding, exploring and communicating. SDUAP can teach families how to make adjustments and show them alternative techniques to ensure the baby’s unique vision and hearing needs are met. They can also connect families with similar experiences for support.