The Book Buddies Program was established in 2023 with a goal to build a foundation for literacy success for deaf and hard of hearing students and to develop their self-esteem with their reading skills.

Through partnership with two elementary schools, Eagle Lake and Horizons, Book Buddies has helped improve reading skills and literacy comprehension for 20 students.

The Book Buddies program is supported and funded by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Coalition of Polk County.

Resources for parents that support literacy development in children with hearing loss

15 Principles of Reading to D/HH Children (versions in Spanish and English)

https://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/ndec/early-intervention/15-principles-for-reading-to-deaf-children/

Information Center for families and other stores in ASL

https://deafchildren.org

https://deafchildren.org/knowledge-center/asl-resources/sign-language-stories/

Sign Language Dictionary reference

https://gcdasl.com

ASL Videos

rmds.jeffcopublicschools.org

ASL Read-Alouds (for 2025)

For more information about the Book Buddies program, please contact Pam Moore at moorep9@gmail.com.