When a child is first suspected of having a speech impediment, a hearing test is the first step to be taken. Jamaica Association for the Deaf offers hearing assessment/test for children. They also provide support and resources to children with hearing difficulties.

​

Having been in operation since 1938, Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD) is respected and renowned in the disabilities sector as a champion of the issues of the Deaf community.  As the only full-service organization for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Jamaica, JAD is known as the national association for the Deaf and is involved in a wide range of initiatives and activities supporting the Jamaican Deaf Community. By that very nature, its approach is guided by the vision to see Deaf persons as nation builders and as such efforts center around enabling the Deaf to have the necessary accommodations so that they can become contributors in a comprehensive way.

JAD has a Family Services Officer (FSO), whose job is to be a liaison with the families of children to help them acquire the support they may need. The Family Service Officer (FSO), operates under the leadership of the Social Services Division Director

The FSO aggressively works towards improving the quality of life of deaf children in Jamaica through the provision of (and referral to) support services that will provide opportunities for parents to improve general parenting skills

​

The JAD is committed to providing guidance and assistance to families of deaf children through the Family Services Unit to play their part in achieving full integration into society as productive citizens.