top of page

  • How Do Parents/Guardians Apply for an ISW?

    ​

    Step 1: Submit Your Application
    Please submit your ISW application as soon as possible, but no later than April 15. Early applications are essential because qualified ISWs with fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) are in high demand and challenging to find.

    ​

    Step 2: Intake Meeting with DYT Staff
    Once DYT receives your application, we’ll schedule an intake meeting with you. This conversation helps us learn about your child’s unique needs, preferences, and how we can best support them.

    ​

    Step 3: Finding the Right ISW
    DYT will actively search for an ISW who has the required skills, qualifications, and ASL fluency to safely and effectively support your child.

    ​

    Step 4: ISW Scheduling
    After all intake meetings are completed, DYT staff will create a schedule to efficiently utilize available ISWs, ensuring as many children and youth as possible receive the necessary support.

    ​

    Step 5: Confirmation
    The DYT Coordinator will let you know if a suitable ISW has been matched with your child and confirm your child's attendance so you may register them.

    ​

    Additional Important Information

    • Financial Support: DYT provides financial support for ISWs for families without existing funding options, such as Autism funding or Jordan’s Principle.

    • Child-Focused Environment: To maintain an optimal, supportive child-focussed camp experience, DYT carefully balances the adult-to-child ratio to safely accommodate participants.

    • Suggesting an ISW: Parents are welcome and encouraged to recommend suitable ISW candidates by submitting an Inclusion Support Worker Application form.

    • Overnight ASL Camp: Please note that the Deaf Kids Overnight ASL Camp has unique aspects that may not suit every child. Reach out to DYT as early as possible to discuss whether the overnight camp experience is appropriate and to allow sufficient time for necessary preparations.

    • Funding Limitations: Funding for ISWs is based on DYT’s annual budget and donations. As a result, we might not be able to provide an ISW for every requested camp week, but we’ll always do our best!

A pair of happy young men pose in front of a teal background

What is an Inclusion Support Worker (ISW)? An Inclusion Support Worker (ISW) is a trained professional who provides personalized, one-to-one support for Deaf children or youth with additional support needs. The ISW ensures that your child can fully participate and thrive in Deaf Youth Today (DYT) camps and programs.

Inclusion Suport Worker

Application to Request Inclusion Support Worker (ISW) for my DHH Child / Youth

Guardian Information

Child's Information

Birthday
Year
Month
Day

Funding Information

Do you have funding arranged for the ISW?
Yes
No

Support Professional Information

Does your child have a case worker or support professional involved in their care?
Yes
No

Child's Needs and Strategies

Does your child have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or other support plan?
Yes
No
Does your child require specific accommodations or supports to fully participate in camp activities?
Yes
No
Are there specific behavioral or emotional support strategies that camp staff should be aware of?
Yes
No

Inclusion Support Worker Preference

Do you want to provide your own ISW?
Yes (Please complete the section below)
No, please have DYT find and hire an ISW for my child

The following section is to be completed only if you wish to provide your own ISW

Inclusion Support Worker Information

Relationship of ISW to child
Teacher / Educator
Professional Support Worker
Other (please specify)
Does the ISW have previous experience working with children with additional needs (e.g., Autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders)?
Yes
No
Does the ISW have experience working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children?
Yes
No
Does the ISW have any relevant qualifications, certifications, or training?
Yes
No
What is the ISW's proficiency level in American Sign Language (ASL)?
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Fluent
Has the ISW previously worked in a camp or outdoor recreational environment?
Yes
No

Acknowledgement

I confirm the information provided above is accurate. I understand that DYT will screen and approve all ISW’s and may not be able to guarantee an ISW for multiple weeks due to funding constraints.

bottom of page