Culturally safe family-centered early intervention services: perspectives from parents and service providers of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

This study explores the characteristics of cultural safety in Family-Centered Early Intervention services for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families (FCEI-DHH). Perspectives of culturally and ethnically diverse families who have young DHH children and service providers in pediatric DHH services were gathered through online surveys. Quantitative analyses examined the influence of geographical location and parent self-identity (Deaf, Indigenous, racialized, marginalized (DIRM), and/or belonging to a dominant/privileged group) on aspects of FCEI services. Parents reported a high overall level of support from service providers, but lack of support was disproportionately experienced by DIRM parents with medical/diagnostic services. Cultural identity was important to make connections in DHH communities, but DIRM parents connected least. This study identifies areas for improvement and can inform the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for cultural safety and humility in the delivery of FCEI-DHH. This work can help mark progress towards achieving health equity.