Remember a young student of mine who told his parents that he wants to grow up to be an advocate for deaf and hard of hearing people? I saw him recently, before the holiday break, and as always he was talking about starting a support group or social group of some kind for people like himself (deaf and hard of hearing). He is particularly interested in meeting others close to his age. He talks about doing this when he is in high school or after high school.
"I know I am not alone and I want others to know that they are not alone," he said.
I could not believe that this was coming from an eleven year old.
I responded, "Why wait? Start something now."
Boy, did his eyes light up!
I told him that if we get his parents' permission and support, that I will try my best to help him by providing him the tools and information he could use to start his own group or local youth chapter for kids who are deaf and hard of hearing.
We brainstormed ideas and we went over the possible problems he could face. The biggest problem is the fact that he lives in a rural area. He worries that it would be hard to find many deaf and hard of hearing kids who would want to be a part of his group. I told him that if he could get one active member, it would be a success.
"Worry about getting one to commit and more will come," I assured him.
I encouraged him to talk about this idea with his parents and family members. The very next day, his classroom teacher was asking me about his ideas of starting a club or group for deaf and hard of hearing kids. She thought it was a wonderful idea and asked how she can help. Then I learned that his parents are on board and are looking into this.
Right now, while I am super excited for this student and his passion, I don't know where to begin. Does anyone know who he should contact and where he can get the information to start an official chapter or group of some sort? Has someone as young as him done this before? What are some things he needs to be doing? What are some things he should be concerned about?
While I do my research, please leave comments or contact me if you have any information. You can email me at ehwhathuh@yahoo.com.
I know that with the right information and guidance, he can accomplish his dream.
(e
"I know I am not alone and I want others to know that they are not alone," he said.
I could not believe that this was coming from an eleven year old.
I responded, "Why wait? Start something now."
Boy, did his eyes light up!
I told him that if we get his parents' permission and support, that I will try my best to help him by providing him the tools and information he could use to start his own group or local youth chapter for kids who are deaf and hard of hearing.
We brainstormed ideas and we went over the possible problems he could face. The biggest problem is the fact that he lives in a rural area. He worries that it would be hard to find many deaf and hard of hearing kids who would want to be a part of his group. I told him that if he could get one active member, it would be a success.
"Worry about getting one to commit and more will come," I assured him.
I encouraged him to talk about this idea with his parents and family members. The very next day, his classroom teacher was asking me about his ideas of starting a club or group for deaf and hard of hearing kids. She thought it was a wonderful idea and asked how she can help. Then I learned that his parents are on board and are looking into this.
Right now, while I am super excited for this student and his passion, I don't know where to begin. Does anyone know who he should contact and where he can get the information to start an official chapter or group of some sort? Has someone as young as him done this before? What are some things he needs to be doing? What are some things he should be concerned about?
While I do my research, please leave comments or contact me if you have any information. You can email me at ehwhathuh@yahoo.com.
I know that with the right information and guidance, he can accomplish his dream.
(e
I organize a playgroup for Deaf/HOH kids in our area. I was fortunate to already know three other families that started attending events right off the bat. I printed out flyers with the date and time of each event and distributed them through audiologists and teachers of the Deaf/HOH. With the support of the professionals in my area, the group has grown to eight actively participating families.
ReplyDeleteI would advise your student to pick a low-cost, but interesting place to meet and go from there. Different organizations will be glad to help with advertising once he picks a venue - do you have local chapters of ASDC and Hands & Voices? Those would be great to contact for help.
Thanks. Great suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Magic Ear Kids - have your student contact his local or state Hands and Voices chapter - I'm sure they would help advertise the group and its events.
ReplyDelete