Miss-Delectable

Home - WindowsMedia.com Media Guide

Imagine your world in total silence. Your favorite song, a loved one's praise, the sounds of the city — all silenced. That is deafness.

Now, turn those sounds back on, but in a foreign language — sign language. That is how confusing the world can seem to the deaf and hard of hearing.

Communicating within a hearing world can be difficult for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. American Sign Language allows them to communicate with each other. But few parents of deaf people actually learn to sign.

"I would say about 5 percent of the students' parents know sign language," said Briggette Ochoa, director of youth services for The League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. "So when they come here, it's really good for them to be able to communicate with the deaf."

The League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in Nashville provides interpreters, transcription services and job training to the DHH community. It is the only service of its kind with a dedicated youth program in the Southeast. The center provides a well-structured educational and social environment for local students.

The program provides services for kids ages 8-18 through in school and after-school programs.

"We have events on Saturdays every now and then where we go and the kids can do community services," Ochoa said. "And then in the evening we'll have some activities. We also have social events for high school students."

Ochoa, 28, is uniquely qualified for her role. Deaf since the age of 1, she has a psychology degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

Assistant director Amy Stockard, who was born deaf, has a master's degree in social work from Lipscomb University. She works closely with Ochoa.

Stockard often speaks orally, while Ochoa prefers signing when working with students. They supervise, tutor and provide snacks for about 25 students daily at the league, which has offices in Nashville and a satellite office in Franklin. Their commitment and achievements resonate with their students.

"Well, there are not many deaf role models that graduate from school, especially with a degree here in Nashville," Ochoa said. "And the two of us have obviously done that, so the kids sort of look up to us."

Deaf and hard of hearing students are often at risk for social isolation and learning difficulties. Both women believe this stems from inadequacies in the educational system, not the children.

"I think back to when I was growing up and I was always told 'I can't,' " Stockard said. "I want to be an astronaut. You can't, you're deaf. I really wanted to be a paramedic. That was my first dream job. And I was always told that I couldn't. Nowadays, there's nothing a deaf person can't do." •

__________________

Deafness

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com