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Camp brings smiled to deaf children | Children's Health Link | KING5.com | News for Seattle, Washington
The isolation of being deaf in a world of hearing kids can be crushing. Just ask Allison Goodright.
"It made me feel really lonely because I couldn't understand any of the kids. And I didn't have any friends," she said.
Mental health therapist Susan Sidman developed a summer program at Seattle Children's Hospital. There are the usual camp activities, such as swimming and art projects, but kids connect another way too.
"Learn new signs so I can communicate with other deaf and hard of hearing kids or adults," said Kate Rocke.
Kate comes all the way from Tacoma, with her sisters.
"I have one sister, Mariam, and then I have my brother," she said.
This program encourages brothers and sisters to join. At the camp they'll learn the language that can bridge a gap between themselves and a deaf sibling.
"We're also teaching them that deafness is normal," said Sidman. "They get to meet other children their own age, who are, in their words, very cool, who are deaf like their siblings."
For Mariapaz it has made summertime happier.
"She loves it. She can't wait for the day to come," said mom, Rosio.
There are another benefit to this program. Parents meet other parents and trade tips to improve their kids' education.
The isolation of being deaf in a world of hearing kids can be crushing. Just ask Allison Goodright.
"It made me feel really lonely because I couldn't understand any of the kids. And I didn't have any friends," she said.
Mental health therapist Susan Sidman developed a summer program at Seattle Children's Hospital. There are the usual camp activities, such as swimming and art projects, but kids connect another way too.
"Learn new signs so I can communicate with other deaf and hard of hearing kids or adults," said Kate Rocke.
Kate comes all the way from Tacoma, with her sisters.
"I have one sister, Mariam, and then I have my brother," she said.
This program encourages brothers and sisters to join. At the camp they'll learn the language that can bridge a gap between themselves and a deaf sibling.
"We're also teaching them that deafness is normal," said Sidman. "They get to meet other children their own age, who are, in their words, very cool, who are deaf like their siblings."
For Mariapaz it has made summertime happier.
"She loves it. She can't wait for the day to come," said mom, Rosio.
There are another benefit to this program. Parents meet other parents and trade tips to improve their kids' education.