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Resources available for deaf, hard of hearing | thetimesherald.com | The Times Herald
Hearing loss is the most common disability.
It also remains one of the most difficult to understand and accommodate. With 14% of Michigan's population having some degree of hearing loss, it's an important issue often dismissed with little regard for the consequences of leaving it undiagnosed or untreated.
Fortunately, there is help for people adapting to hearing loss.
The Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a United Way partner agency, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They provide leadership through advocacy, education and support services. The agency provides direct services to individuals in St. Clair County.
A way the group addresses the needs of local children and their families is through summer camps, such as Lions Camp and the Chris Williams and Lynam Leadership Institute. The camps are a safe and enjoyable experience for children who are deaf, their siblings and the children of deaf adults. Campers work with adult role models and have plenty of opportunities to make new friends from across the state. The camps help children identify with themselves while taking part in traditional camping activities.
The camps are at the YMCA Sherman Lake Camp in Augusta and are from July 16-21. Scholarships are available for qualifying children ages 8 to 14 who live in St. Clair County.
According to the Kids Count in Michigan data book, more than 85 school age children with some form of hearing loss live in St. Clair County. Numerous studies have shown children who are deaf and hard of hearing fair much better when exposed to other children with hearing loss and appropriate adult role models.
Social, emotional and family isolation is a reality for many children who grow up deaf or hard of hearing. This especially is true for children in rural areas, who may be mainstreamed into a regular classroom, with or without accommodations. Their other choice is to attend residential schools far from home. Regardless of the setting, isolation of some sort almost always occurs.
Mainstreamed children face communication challenges daily. Children also are less likely to pick up on "incidental learning" children with normal hearing are exposed to on a daily basis. These children have a much higher risk for chemical dependence as teens and adults and for not finding a good job or being unemployed.
The Quota Club in Port Huron also provides support, equipment and hearing devices for youths up to 18 years old.
For more information about the camps, contact the Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing at (800) 968-7327.
Hearing loss is the most common disability.
It also remains one of the most difficult to understand and accommodate. With 14% of Michigan's population having some degree of hearing loss, it's an important issue often dismissed with little regard for the consequences of leaving it undiagnosed or untreated.
Fortunately, there is help for people adapting to hearing loss.
The Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a United Way partner agency, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They provide leadership through advocacy, education and support services. The agency provides direct services to individuals in St. Clair County.
A way the group addresses the needs of local children and their families is through summer camps, such as Lions Camp and the Chris Williams and Lynam Leadership Institute. The camps are a safe and enjoyable experience for children who are deaf, their siblings and the children of deaf adults. Campers work with adult role models and have plenty of opportunities to make new friends from across the state. The camps help children identify with themselves while taking part in traditional camping activities.
The camps are at the YMCA Sherman Lake Camp in Augusta and are from July 16-21. Scholarships are available for qualifying children ages 8 to 14 who live in St. Clair County.
According to the Kids Count in Michigan data book, more than 85 school age children with some form of hearing loss live in St. Clair County. Numerous studies have shown children who are deaf and hard of hearing fair much better when exposed to other children with hearing loss and appropriate adult role models.
Social, emotional and family isolation is a reality for many children who grow up deaf or hard of hearing. This especially is true for children in rural areas, who may be mainstreamed into a regular classroom, with or without accommodations. Their other choice is to attend residential schools far from home. Regardless of the setting, isolation of some sort almost always occurs.
Mainstreamed children face communication challenges daily. Children also are less likely to pick up on "incidental learning" children with normal hearing are exposed to on a daily basis. These children have a much higher risk for chemical dependence as teens and adults and for not finding a good job or being unemployed.
The Quota Club in Port Huron also provides support, equipment and hearing devices for youths up to 18 years old.
For more information about the camps, contact the Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing at (800) 968-7327.