|
|
Summer Communication Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
The Gallaudet University Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences is once again hosting the Summer Communication Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children. The design of the Sorenson Language and Communication Center and the Hearing and Speech Center provides for a visu-centric and pediatric focused learning environment. The program provides an intensive, language rich, communication accessible, and enjoyable environment for deaf and hard of hearing children to improve their spoken language skills. The children will have opportunities to develop and enhance their spoken English skills and have their sign language skills reinforced through child centered, play based, developmentally focused activities. Skill areas addressed include speech, listening, speechreading, expressive and receptive language and literacy.
The program is run by the HSLS staff speech-language therapists and aural rehabilitationists. HSLS audiologists provide consultative and collaborative support regarding amplification troubleshooting , care and maintenance tips, assistive technology (e.g., FM systems and sound field systems) . This year, two graduate students are interning in the program. One student is home grown from the Gallaudet HSLS department and the second is from George Washington University's Department of Speech and Hearing. We also have a 2009 graduate of the HSLS department returning to participate in the program. Staff members communicate proficiently in spoken English, American Sign Language and Cued English. Additionally, this year we have added a Parent Liaison to faciliate communication and understanding about deafness, hearing loss and communication.
The children participating represent a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Our staff is committed to providing bias-free, holistic, individualized service to all the children and their families. Participating families come from DC, Maryland, and Virginia as well as a variety of school placements including oral programs, mainstream programs and schools for the deaf. Some children use hearing aids, some cochlear implants and others choose not to use amplification. The program runs 6 weeks and the children are with us from 8:45 am until 11:45 am, Monday through Friday. More than a dozen children ages 18 months to 6 years of age will be served this summer over three, 2-week sessions. The program charges a materials fee to each family. However, we operate on a shoestring budget but the service provision is priceless. We are already looking forward to and planning for next summer.
Click here for WJLA, ABC 7 news coverage of this program.
|
|
