| Description |
The DHHC is filling the gap in services for deaf and hard of hearing children in 23 counties in Texas. It is important that services begin as soon as a hearing deficit is identified. According to the Center for Hearing and Communication, 3 million children in the U.S. have a hearing loss; 1.3 million are under 3 with 15% of children between 6 and 19 having measurable hearing loss in at least one ear. Even a mild hearing loss can cause a child to miss as much as 50% of classroom discussion but with early identification and appropriate services, deaf children can develop communication skills at the same rate as their hearing peers.<br/><br/>During the time of COVID-19, area schools are closed with no clear path to fully reopening. Online education is often difficult for students but it is particularly difficult for our deaf and hard of hearing students who already struggle in the classroom. Additionally, most of our students belong to low income families with limited technological capacity. <br/><br/>In response to this unique need, the DHHC is implementing tutoring support for deaf and hard of hearing students. We are planning to employ two part-time tutors to provide specialized tutoring for six months. The two tutors will be able to assist approximately twenty students each week. All tutoring services will be provided free of charge. <br/><br/>Youth programming is so very important to deaf and hard of hearing children. Post COVID-19, we anticipate carefully reopening our face-to-face youth programming including and significantly impacts the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children by keeping them healthy, happy, active, in touch with their peers, and positioned to achieve in school. Through specialized activities, these children and teens are given the opportunity to interact with their peers, learn life skills, experience a sense of community, and gain self-confidence. Throughout the year, activities help to improve language and communication skills, sharpen creative and logical skills, and strengthen fitness and motor skills. Programming may include: Holiday parties, Signing Santa, Sign Camp for Kids, Summer Voyage (Scavenger Hunt, Aquarium, Museum of Science & History, Welder Wildlife Foundation, USS Lexington, Hurricane Alley, Camp Aranzazu, Paint It, and the Fire Station), Padre Island National Seashore, North of the Border Games, Family Fest Day, tutoring, partnerships with school districts, and special programs.<br/> |
| Used for |
On behalf of The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC), I respectfully request a grant of $5,000 from the Dudley Dougherty Foundation to help us underwrite our life-changing tutoring support for deaf or hard of hearing young people that are in need of additional educational/tutoring services during the time of COVID-19. As our services are provided at no cost to a predominantly minority and low-income population, we supplement our budget with grants, donations, and special events. |
