Parents and teachers working with children who hear and talk with digital hearing devices (the auditory verbal method) are always seeking inspiration. Here’s some!
In June 2016, Auditory Verbal UK hosted a “The Power of Speech” graduate event at the UK’s House of Commons, at which various children engaged in public speaking with MPs, educators, parents and policy makers.
AVuk also launched a report, “Investing in a Sound Future for Deaf Children” with independent confirmation of the returns its approach has on the childrens’ educational attainment, social and employment prospects and quality of life.
The Hosts
Joint comperes for the event were sisters, Topaz (14) and Sade Oram (17), who spoke of their school experiences and hobbies, with Topaz indicating that she would like to become an auditory-verbal therapist herself, in future.
The Cast
One five-year-old speaker was Hope Dennis, whose father, Oliver Dennis, wrote a very honest account about “what it feels like to have a deaf child” and his family’s journey to cochlear implants and choosing the spoken language option for Hope.
Nine year old Mical Tomcak showed his puppeteering skills, while Eisa Ishaque (aged six) spoke about superheroes and how they got their powers – to change views of deaf children.
Twelve-year-old Beatrice Cadman, spoke about wanting to be a barrister, a midwife or an interior designer – and playing hockey – a sport previously seen as “risky” for deaf children.
Note: Growing evidence shows the auditory-verbal approach works for deaf infants and children detected at or near birth, who receive hearing devices at the earliest opportunity and whose families work at home to develop their spoken language.
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