Big News: Exciting Updates for Our Grants to Parents Program! |
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Grants to Parents Program |
Now Accepting Applications: Grants to Parents Program!
We are excited to announce that BEGINNINGS is currently accepting applications for our Grants to Parents program online. This initiative aims to provide essential financial support to help cover hearing related expenses to those families of children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing permanently residing in the state of North Carolina and working with a Beginnings Parent Educator.
Key Details:
🔷Who Should Apply: BEGINNINGS families who have a child with hearing loss under the age of 22.
🔷Program Benefits: Small grant that can provide financial assistance to help families with hearing related expenses.
🔷How to Apply: Visit our website to complete the application and review eligibility criteria: https://ncbegin.org/how-to-help/grants-to-parents.html
The next application deadline is July 31, 2024.
If you have additional questions about this program and the application, please contact your Parent Educator.
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Pictured from left to right: Dinah (4) and older sister, Desta (6)
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| This month, we checked in with The Seyoum Family to get updates on Dinah and their family's journey navigating her hearing loss diagnosis.
Dinah failed her newborn hearing screening, was diagnosed hearing loss and received her first pair of hearing aids at 3 and a half months old. With genetic testing, the gene that caused her hearing loss was identified, but her family did not realize that Dinah's hearing loss would be progressive. Dinah was deaf by the time she was 2 and a half years old, and she and her family began learning American Sign Language (ASL). She received cochlear implants right after her 3rd birthday and Dinah communicates through ASL and spoken language.
Dinah and her family have been able to receive valuable support by working with Kelleigh Bland, Director of Programs, and their current Parent Educator, Toni Malone.
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When Dinah was a newborn, Kelleigh provided support to her parents as they processed their emotions around having a child with hearing loss. Kelleigh and Toni have spent a significant amount of time helping Dinah’s parents navigate the special education process by preparing and joining them for numerous IEP meetings.
The Seyoum Family also attended a family event early in Dinah's diagnosis, which provided them with educational materials and resources, and offered them the opportunity to meet other families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children as well as the rest of the BEGINNINGS team.
Dinah's mother, Helina, shared these tips for a new family starting their child's hearing loss journey.
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"Learn ASL! Reach out to other families with Deaf kids as well as Deaf adults."
- "Research side effects and complications from cochlear implant surgeries, and the medical team options available before you select."
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“Do your best to learn as much as possible about Deaf history, Deaf culture, and the community in general. Educating myself made it feel a lot less scary, although it still remains overwhelming. I did not know that 4 years down the road I would see my daughter's Deafness as such a wonderful, positive blessing in our lives."
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Helina also shared that she is very proud and grateful for Dinah's resilient and adaptable nature and how quickly she is learning 2 languages, English and ASL. We are also proud of The Seyoum Family's journey over these past 4 years and to hear how Dinah is thriving. We look forward to continuing to work with Dinah and her family for years to come!
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Upcoming Community Connections Events |
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Cue College: Cue Family Program |
Cue College’s Cue Family Program provides a free, online Cued Speech class to families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
What is Cued Speech?
Cued Speech combines hand cues with natural mouth movements to make spoken language visually clear, aiding deaf individuals in phoneme recognition through vision alone.
Benefits of Cued Speech:
- Enables deaf children to develop age-appropriate English language and literacy skills.
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Clarifies all spoken sounds in real-time, complementing hearing aids and implants.
- Supports bilingualism in English and ASL within families using sign language.
Access the Program:
Explore the Cue Family Program for free access to the online course "CS100 – Introduction to Cued American English – Self Study" for one year. Ideal for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children with hearing loss or communication challenges.
The Cue Family Program includes:
- Free access for one year to the online Cue College course, “CS100 – Introduction to Cued American English – Self Study”, for parents, guardians, additional family members, and caregivers of a child with hearing loss or other communication challenges
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Free 1 year membership to the National Cued Speech Association
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| Navigating Summer Adventures: Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children on the Road |
Traveling during the summer can be a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories and explore new places together. For parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, thoughtful planning and preparation can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Here are some essential tips and insights to consider:
Communication Preparation:
- Visual Communication Tools: Use visual aids such as written notes, text messages, or visual schedules to facilitate communication during travel.
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Communication Devices: Ensure hearing aids or cochlear implants are in good condition and bring extra batteries, chargers, or accessories as needed.
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Learning Basic Phrases: Teach basic travel-related phrases in sign language or gestures to help your child communicate in different situations.
Choosing Destinations and Accommodations:
- Accessibility: Research and choose destinations and accommodations that are accessible and inclusive. Look for hotels, resorts, or attractions that provide accommodations for hearing-impaired guests.
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Captioned Attractions: Prioritize attractions, tours, or shows that offer captioning or visual aids to enhance the experience.
Check out our full blog to learn about planning an enjoyable travel experience this summer!
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Give a Little to Make a BIG Impact |
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We now have the opportunity for you to become a Vendor at one of our upcoming Community Connections events!
These events bring together professionals, donors, families, and area companies to enjoy networking and fun. There will be an opportunity in Asheville on Sunday, August 11, at Highland Brewing Company, followed by our 5th annual Oyster Roast/BBQ on Sunday, November 17, from 3-6 p.m., at North Hills Club in Raleigh. Attendance at these events is usually around 100+.
For $500, you as a vendor will be provided a table to share information and admittance for 2 staff to the event. BEGINNINGS is a federally recognized 501(c)(3).
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We also have sponsorship opportunities available for our Community Connection events. We anticipate holding these events during 2025 in Charlotte, Wilmington and the Piedmont Triad.
Contact Joanna Chantemerle, Associate Executive Director, to learn more: jchantemerle@ncbegin.org.
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Behind the Scenes with BEGINNINGS |
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Joanna Chantemerle
Associate Executive Director
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Community is a concept that holds significant importance at BEGINNINGS, particularly as we prepare for our upcoming Community Connections event in Asheville on August 11th. Community can be defined as a sense of fellowship among individuals who share common interests and goals. Our Community Connections events offer an exciting opportunity to unite the families we support with professionals from across North Carolina and beyond, who can provide additional support.
These events bring families together, allowing them to share experiences while their children engage in play, fostering new friendships, and strengthening connections within their communities.
Families face numerous decisions upon learning of their child's hearing loss, from choosing communication options and technology to securing accommodations and more. Building relationships with other families in similar situations and connecting with adult role models who have hearing loss can significantly enrich their community. Sharing resources and referrals to professionals who can best serve the child and family further enhances this network.
BEGINNINGS is honored to be a part of this community, dedicated to serving families of children with hearing loss throughout North Carolina.
Looking ahead, BEGINNINGS is planning more Community Connections events across the state in the coming months. Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities. Additionally, mark your calendars for our annual Oyster Roast on November 17th in Raleigh, and anticipate events in Charlotte and Wilmington next year! We look forward to welcoming you to one of our events in the future. For any questions or further information, please don't hesitate to contact BEGINNINGS.
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Have a topic you'd like to see in an upcoming newsletter? Let us know! Send an email to marketing@ncbegin.org on any information you'd like us to feature in a future edition.
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