We don't like to think about it, but our kids who are deaf or hard of hearing are at a higher risk for both abuse and neglect. Like any children, they are at risk.
As children who might not always be able to communicate easily and fluently, or understand the nuances of conversation with neighbors, caregivers, or strangers, they are at an even higher risk of being victims of someone, somewhere...
If we can stop that cycle with even one child, one family... our efforts are more than worthwhile.
Hands & Voices HQ and Colorado H&V are working closely with researcher Harold Johnson at Michigan State University to understand the scope of this problem, partner with supporting agencies (who often need to learn more about deafness), and teach ourselves how best to Observe, Understand, and Respond to our children. As a result they have a section of articles addressing this issue. To keep them safe. To keep them free to grow up in the innocence of childhood.
The West Virginia School for the Deaf has been providing excellence in education for more than 130 years. They are a fully accredited public school and are free for qualifying West Virginia residents.
RELATED LINKS
Observe, Understand and Respond: the O.U.R. Children's Safety Project
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing helps families, health care providers, and educational professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
TOPICS OF INTEREST
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS
The National Cued Speech Association champions effective communication, language development and literacy through the use of Cued Speech.
The mission of the WV Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is to advocate for, develop, and coordinate public policies, regulations, and programs to assure full and equal opportunity for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing in West Virginia.
WV Association of the Deaf advocates and promotes to improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing individuals including but not limited to deaf-blind individuals, parents of deaf children, interpreters, late-deafened adults, and children of deaf adults.
Please take advantage of the amazing compilation of resources, guides, DVDs and articles available to you on a multitude of applicable topics on the Hands & Voices National website.