Finding Fun: Activities for a New Family’s Child
Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing (HOH) working adults in the United States, on average, earn about $15,000 less per year than families without disabilities. This financial disparity, combined with additional expenses such as medical needs, groceries and moving costs, can make it challenging for children whose parents are deaf or HOH to access experiences that others might take for granted.
The Deaf Youth and Friends Program at the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services, Inc. addresses this gap by planning monthly events that give children the opportunity to have new experiences and connect with peers. At a recent event, a family who had just moved to the area approached the staff. The father explained that the family had relocated from another state and had posted in multiple Facebook groups to find a youth group for their Deaf children. That’s when the family discovered the Center’s program and decided to attend an event to see what it was all about.
The staff welcomed the family and explained that the youth group was designed to provide new experiences and a sense of community for children with Deaf or HOH parents. The staff gave the family a card game, encouraging them to enjoy the event and have some fun. The kids spent the next couple of hours playing games, eating and making new friends.
Before leaving, the family approached the staff again, but this time the kids were the ones talking. The kids excitedly shared details about the games played, the food enjoyed and the new friends made. The parents expressed relief, noting that with the expenses of the move, there was concern about providing enriching experiences for the children. Thanks to a grant from United Way, the Center for Hearing and Deaf Services, Inc. was able to create a memorable experience for this family during their early days in a new place.
These events, with an average attendance of 30 or more, are successful in offering families experiences that might not be affordable otherwise. This is made possible through the support of United Way, which helps ensure that all families, regardless of income or ability, have access to opportunities that foster connection, growth and joy.