The Power of Play - Children's Work

PlaygroundEquipment.org

When it comes to a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive and listening and spoken language growth, nothing is more enriching and empowering than playtime. The magic of play can unfold anywhere as long as children have the freedom to unleash their imaginations - on the playground, deep in the woods, nestled in the sandbox, or inside cardboard boxes! 

This infographic provides a fun and colorful assortment of reasons to believe in the power of play and to stand up for recess across the globe.

Natural Communication, Inc. Reunion Akron, Ohio

Natural Communication, Inc

      

Carrie Spangler, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA wrote on FB, "It is not often enough that we take the time to thank wonderful professionals who have helped out my family (and me!) with the hearing loss journey. You are truly amazing and have positively impacted me in so many ways! So blessed to have you in my life as a child and now as friends and mentors! Thanks to Stacey Lim and her parents for organizing the NCI reunion and video. Loved seeing you Lynn Wagner Wood on FaceTime! — with Donald M. Goldberg, Carol Flexer, Stacey Lim and Denise Wray.

The Natural Communication Inc., Reunion was a highlight of my life and heartwarming. I can't thank you enough for remotely connecting me last night  from Illinois to Ohio. I loved hearing all the stories and seeing may familiar faces.

I am thankful that my Auditory Verbal roots are in Ohio but blessed to have moved to Illinois in the late 1980's when professionals/parents did not know that children with hearing loss could learn to listen and talk. I faced many naysayers and battled those who said that I was doing a "disservice" to children with hearing loss by guiding families and providing Auditory Verbal Therapy.

In Ohio and at the University of Akron, I was impacted and touched by countless children, their families and professionals along this journey. I love that a future of listening and talking is possible today because of some of you AV pioneers. I am in awe that Charlie and Betty Lim trusted me with their young daughter Stacey and others such as Nick and Harriet Calcagno in the earliest days.

I don't believe in coincidences and am certain that Carol Flexer came to the University at "just the right time" and she took me under her wing, guided and taught me wisely as my professor and dear friend. I didn't know back in my Ohio days how learning from Carol Flexer, Denise Wray, Marian Ernst, Daniel Ling and so many others would impact my career and the passion that still burns within me today.

Lynn with Charlie, Betty and Stacey Lim 2014 AGBELL Convention, Orlando

Last night, I was overwhelmed listening to Jessica Hengeli, Carrie Spangler and Stacey Lim and others spoke of the time when I was their AVT but honestly, I was learning from each of you, your parents as we followed our belief that spoken language was worth the effort. I wish my Illinois AV families could know that you all were the wind beneath my wings and who to grateful to because they also have children who listen and speak.

Just for the memories, I will post a few pictures. Yes, the quality is poor but these are some of the most remarkable people I know!