Listen and Learn with Summertime Would You Rather? Questions.

Would You Rather? questions are great fun for higher level listeners

 or those with an auditory processing disorder. 

Present these intriguing questions through hearing alone to target auditory memory, auditory processing and comprehension abilities. This activity is great for practicing critical thinking because they require the listener to evaluate two different, but seemingly equally appealing (or unappealing) options and choose one. Expressive language skills are expanded as their choice is explained and defended. 

Click here for your FREE download from Minds-in-Bloom.

The Difference You've Made In The Life Of My Child

I was grateful to receive this kind note of appreciation this week from a parent a few years after working with her son in therapy for an auditory processing disorder.

"Hi, Lynn,

I wanted to give you an update on _____ and how far he has come after working with you. 

As he entered junior high, I felt there was a piece of the puzzle still missing. After his Auditory Processing Disorder was diagnosed, and he had 2 years of intensive therapy with you, he seemed better with directions, school work, and life.  His grades in high school have far outpaced his grades in junior high.

Last fall he took the PSAT and scored very high; he is in the running for a National Merit Scholar seat.  He also took the ACT in Dec and scored a 35.  He plans on applying to very competitive schools and wants to study chemical engineering.  I feel that the APD therapy helped him realize his potential and he was able to prove to himself, peers, and teachers that he is smart.  LD’s do not define him.  Most importantly, _____  recognizes the difference the therapy made in his life.  Many times he was reluctant to go, but now, agrees that he needed help.  

He is also a rock star when playing Taboo.  My mother attributes it to the games you use to play with him.

Thank you for all you did to help _____  and exhibiting extreme patience when working with him (he remains VERY stubborn)!

Many thanks,

_____"

This quote by Dr. Suess was included in the note. 

Fun-tastic Summer Auditory Therapy!

 I am one of the sponsors of the Illinois U46 Deaf and HH 5K on May 14th and was asked to provide flyers regarding summer auditory therapy to enclose in the runner's "swag bags". 

Feel free to share a flyer with a friend, family or students who may benefit from summer therapy. 

 Click HERE to print the attached flyer. 

Ask Me About Cochlear Implants

My husband Michael is volunteering for a few weeks on a construction trip in Banyoles (Girona), Spain with a team from Wheaton Bible Church in Illinois.

 He sent a pic of himself wearing an Advanced Bionics, Ask Me About Cochlear Implants t-shirt. I hope he has listened to me all these years and knows how to answer. Ha!

Inspiring Story - College Senior Accepts Position with Prestigious Law Firm

Congratulations Drake on your upcoming position. I am thankful I was able to work with you and your family for a couple years providing auditory habilitation after you received your CIs!  One memory I have of you as a bright, young entrepreneur is that you raised love birds and sold them to pet shops. 😀 I am very proud of your character and future hopes.

I have been blessed also with the opportunity to work together with the Drake's three younger siblings. All five of the Darrah children are internationally adopted. The Darrah's are raising their family with Cued Speech and wanted additional auditory based therapy for their children who today are all growing up and are engaging compassionate and successful individuals.

HOW COCHLEAR IMPLANTS ARE MADE- Behind the scenes

I've been a guest at Advanced Bionics Headquarters in Valencia, CA and viewed cochlear implants being made, seeing the technology and meeting the people.  One of my AVT graduates recently toured also and saw where her CI was built. It was amazing that the gift of hearing was being created in our view.

Below are links from the Med-EL Blog for behind-the-scenes look at how 
 MED-EL cochlear implants are made. 

How a Med-EL Cochlear Implant is made - Part 1

How a Med-EL Cochlear Implant is made - Part 2

How a Med-EL Cochlear Implant is made - Part 3

IL Hands & Voices / Guide By Your Side - We’re All E.A.R.S. Family Fun Walk

Welcome to the IL Hands & Voices / Guide By Your Side semi-annual We’re All E.A.R.S. Family Fun Walk. 

Get your walking shoes ready to raise money for families in Illinois to continue to received much needs services from our organization.

Click HERE for my FUNDRAISING page

Click HERE for the FUN WALK REGISTRATION page

I am on the Board of the ILLINOIS HAND & VOICES organization and support -

Our Mission:

Illinois Families for Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization that supports families with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodologies.

Our Vision:

We envision a world where children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing have every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Our Motto:

“What works for your child is what makes the choice right.” ^TM

Who Are We?

• We are families with children who have all types of hearing loss.
• We use many different types of communication modes: Auditory Verbal, Auditory-Oral  Cued Speech, American Sign Language, Signed English, Simultaneous Communication and Total Communication.
• We are deaf and hard-of-hearing adults.
• We are professionals.
• We are from every corner of the state of Illinois.
• We are united, because we are Hands & Voices.