**WISH GRANTED** PC3 - Deaf Department Family Group

Families and children are more likely to succeed if they are informed and supported. The Bell Family Group/ Grupo de Familias is a group created to inform, educate, and support families of children with hearing loss. The meetings are held every Friday, from 10:00 – 11:00.

Approximately 90-95 percent of children with hearing loss are born into families with hearing parents. For many families who have a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, it is usually the first time that they are experiencing what it is like to interact with someone with a hearing loss. Although some of the families have other children, they are unsure of how to raise a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The group serves as a way to bring together family members who can share their experiences and realize that there are many other people in their community who are having similar experiences.

The meetings provide families with a chance to meet Deaf adults and professionals in the school and the community who provide services to families with individuals with hearing loss. Professionals present information on programs that are appropriate for their children and their families. Chicago Hearing Society, Chicago Park District, Equip for Equality, Highlighting Education and Resources, Sinai Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Program, the Cochlear Implant team from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the Illinois Service Resource Center are some of the organizations/agencies that have come to present to the families.

The families learn about child development, hearing loss, legal rights and advocacy, and communication skills, in addition to other topics that are raised by the families. A Spanish language interpreter is provided for the meetings because the majority of the participating families are Spanish-speaking.

These funds purchase materials for the families to bring home for use with their families; items for a lending library; and the food and beverages provided at every meeting.

Note: If you would like to donate online to more than one item, Razoo requires separate transactions for each item. As always, we encourage donations by check because using Razoo will reduce your donation to Bell by their 3% transaction fee. If you need a new form, please download it from the Bell School website. Online totals shown do not include payments made by check. Go to www.agbellschool.com/wish-list for complete item totals.