Success Stories
Meet adorable and cheerful Violetta.
She turns three in February and is getting ready to start preschool. What you don't see in this picture is how Violetta communicates with her family and the outside world.
This blonde bundle of energy was born in Hamburg, Germany with no complications during the pregnancy or delivery. During her first night in the hospital, Violetta had her Newborn Hearing Screening. The next morning, the nurse told Mom she did not pass and needed a follow-up test in a few months; perhaps the baby had fluid in her ears.
But a mother's instincts kicked in and Pauline knew her sweet baby was deaf. Unlike many newborns who are often sleepy and adjusting to all the new sounds, when Violetta was awake her eyes were wide open - taking in her new world visually. When Pauline had the follow-up test at three months it confirmed her daughter was profoundly deaf. Soon the family moved to Seattle, where Violetta's dad Ryan had lived.
Ryan grew up with a Deaf father and understood the importance of communication and identity. It wasn't until his father was 11 years old and met another deaf person that he understood his deafness and options for communication - and he finally got a chance to attend a school for the deaf and learn American Sign Language (ASL). That's what Ryan wanted for his daughter - for her to learn ASL and have an identity she would be proud of.
Your gift to the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC) will be a gift to Violetta and other families like hers. With over 70 years of nonprofit service, we rely on partnerships with supporting community members like you! Because it is our desire to never turn away a child or family in need of communication resources, we depend on personal and corporate contributions to serve our families. Every donation that comes in means you help another child participate in an early intervention program - preparing them for kindergarten and a life time of successes.
Pauline knew of HSDC from her sister-in-law, who volunteered years ago. A specialist from HSDC's Parent-Infant Program went to the family's home, and they visited the Center during a playgroup for deaf and hard of hearing children. Ryan and Pauline were impressed with the program - these young children were learning communication and language skills through ASL and English; they were accepted for who they are and they were having fun! At 10 ½ months Violetta started using her first signs - "dog" and "dad"! At age two, she was evaluated for early start in the Rosen Family Preschool at HSDC and passed 80% of the 3-year old milestones!
Violetta continues to make great strides in her communication and her confidence is growing! Pauline tears up when she talks about her daughter's growth, knowing she has an identity that she is proud of and will grow up to be successful at whatever she chooses. The opportunity to interact with deaf peers, as well as adult role models, has encouraged her language development. And Mom and Dad have received valuable information on Deaf Culture and reading to Violetta in ASL, and also created a network of friendships with other parents of deaf and hard of hearing children that is priceless.
You can make the difference in the lives of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or facing speech challenges with your generous donation of $50, $100 or $200. Your gift of will go directly to our programs serving community members who find hope and success at HSDC!
Regards,
Susie Burdick
CEO
P.S. In the words of Helen Keller... "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." I hope you will share your heart with children and families like Violetta's and make a donation that will have a direct impact now and for future years!
Gifts of $200 or more will receive a set of newly released note cards featuring art work from the preschoolers at HSDC!
