LEAP Testimonials
The AG Bell LEAP program began as a High School program in 2021 but participants have already been affected by their experience. Attendees have said their experience has empowered them and given them tools to advocate for themselves and others. Participants often experience a new sense of belonging and describe the positive effects of having a new support system through other LEAP participants. We are so excited to offer LEAP to middle school students next!
Below is a selection of testimonials from High School Teens of the 2021 LEAP program.
“I loved the LEAP program! It was so amazing to finally have an opportunity to meet kids who are deaf and hard of hearing with assistive technologies/devices like me, especially as someone who grew up mainstreamed. I loved learning about accommodations/ADA, conversation skills, and self-advocacy skills!”
“Thank you for having this program, it is a great opportunity for high school students with hearing loss to learn how they can self-advocate for themselves, how to utilize their strengths, and more! I enjoyed this program very much. ”
“One of the most significant things I learned from LEAP was the diversity in equipment that my peers use in school settings.”
“I learned that I am not alone in my hearing loss journey and that to get the best experiences, I apply my values and strengths in everything I do in life.”
“The most significant thing I learned from LEAP is that there are other teens with hearing loss all over the world who share the same experiences.”
“The most significant things that I learned from LEAP were all the tips on how to better difficult communication situations and on how to use my strengths to their full potential.”
“One thing I plan to do differently now that I have done LEAP is to advocate for myself more.”
“I plan to try and use my strengths to their full potential everyday in order to achieve everything that I would like to do.”
TEENS WITH HEARING LOSS NEED EACH OTHER
Many teens who are deaf and hard of hearing have used technology from a young age to help them hear and function in a mainstream environment. While this creates many opportunities for these teens, it also brings challenges, including feelings of isolation, not feeling accepted or understood, and discomfort with or fear of being challenged. Success in the mainstream for youth with hearing loss means that from a very young age, they must be able to advocate for themselves, learn about their strengths and abilities, and connect with peers who have similar life experiences.