Washington, D.C., March 29, 2007- The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) has awarded $22,355 to enable 33 students ages 6 to 19 years old who are deaf or hard of hearing and use spoken language to communicate to participate in arts and sciences exploration. This year's award winners, who represent the United States, Canada and India, reflect a diverse range of artistic and scientific interests.
"The arts and sciences provide children with hearing loss a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery and a chance to demonstrate their individual talents alongside their peers with typical hearing," said Judy Harrison, Senior Director of Programs. "By providing financial aid to families of children with hearing loss, AG Bell hopes to raise awareness of the world of opportunities open to children with hearing loss."
The AG Bell Arts and Science Program offers awards ranging from $150 to $1,500 for students identified with moderate to profound hearing loss since birth or before acquiring spoken language. Award recipients use these funds to attend programs sponsored by museums, art and music centers, science camps and dance and theater workshops. The awards committee, chaired by Peter Steyger, Ph.D., associate professor at Oregon Hearing Research Center, selected this year's recipients from among 44 qualified applicants.
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child with hearing loss has the opportunity to learn to listen and talk. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advocating Independence through Listening and Talking!
Taken from www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?p=2007_Arts_and_Sciences
