AG Bell Will Host National Spelling Bee Participant Neil Maes for Media Interviews on May 24.
WHAT
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) will host deaf Scripps National Spelling Bee participant Neil Maes and his family for a media briefing on Tuesday, May 24 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the historic AG Bell Volta Bureau. Neil, who has bilateral cochlear implants, and his family will share their challenges and triumphs in their journey with deafness to the national spelling bee competition.
After hard work and dedication--and countless hours of speech-language therapy—Neil will share the stage at the National Spelling Bee with his peers from across the nation, demonstrating the possibilities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing for listening, and for spoken language and literacy.
Attendees will hear first-hand about the unique challenges Neil faces as a deaf spelling bee contestant, and how he uses cochlear implants and other hearing assistive technology to overcome barriers.
Neil continues to beat the odds and defy skeptics with each accomplishment as he moves closer to his goal of advocating for people with hearing loss. What some may see as a disadvantage, Neil has used as an opportunity, showing the world the true definition of tenacity.
Participants will also be able to tour the historic Volta Bureau (3417 Volta Place, NW, Washington, DC 2007), the national historic landmark building that was built by Dr. Alexander Graham Bell as a resource library on hearing and speech. Visitors will learn about the history of the man who invented the telephone, and who was a teacher of the deaf and founder of the organization. Today AG Bell continues to help people who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen, talk, learn and live in the mainstream.
WHERE
3417 Volta Place, NW, Washington, DC
WHO
Christy and Peter Maes and their son, Neil Maes
Michael Hoa, M.D. – Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, J.D., CFRE – AG Bell Chief Executive Officer
WHEN
Tuesday, May 24, 2016, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
CONTACT
To RSVP for the media briefing, contact David Harrison at david@harrisoncommunications.net or 410-804-1728
About the AG Bell Association
Founded in 1890 by Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, a noted teacher of the deaf, scientist, and inventor, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) is the world’s oldest and largest membership organization promoting the use of listening and spoken language by children and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing.
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advancing Listening and Spoken Language for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Visit www.agbell.org.
