David Luterman to Speak at Clarke's Family Weekend

Families of children with hearing loss ages newborn to 14 years are invited to Clarke's Family Weekend July 24th - July 26th to get together with other families, participate in workshops and meet professionals in the fields of audiology, education, and mainstreaming.

David Luterman, D.Ed, Professor Emeritus at Emerson College and Director of the Thayer Lindsley Family Centered Program at Emerson College will give the keynote address, Contemporary Issues in Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children - a Fifty Year Perspective. Luterman is a national speaker who has authored several books on raising children with hearing loss.

Other weekend presentations include: Clarke Pennsylvania Director Judy Sexton, M.S. and Clarke Teacher Linda Findlay, M.E.D. will present Listening and Language: Power for Literacy, a one hour presentation followed by break-out sessions.

Clarke's Early Intervention expert Dr. Janice Gatty will present Families are Listening: Creating Lifelong Happiness.

Cochlear Implant Surgeon Theodore Mason, M.D., of Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Springfield and Audiologist Jeanne Coburn, Au.D. CCC-A/SLP, of Baystate Health will participate in a panel discussion where parents can ask their own questions.

Clarke's Mainstream Services Director Claire Troiano and author and consultant Claire Blatchford will present Sustaining Success: Parents and Children Advocating. This session will offer practical information and advice shared from over 30 young adults with hearing loss on how they developed the self confidence needed to advocate for themselves in today's world.

While parents participate in sessions and workshops, children will enjoy fun, structured activities such as music, arts and crafts led by Clarke staff. There will also be swimming, a cookout, and a Family Game Night.

The cost is $350 for families who register before June 1 and $395 per family after June 1. This includes lodging, meals and workshops. Limited financial aid is available. To register for Family Weekend, please contact Chris Jackman at Clarke at (413) 584-3450 ext.7322 or email info@clarkeschool.org