VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children

Overview VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children, also known as VOICE for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families of children with hearing loss. Registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the Business Number 123609364RR0001, VOICE is recognized as a charitable organization, compliant with CRA requirements.

History

Established in the early 1960s by parents of children with hearing impairments, VOICE was formed with the goal of integrating children with hearing loss into mainstream schools. This vision was driven by families seeking to ensure their children received education alongside their hearing peers, fostering a community that shared experiences and provided support.

Mission and Vision

The organization's vision is to empower children who are deaf or hard of hearing to achieve their full potential in listening and spoken language, regardless of their preferred communication approach. VOICE is committed to:

• Empowerment: Advocating for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families.
• Community Support: Creating a supportive network that values diverse communication approaches while maximizing listening and spoken language skills.
• Public Education: Educating the public about the capabilities of children with hearing loss to learn listening and speaking skills.

Programs and Services

VOICE focuses on four primary areas:

1. Mentorship: Providing guidance and support through experienced mentors.
2. Advocacy: Promoting the rights and interests of children with hearing loss.
3. Family Support: Offering resources and services to families of children with hearing impairments.
4. Public Education: Raising awareness about hearing loss and the potential for children to develop spoken language skills.

Impact

VOICE has become one of the largest support organizations for families of children with hearing loss in Canada. By connecting hundreds of families, it has facilitated a network where parents and professionals can share knowledge and resources. The organization continues to grow, serving as a pivotal platform for empowering children with hearing loss and their families to achieve educational and personal successes.

[1] https://www.voicefordeafkids.com [2] https://www.voicefordeafkids.com/About-us [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/voice-for-hearing-impaired-children/ [4] https://211ontario.ca/service/68972140/voice-for-children-who-are-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-voice-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-children/ [5] https://causes.benevity.org/causes/124-123609364RR0001