Special book readings help educate students about hearing and speech disabilities
Today, Michigan City Area School (MCAS) Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Lori Jones read, “El Deafo” to Samantha White’s First Grade classroom at Joy Elementary School in recognition of Better Hearing & Speech month. “Since 1 to 3 per 1,000 children has hearing loss, we need to raise awareness about the importance of getting children hearing tests early in life,” said Lori Jones, MCAS Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
In celebration of Apraxia Awareness, the Michigan City Human Rights Commission will be reading “I Want to Be Your Friend,” next week, to students at Joy Elementary School. Apraxia is a neurological motor speech disorder that impacts 1-2 children per 1,000, according to the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association (CASANA).
“It’s important to us to educate our students, at a young age, about the various disabilities they might encounter at school and in their friendships,” said Lisa Suter, Principal of Joy Elementary School. “We are happy to have the opportunity to share the meaning of apraxia, a speech impairment that often impedes a students’ intelligible speech and their ability to communicate effectively.”
The Michigan City Area Schools Special Education program serves students across the district in a variety of settings, pre-K through grade 12. Staff members provide services in the areas of academics, behavior, social-emotional wellness, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and more. For more information, visit www.educateMC.net/specialed or call (219)873-2000.
The Michigan City Human Rights Commission provides all citizens with equal opportunities in the areas of employment, housing, and education. The Commission is committed to the citizens of Michigan City and to provide and promote equal opportunities by enforcing Human and Civil Rights issues and advocating for anti-discriminatory systems and tolerance of all people. For more information, visit www.emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/humanrights.