The Salus University chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) knows the challenges that those with hearing loss face every day. At the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI), the University’s clinical facility for the Osborne College of Audiology, students are working to diagnose, educate, and treat hearing loss in patients of all ages. Led by former humanitarian co-chairs, Roksolana Voshchilo ‘18AUD and Meaghan McElroy ‘18AUD, the SAA has assembled a program to bring together local children with hearing loss for a day of education, motivation, and most of all, fun.
The Hear-oes “Just Like Me” program is open to children ages four through eleven-years-old and will be held at the Hafter Student Community Center on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The purpose of the day is to bring together children with hearing loss to build their self-esteem, allow them to hear personal testimonies from adults with hearing loss that will encourage them in their everyday lives, and to educate parents and children about the services offered at both of the University’s Elkins Park, Pa. clinical facilities - the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) and the Speech-Language Institute (SLI).
“We want them to leave our event knowing that they can reach for the stars, be confident in advocating for themselves, know how to stand up against bullying, and make friends with other children in similar shoes,” Roksolana said. “We believe that it's important to educate children about personal uniqueness, and build self-esteem through encouraging testimonies and self-advocacy.”
An additional goal of the event is to encourage the Salus community to volunteer their time, energy and special skills by participating in this philanthropic event with the purpose of encouraging and educating children with hearing loss, according to Roksolana.
The organizers of Hear-oes
During the event, Audiology students are teaming up with students from the University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)—along with faculty—to provide programming surrounding physical activity, a song station, super advocate crafts, story treasure hunts, an anti-bullying station, and “Hear-oe Like Me” speakers.
“Each station is unique and will focus on each age group,” Roksolana said. “We will have speakers who have succeeded with a hearing loss motivate the children through their own testimonials of their struggles and successes.”
The day will end with a skit put on by students teaching a lesson on personal uniqueness and “Hear-oes Against Bullying.” The message will resonate with participants at home, their schools, and everywhere they go.
“Our Audiology and SLP students have stood up to the challenge and are engaged in organizing an amazing event,” said Roksolana. “We are truly grateful for their insight, new ideas, and big hearts when it comes to volunteering their time and resources. We hope that this event will become a yearly Salus tradition and a great contribution to our society.”
