For most students, starting college is exciting. There are new classes, new friends, and a fresh start. But for one of our recent graduates with hearing loss, that excitement was clouded by the stress of using outdated technology.
Getting through a lecture hall is already challenging, but using equipment that does not work well and worrying if your hearing aids will stop working during class creates a barrier to success that no student should face.
A New Chapter, A New Sound
Thanks to the Special Education Foundation, this student’s story has a new ending. Through our audiology program, he recently received modern, rechargeable hearing aids as he was graduating from high school.
The change was not just technical; it was also emotional. He can now hear softer sounds he never noticed before, and more importantly, he can go to campus with real confidence. His mother shared how this has affected their family:
“With these new hearing aids, my child does not have to worry about when the rechargeable batteries will run out. He can go all day with confidence… This has lifted a financial burden that would have added stress to his college years.”
Closing the Gap for SSD Students
This is what the Arbeiter Gift of Sound is all about. While this student is moving forward with confidence, many others in the Special School District (SSD) are still waiting for their next chapter to start.
Permanent hearing aids and earmolds can cost thousands of dollars, which is simply too much for many families. Without this technology, students miss out on more than lessons. They also miss out on connecting with friends and feeling safe at school.
How You Can Help
We are holding our annual Arbeiter Gift of Sound fundraiser to make sure no student is left in silence because of money. You can help a student hear their teacher clearly for the first time.
Here are three ways you can help today:
- Make an immediate impact by texting “giftofsound” to 50155 to donate directly to our audiology program.
- Donate on our website with this link.
- Enter our raffle to support students and get a chance to win. We are giving away over $2,000 in gift cards for local restaurants and experiences.
The Arbeiter Gift of Sound campaign is named for Dianne Arbeiter, who worked for the Special School District for 25 years and led the deaf and hard of hearing program.
She passed away from cancer in 2001. Her dedication to students with hearing disabilities inspired her co-workers and family to start this annual fundraiser to honor her commitment and help the students she cared for.
In Dianne’s honor, we invite you to join this year’s campaign. The need is great, but our students show every day that your generosity makes an even bigger difference. Let’s make sure every student has what they need to succeed.
