Paris, Tenn.–Carrie Crittendon, audiologist from the West Tennessee School For the Deaf, spoke to the Paris Quota Club about the school, its history and programs. The school began operation in 1986 as a Resource Center for those with hearing impairment before there was early intervention for children.
The school is located in Jackson across from Jackson State Community College and they serve all of West Tennessee. They have approximately 40 students at one time from 2 years old to 6th grade.
After that, students go to Knoxville to the Tennessee School for the Deaf to complete their education through high school. At the school in Jackson, the instructors sign and talk at the same time (Simultaneous Communication) and encourage all parents to start signing things like “hungry, more and finished” to their babies even if they are not hearing impaired.
It has been proven that a child will learn to talk sooner if he/she knows signs. Most deaf children are born to two hearing parents so communication between the child and parents is critical. On the other side of their school, they have a clinic for children 0-5 years of age to be tested for hearing loss. There is a 6 months wait for testing and it is free. The school works with doctors in the state to provide hearing aids and/or cochlear implants.
Joy Weathersbee, new minister at First Methodist Church, was a guest with Elizabeth Craig.
Jane Sinnema reminded everyone that we are scheduled to provide food for Noon on the Square on September 13th and 27th, 2019. We will serve hamburgers, cheeseburgers and bologna sandwiches. The band will start playing at 11:30 am, so food needs to be ready around 11:15 am.
Jill Snow announced that a membership lunch for potential members is set for Wednesday, September 18, 2019, in the front room at Lee Academy. Members will provide food. If any member has someone to suggest, please contact Jill.
Photo by Martha McFadden.
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