Adapt Girl Scout program for girls with hearing loss

by Donna Marshall

Disabilities are more common than is generally believed. There are 28 million people in the United States with a hearing loss and that number is growing every day. What causes that? What is life like for those with hearing loss? How can I help? By providing the needed support, the Girl Scout troop or group can include all girls no matter the diversity of their abilities.

Hearing is an important means of learning from the time a child is born. If the ability to hear is impaired, the development of speech and language is delayed. The girl with a hearing loss must depend on other senses, such as sight, to learn language and social skills. Sounds are measured by loudness and pitch. Two factors will help the leader determine adaptation of activities for a Girl Scout with a hearing loss – the type of loss and the severity. Becoming familiar with these factors, as well as myths and stereotypes would be the first step for the troop leader.

Characteristics of hearing loss may include motor behavior, learning ability, communication ability, emotional and social behavior. The Girl Scout with a hearing loss may have fluctuations in her ability to hear. She may be able to hear better on some days than on other days. As a troop or group leader you may observe undiagnosed hearing problems. Some signs are draining ears, constant pulling or tugging at her ears, continuous mouth breathing, and asking for information to be repeated. Adaptations for a Girl Scout with a hearing loss are focused on adjusting the method of presenting information and of directing activities. With a hearing loss, the child will often have to use her other senses to obtain information and to communicate with others.

Adapting the presentation and activities is necessary to work successfully with Girl Scouts with a hearing loss. You want her to be a part of the group and not feel isolated. Also remember to ask for her opinions, ideas, and help whenever possible. Build her self-esteem by letting her know she is an important part of your troop/group and that many successful people had hearing impairments such as Amelia Earhart-aviator, Helen Keller-author, Nanette Fabray-actress, Ronald Reagan-U.S. President, and many others.

Adapted from Focus on Abilities and adajanes@hal-pc.org.

Save these dates: Trainers’ Weekend - January 28, 2005 For all Council trainers Spring Training Event at Camp Casa Mare - March 19, 2005 Enrichment workshops for leaders working with girls of all levels (songs, games, crafts, and more) Adult Recognition Luncheon - Saturday, April 30, 2005 Train the Trainer I - Saturday, January 22, 2005