| Connect Society | |
|---|---|
 Connect Society in 2009 | |
| Location | |
| Information | |
| Established | 1963 |
| Website | connectsociety.org |
Connect Society is a school and a non-profit educational society in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.[1][2] Founded in 1963, Connect Society provides services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals,[3] as well as children of deaf adults.[4][5][6]
History
editConnect Society was founded in 1963 as the Association for the Hearing Handicapped.[7][8] In 2002, Hilda Marian Campbell wrote that "Edith Preston... worked with the Association for the Hearing Handicapped, now known as the Connect Society, to open the first preschool for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children in the basement of Cross of Christ Church in 1962."[9]
From 1979 until 2010, Connect Society was located at 11342 127 Street in the Northwest Edmonton neighborhood of Inglewood.[10][11][12] Since 2010, Connect Society has been located in the Alberta School for the Deaf.[13] Connect Society received a $35,000 grant from Desjardins in 2018.[14]
Programs
editCommunity Living Support Services
editIndividuals with developmental impairments who are Deaf or hard of hearing can receive residential help from Connect Society's Community Living Support Services (CLSS). Services are provided on a needs-basis and might range from sporadic to round-the-clock assistance. The majority of people have variable support needs, and the program is flexible enough to meet their needs.[15] The CLSS Program offers hands-on assistance so that people can live as independently as possible and take part in society however they see fit. The CLSS staff members have a wealth of expertise and education in American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and assistive technology for the Deaf. This includes accessing services through interpreters for professional visits, using hearing aids, lighting systems for doorbells and fire alarms, community activities for the Deaf, and day-to-day help as needed or identified with clear communication in ASL.[16]
Early Childhood Services
editConnect Society's Early Childhood Services (ECS) program provides specialized preschool and kindergarten education for children aged 3 to 6 who are Deaf or hard of hearing, or who have family members with hearing loss. The program integrates both English and American Sign Language (ASL) into its curriculum, ensuring that children develop robust language skills in a bilingual environment. ECS focuses on speech and language development, social interaction, and pre-academic skills, preparing children for successful transitions into mainstream or specialized educational settings.[17]
Early Intervention Program
editThe Early Intervention Program (EIP) at Connect Society supports children from birth to three and a half years old who are Deaf or hard of hearing, as well as children of Deaf parents (CODA). EIP offers both in-home and community-based support to help these young children develop essential communication and cognitive skills.[18] The program includes individualized plans that address the unique needs of each child and their family, fostering an environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Family Support Services
editFamily Support Services at Connect Society are designed to assist families affected by hearing loss in navigating and accessing community resources. The program provides support in various areas, including education, health, and social services. Family Support staff work closely with families to develop strategies and resources that enhance their ability to communicate and connect with each other and their community. This holistic approach ensures that families are well-equipped to handle the challenges associated with hearing loss.
In-Home Sign Communication Program
editThe In-Home Sign Communication Program offers personalized support for families who wish to learn American Sign Language (ASL). This program is particularly beneficial for families with Deaf or hard of hearing members, enabling them to communicate effectively within their home environment. Qualified instructors provide lessons tailored to the specific needs and learning styles of each family, ensuring that all members can participate fully in family life through improved communication skills.
Literacy Programs
editConnect Society offers comprehensive Literacy Programs that cater to both family and adult literacy needs. The Family Literacy Program focuses on promoting early literacy skills and social interaction for young children through home and center-based activities.[19] The Adult Literacy Program provides support for Deaf and hard of hearing adults, helping them to improve their reading and writing skills. These programs aim to enhance overall communication abilities and empower individuals to achieve greater independence and success in their personal and professional lives.[20]
Stay and Study Program
editThe Stay and Study Program facilitates access to specialized educational programs for students from outside the greater Edmonton area. This program connects students with Host Families, providing them with a supportive and inclusive home environment while they attend Connect Society's educational programs. The Stay and Study Program ensures that all students, regardless of their geographical location, have the opportunity to benefit from the high-quality education and services offered by Connect Society.
Notable alumni
edit- Angela Petrone Stratiy
- Carole Sue Bailey
- Charmaine LeTourneau
- Jeremy Witten
- Jolanta Lapiak
- Kathy Dolby
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Kent, Gordon (October 25, 1997). "Multitude of Organizations Helping Kids Need Help Too: Connect Society". Edmonton Journal. p. G4.
- ^ Heinrich, Kim (June 24, 1993). "Agencies Visit Hearing Impaired". Edmonton Journal. p. B4.
- ^ Holubitsy, Jeff (March 17, 2001). "Cochlear Ear Implant Introduces Emma To Hearing World". Edmonton Journal. p. B6.
- ^ Withey, Elizabeth (March 25, 2013). "Newborn Hearing Tests Win Key Support—Finally". Edmonton Journal. p. B1.
- ^ Tait, Cam (October 18, 1998). "Caring Folks Need To Feel Needed, Too". Edmonton Journal. p. G2.
- ^ Howell, David (June 5, 2003). "Cancelled Course A 'Huge Loss' For Deaf". Edmonton Journal. p. B3.
- ^ MacDonald, Lesley (January 3, 2009). "Loud and Clear: Linda Cundy Passionate Advocate for Rights of Deaf". Edmonton Journal. p. G2.
- ^ Tait, Cam (November 10, 1999). "Today's Question—Will The United Way Fool The Guesser?". Edmonton Journal. p. G5.
- ^ Campbell, Hilda Marian (2002). Deaf women of Canada. Duval House Publishing. p. 108. ISBN 9781552202654.
- ^ Unland, Karen (March 17, 2001). "It's So Much More Than Just A School". Edmonton Journal. p. B9.
- ^ Ross Watson, Shannon (February 25, 1999). "Figures Don't Tell Full Story". Edmonton Journal. p. A21.
- ^ Schuler, Corinna (March 15, 1994). "Parents of Deaf Kids Fear For School's Future". Edmonton Journal. p. B3.
- ^ Simons, Paula (March 8, 2014). "Sign Language Spoken Here". Edmonton Journal. p. B4-B5.
- ^ Shewell, Ginger (August 1, 2018). "Desjardins invests in Canada with Better Things Community Grants program". PR Newswire.
- ^ "Gates of Isolation Open with Sign Language: Alberta School for the Deaf Provides Services to Aboriginal Communities". Windspeaker. July 4, 1994. pp. R7.
- ^ Williams, Kenneth (February 1, 1997). "School for the Deaf Welcomes Aboriginal Students". Windspeaker. p. 23.
- ^ "Helping Families With Hearing Loss". Edmonton Examiner. November 24, 2010. p. 44.
- ^ "connect-society-an-organization-for-children-and-adults-with-a-hearing-loss | CharityProfile | Donate Online". CanadaHelps - Donate to any charity in Canada. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Schools and Programs in Canada". American Annals of the Deaf. 165 (2): 218. 2020 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Educational Programs for Deaf Students". American Annals of the Deaf. 163 (2): 116–208. 2018 – via ProQuest.