Parent Advocate Helps Daughter, Promotes Better Hearing and Speech
Posted on 06/07/2011 @ 11:39 AM
Just Dream e-newsletter
Alex DeMolina describes herself as a parent advocate. Like many parent advocates, she became one out of necessity. Her 13-month old daughter, Kiersta Archer, was born was profound bilateral hearing loss. An auditory brainstem response confirmed that without help, Kiersta would never be able to hear anyone talk or speak in response.
Once Kiersta’s father, Brian Archer, and DeMolina recovered from the shock of the diagnosis, they were referred to the Bolesta Center at the University of South Florida Cochlear Implant Center for auditory verbal therapy for Kiersta once a week. Kiersta now has a tentative date for a cochlear implant on June 13. DeMolina is happy for the support her family has received through Bolesta and USF, and with Children’s Medical Services for helping guide the family through Medicaid and the Early Steps program’s referral to the deaf and hard of hearing program in the Hillsborough School System.
DeMolina wants the public to know about Better Hearing and Speech Month in May (see http://www.asha.org/bhsm/) which “provides opportunities to raise awareness about communication disorders and to promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing.” DeMolina said, “Early detection and intervention for hearing loss is critical.” You can contact DeMolina at alexlildemo@yahoo.com.
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