MEET OUR FAMILIES
Kentucky Hands & Voices is proud to serve families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing throughout Kentucky. If you have a child with hearing loss, you ARE NOT ALONE! Learn from some of our families here. If you would like to share your story, email a photo and quote to info@kyhandsandvoices.org.
Gine, mom to Gabriel
“After Gabriel referred on his newborn screening a couple times, I knew we were in a for an adventure as brand new parents. When the official diagnosis of a mild/moderate hearing loss came for our 6-week old, we were ready to do whatever he needed. We had great doctors and wonderful support from our family. I never expected our sweet boy to lead us to new people and a community we never knew we needed. I’m so thankful to have other parents I can call on anytime for support.”
Katie, mom to Iris & Ivy
“In a time when our journey was uncertain, [Kentucky] Hands and Voices was a welcome ray of light. Meeting other parents of kids who are DHH gave us a sense of community and network of support we desperately needed. The organized events, like the day at the zoo or the SuperHEARo 5K have not only given our daughters a chance to interact with other DHH kids, but also serve as an opportunity to celebrate our beautiful differences.”
Bethany, mom to Braddock
“Kentucky Hands and Voices has been a blessing to our family. They have provided us with a wealth of knowledge and resources, and more importantly have connected us with other families navigating similar paths. The relationships and community built through Kentucky Hands and Voices has been invaluable.”
Laura, mom to Natalie
“Hands & Voices means community with people who get it, that become family. It means getting to be part of something to help other people navigate the same trials in life I’m facing so they don’t have to feel alone.”
James, dad to Evan
“Our participation [in Hands & Voices] has provided our son with a community of peers and has connected us to other families. Our family is able to share valuable information about educational resources, hearing technology and so much more. We celebrate in each other’s successes and reach out to support other families as they begin this journey.”
Kristi, mom to Kenton
“Our hearing loss journey began when Kenton referred (failed) his newborn hearing screening at two days old. No one in our immediate family had a history of hearing loss; his diagnosis was unexpected and left my husband and me in shock. We immediately began our research but quickly found ourselves overwhelmed by all of the literature. At the beginning of our journey, our greatest blessing and the biggest help was being able to network with other families with children who were deaf or hard of hearing. We found great comfort in knowing we were not alone, that others had already walked in our shoes, and could empathize with our situation. We are forever grateful for the love, support, and guidance to those who have now become our extended family.”
Nea, mom to Tinsley
“When Tinsley was diagnosed with bilateral, profound hearing loss, my world was turned upside down. What I didn’t know then, was it was turning me in the right direction. Tinsley opened up a whole new world to me, and I’m so thankful every day that I am on this journey with the best guide I could have asked for . . . my daughter.”
Jennifer, mom to Nolabeth
“Our daughter, Nolabeth, was diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss at birth. We were shocked as we didn’t know anyone with hearing loss and didn’t know what the future would hold. We soon discovered our future was full of wonderful surprises with each step we made. This journey has been a gift full of joy, new friendships, community, and learning together as a family.”