Blog

For families navigating the world of deafness or hearing loss, finding support that genuinely understands their unique challenges is invaluable. The **Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Guide Program**, part of the **Hands and Voices – Guide by Your Side** initiative, offers just that kind of partnership. By connecting families with trained DHH guides—adults who have grown up deaf or hard of hearing—this program provides emotional support and practical guidance from those who have lived the experience.

### A Beacon of Support

The DHH Guide Program’s core mission is to reassure families that someone who understands their journey is there to walk alongside them. The program focuses on emotional support and provides families with a unique perspective through the personal stories and experiences of DHH guides. These guides share their wisdom and insights on navigating the world with hearing loss, helping parents better understand their child’s needs while fostering hope for the future.

As one guide explained, “Our DHH guides are adults who grew up deaf or hard of hearing…they provide the unique perspective of having walked the path that your child will walk one day.” This lived experience is the cornerstone of the program, creating a nonjudgmental space where families can seek advice, share their concerns, and gain a sense of solidarity.

### Bridging Two Worlds: Language and Communication

One of the most valuable aspects of the DHH Guide Program is the ability of guides to bridge two worlds: the hearing world and the signing Deaf world. Many guides have spoken and sign language experience, allowing them to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds. This dual perspective is particularly beneficial for families navigating the challenge of deciding between spoken language and sign language for their child.

A DHH guide shared their journey: “I was fortunate to have a very dedicated family who taught me a lot about language and communication… If I can give both that child and make it accessible for them, I’m going to do that.” This sentiment highlights the program’s commitment to empowering children by providing them with all available communication tools—whether that’s learning spoken language, sign language, or both.

### Navigating Technology and Accessibility

As technology evolves, the DHH Guide Program also offers families insights into the latest tools and resources for enhancing communication and accessibility. For many families, understanding which technology or system will work best for their child’s unique needs can be overwhelming. DHH guides, who come from diverse backgrounds and have firsthand experience with assistive technology, can help families make informed decisions about what will be most effective for their child’s learning and communication.

The relationship between guides and families is one of mutual learning. Just as a Jedi master might teach a Padawan, guides, and families engage in a dynamic process of shared knowledge and discovery, helping to navigate hearing loss’s complexities with expertise and empathy.

### Inspiring Success and Building Community

Another powerful aspect of the DHH Guide Program is the representation it provides. Seeing successful adults who are deaf or hard of hearing can be deeply inspiring for both children and their families. It offers hope, showing that a child’s potential is limitless and that achievements are possible despite their challenges.

The Davies Project: Empowering Families Through Free Transportation

Navigating medical appointments can be an overwhelming challenge for families, especially those with children who face health issues. The added burden of unreliable transportation often becomes an insurmountable obstacle to accessing vital care. This is where The Davies Project makes a difference. Offering free transportation services, they provide more than just a ride—they bring hope and ensure that no child misses essential healthcare due to transportation barriers.

Bridging the Transportation Gap

For families, particularly those on Medicaid, transportation is often a major barrier to healthcare. Studies reveal that up to 70% of children reliant on specialty clinics are on Medicaid, with many missing critical appointments due to unreliable transportation.

The Davies Project’s mission is simple yet profound: to remove these barriers so that families can access the care they need. By providing free rides, they ensure children make it to their appointments while offering peace of mind to parents who might otherwise struggle to get there on time.

Volunteers: The Heartbeat of the Service

The Davies Project thrives because of its dedicated volunteers. These individuals form the backbone of the service, donating their time and resources to ensure families can access healthcare.

With over 60 volunteers, the project offers flexible schedules, allowing participants to choose when and how they can help. Volunteers use their own vehicles, adding a personal touch to every ride. To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, The Davies Project provides car seats, booster seats, and training for all drivers.

One volunteer remarked, “They are just the most incredible group of human beings,” reflecting the care and compassion that define the organization.

Ensuring Consistent Healthcare Access

For families with children facing chronic health conditions or newborns in neonatal intensive care (NICU), reliable transportation can mean the difference between attending a medical appointment and missing it.

The Davies Project prioritizes consistent transportation, whether it’s for routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or visits to cardiology or pulmonology clinics. For families with infants in the NICU, the ability to visit regularly is critical for both the baby’s healing and development. The Davies Project ensures that parents can make these essential trips without worrying about logistics.

Building Community Through Events

Beyond transportation, The Davies Project fosters a sense of community among families by organizing events like movie nights, sports gatherings, and local fairs. These occasions allow families to connect, relax, and bond outside the stresses of healthcare.

One standout event, Max’s Race, began as a memorial and has evolved into a family-friendly fair that raises awareness for the organization while bringing joy to participants.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, The Davies Project aims to expand its reach across Greater Lansing, with a broader vision of improving healthcare accessibility statewide and eventually nationwide. By collaborating with volunteers, healthcare providers, and local institutions, the organization seeks to create lasting, positive change in the lives of families in need.

Get Involved

The Davies Project relies on community support to achieve its mission. Volunteers, donors, and supporters all play crucial roles in helping the organization thrive.

Whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in events, every contribution makes a difference in ensuring children receive the healthcare they deserve. As one volunteer shared:

“I can’t imagine volunteering for an organization that does more for so many people in so many ways, especially at the most difficult times for families.”

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit their website or reach out today. Every effort counts, and with your support, The Davies Project can continue to transform the lives of families facing healthcare challenges. No family should have to navigate this journey alone.