Local Vocational School Pampers Hearing-Impaired Children
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Some 700 Clark County students suffer from hearing loss. It presents unique challenges at school and in growing up. That's why a group of children who are deaf -- or hard-of-hearing -- got some very special attention Tuesday from students at a local vocational school.
Secta Vocational School invited 15 deaf children -- ages 5 to 9 -- from Las Vegas to enjoy some pampering, starting with the school's cosmetology department.
Catherine Cottle teaches the deaf and hard-of-hearing for the Clark County School District. She says the children are getting a welcomed break from their daily struggles.
"Children with profound to severe hearing loss will typically have language delays. They may have articulation difficulties and academic needs. And they'll have the inability to socially interact with other children," said Cottle.
The level of a child's deafness is based on individual factors. But all of the children in this group must wear some sort of hearing-aid device in order to hear anything at all.
Corrine Altman raised two deaf children. "The hardest part for me as a mom was I didn't want anyone to judge them," she said.
Two of Corrine Altman's five children were born deaf. "And so sometimes it was really hard to say that they were deaf. Because so many times in our society, they relate deaf and dumb together. So a lot of times I would say they were 'hearing impaired.' "
Kim Sorenson's daughter, Aspen, was among those who enjoyed a manicure. "When your child's born, and you find out they can't hear, there's a whole array of emotions."
Kim says early detection of deafness, along with advanced hearing-aid technology, has made all the difference in Aspen's life.
"And one of the things that, as a parent, we've tried to teach Aspen is that she can overcome her challenges," said Kim.
Early detection of hearing loss has been made easier in Nevada by the passage of a bill that requires a hearing test just after a baby is born.
The children were also treated to a gourmet lunch by Secta's culinary class.
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