Did You Know?

National statistics indicate that 90% of deaf students graduate from high school with a 1st to 3rd grade reading level. A meager 8%-10% graduate with fourth grade or above reading levels.

 

Many factors contribute to this travesty. 

  1. Late discovery of diagnosis of deafness
  2. Lack of adequate early intervention (even when diagnosed early)
  3. Family members faced with the overwhelming task of learning a new communication method to communicate with their deaf child.
  4. Lack of materials for early intervention

 

All of the above adds up to language deprivation in the most crucial language learning years (0-5).  Each year the language deprivation gap grows larger as hearing peers accelerate in reading and academic skills. With this lack of basic literacy skills, a vast majority of deaf graduates are unable to become gainfully employed and must live on government assistance. 

 

Color of Language has been addressing these needs for the last seven years.  We provide literacy materials to deaf schools and programs all across the United States from Washington State to Maine down to Florida and back to California.  Most people in Bakersfield have no idea that all of that comes from right here in our own home town.

 

We are now in the process of producing a literacy curriculum for Infant- 5 yr olds.  A major component in the curriculum is the visual element essential for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.  Without the DVDs to accompany the written material, the curriculum will be only minimally effective.

 

In order to complete this project and produce quality DVDs, we need additional funding. It will require approximately $4,000 per DVD and we need to produce at least 20 for this level of the curriculum.  We are asking your organization to consider contributing toward  one or more of these DVDs.  We are also in need of funding for graphic artists and printing costs to produce all of our products.

 

If you do decide to contribute, we will need your permission to publicize your generosity in the media, on our website and on the individual DVD’s and accompanying literature. Of course, if you prefer to remain anonymous, we would certainly honor that request.

 

Thank you for your time to read this letter and your consideration in this matter.  You can contact us at the above e-mail or mailing address and phone number.   We would love to discuss the possibilities with you and possibly  bring a presentation to your organization, if that is desired or appropriate. Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Sincerely,

Sandra Heflin

President, Color of Language