Tips for the Holidays

We've all been there. We find ourselves this time of year walking into a family member's house to celebrate the holidays with children who have hearing loss, a crowd of people chatting (often loudly) catching up on a year's worth of history, Christmas music blaring in the background...

It can be stressful for adults, let alone the children who struggle to hear basic conversation at times like these. Here are some tips from expert Paula Rosenthal at Hearing Exchange to make these situations easier.

"1.  Include Your Child in the Planning

 2.  Arrange Strategic Seating Assignments

 3.  Consider Using an FM Listening Device

 4.  Keep the Music Down

 5.  Develop a Signal"

To read her complete article, visit her website.

Usually family is very understanding and will accommodate you much more willingly with prior notice. Walking in and turning the music down in their home or rearranging seating can seem rude but a quick phone call or email a few days prior to the visit will be appreciated. Not only will the hostess thank you, your child with hearing loss will too, and everyone should be more comfortable.

PEEPs to visit Imagination Place (N & Central AL)

If you are in North or Central Alabama and have a hearing impaired child, please come out to Imagination Place in downtown Gadsden on Sunday Nov 7 from 2-3:30 p.m. Imagination Place has a neat children's museum and guests will be treated to some fun and crafty activities. Email Val to RSVP by October 28 and be sure to include how many tickets you'll need and ages of the children. For more information click here.

Two PEEPs Bounce and Play Events set for South Alabama

Come bounce and play Saturday, November 6 from 11:30-1:30 at Pump It Up in Mobile. Pump it Up is located at 741-A Hillcrest Road. Socks are required. There is no charge for deaf children. If siblings want to bounce there is a $6 fee per child. Space is limited! Reservations must be made by Friday, November 4 to ashley.peeps@yahoo.com

Our second event will be held Saturday, December 4 from 1:00-3:00pm at The Little Gym of the Eastern Shore in Daphne. The Little Gym is located at 6900 U.S. Highway 90, Suite 11, next to the Rave Movie Theater. Reservations are required and spots are limited. Reservations must be made by Friday, December 3 to ashley.peeps@yahoo.com

Refreshments and snacks will be provided at both events. To reserve you spot email ashley.peeps@yahoo.com with the number of spots you need!

HEAR Center Pumpkin Patch 2010

Many families from the HEAR Center gathered Saturday at Bennett Farms in Heflin, to enjoy a beautiful day at the pumpkin patch. There was a hay ride, pumpkin paiting, a hay maze and more! The petting zoo seemed to be a big hit with the children.

PEEPs in the Park-Daphne 2010

We had such a great visit to Daphne, AL. If you missed this PEEPs in the Park, check out the pictures from this event. We had lots of children and the scenery could not have been more beautiful.

HEAR Center families: Pumpkin Patch in October

Call 205-939-5816 by 4:30 p.m. on 9/27/10 if you would like to reserve your family's tickets. Be sure to leave the number of adults and children on the message. HEAR Center will buy the first 3 tickets per family. Additional tickets are $5 each with reservations. This event is for HEAR Center patients only.

Come out to the pumpkin patch

Date: October 2, 2010

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Place: Bennet Farms

Address: 1073 Co Rd 13, Heflin 35264

RSVP required: 205-939-5816 or email

Click here for more info about Bennet Farms

PEEPs in the Park-Daphne

PEEPs IN THE PARK

Saturday, September 25

10 a.m. -12 noon

May Day Pier & Park

Daphne, Alabama

Please RSVP Ashley.peeps@yahoo.com by Sept. 24

PEEPs IN THE PARK allows children with hearing loss and

their families to meet, play and share their experiences.

We want all the families from South Alabama to come out

and meet each other. Refreshments will be provided, so

come out and play!