Low Incidence News

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Enjoy a “Family Getaway Weekend”

Twenty families participated in the fourth annual “Family Getaway Weekend” for Region 9 families of children who receive special education services as deaf/hard of hearing learners held March 19-20 at the Holiday Inn in Mankato.  The event is planned by the Region 9 teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing and coordinated by Ann Vaubel, TDHH with Mankato Area Schools.  The event is an opportunity for parents to increase their knowledge of issues related to the communication and social/emotional development of their children.  It’s also a time for parents to share their experiences in parenting a deaf/hard of hearing child and for families to have fun together.

Families arrived Friday evening for a pizza feast before the parents listened to a presentation by Ron Lybarger, a psychologist who specializes in working with deaf/hard of hearing children.  Dr. Lybarger’s topic on Friday evening, and continuing on Saturday morning, was “Fostering Resiliency in Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children.”  His appearance was sponsored by the Lifetrack Resources—Greater Minnesota Assessment Service, which is a program funded through a state grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

Parents were also able to meet with Dan Kallaus, Audiology Consultant with the Region 9 Low Incidence Project, Pam Guerrero of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services, and Tracy Henning, Equipment Distribution Specialist from the Rochester Office of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services.

Children’s activities included music games led by Minnesota State University, Mankato music education students, friendship building skills led by Pat Hall, Elementary Counselor for Mankato Schools, a self-defense class taught by Christy Gibbs, and craft projects.

The Family Getaway is very much appreciated by the parents and children and is made possible with financial support from several sources:  Region 9 Low Incidence Project, Interagency Early Intervention Committees of Blue Earth and Watonwan Counties, Minnesota Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services, Mapleton Sertoma Club, Key City Sertoma Club, and the Mankato Sertoma Club.  Volunteers from Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota State University, Mankato and from the community helped with child care and kids’ activities.  Food items were donated by Cub Foods, HyVee Food Store, Econo Foods, and Wal-Mart.