One of the best things that happened to me after I found out I was Hard of Hearing was meeting other DHH kids. For a long time, I thought I was the only kid at my school - maybe the only kid in the whole city - who wore hearing aids. It felt really lonely.
Then my parents found a group for DHH families, and everything changed. I met other kids who understood what it was like to have trouble hearing the teacher, or to feel tired from listening all day. They got it! And I didn't have to explain everything. That feeling of being understood was amazing.
Why Community Matters
Being part of a DHH community has helped me in so many ways:
- I feel less alone. Knowing other kids like me exist makes a huge difference. I'm not the only one!
- I learn from others. Other DHH kids and their families share tips and advice that really help.
- I have role models. Meeting older DHH kids and adults shows me what's possible. They're doing cool things!
- I can just be myself. In the DHH community, I don't have to explain my hearing aids or why I need things repeated. Everyone understands.
- My parents get support too. The parents in our group help each other with everything from finding audiologists to understanding IEPs.
Ways to Find DHH Community in Seattle
Seattle and the Puget Sound area have lots of ways to connect with other DHH people. Here are some ideas:
Family Support Groups
There are groups specifically for families with DHH children. These groups usually meet regularly (sometimes monthly) and have events for both kids and parents. My family joined one when I was in second grade, and we still go to their events. Check our Resources page for organizations that run these groups.
Deaf Community Events
The Deaf community in Seattle hosts lots of events throughout the year. These might include:
- Deaf coffee chats (yes, they have hot chocolate for kids!)
- ASL story times at libraries
- Deaf sports leagues and games
- Cultural events and celebrations
- Festivals and fairs
Even if your family doesn't use sign language, these events are welcoming to all DHH people and their families. It's a great way to meet others and learn more about Deaf culture.
Summer Camps
Some summer camps are specifically for DHH kids. These camps are amazing because everyone there understands what it's like to be DHH. You don't have to explain anything - you can just have fun! Some camps focus on outdoor activities, some on arts, and some on technology. I went to a DHH camp last summer and made some of my best friends there.
School Programs
Some schools in Seattle have programs where DHH students are grouped together for some classes. This can be a great way to meet other DHH kids who go to the same school. Ask your school district about DHH programs and resources.
Online Communities
With my parents' permission and supervision, I've also found DHH communities online. There are groups for DHH kids and teens, as well as groups for parents. These can be helpful for connecting with people who might not live nearby, and for asking questions and getting advice.
Learning American Sign Language (ASL)
Even though I mostly communicate by speaking and using hearing aids, I've started learning American Sign Language (ASL). Here's why:
- It connects me to Deaf culture. ASL is the language of the Deaf community, and learning it helps me understand and appreciate that culture.
- It's useful in noisy places. When it's too loud to hear, I can sign with friends who know ASL.
- It's a backup. If my hearing aids ever stop working or I can't wear them (like in water), I can still communicate.
- It's fun! Learning a new language is cool, and signing with friends feels like a secret code.
There are ASL classes for kids in Seattle. Libraries sometimes offer them for free, and community colleges have classes too. My family is learning together, which makes it more fun!
Getting Involved
Once you find your DHH community, there are lots of ways to get involved:
- Attend events regularly. The more you go, the more friends you'll make.
- Volunteer. As you get older, you can help at events for younger DHH kids.
- Share your story. Your experiences might help someone who's newly diagnosed.
- Advocate. Speak up for DHH accessibility in your school and community.
- Mentor younger kids. When I meet younger DHH kids, I try to be the kind of older kid I wish I'd known when I was first diagnosed.
A Note for Parents
From Amelia's dad: If you're a parent of a newly diagnosed DHH child, finding community might feel overwhelming on top of everything else. But it's worth the effort. Connecting with other families has helped us so much - not just for Amelia, but for our whole family.
Start small. Join a Facebook group or email list. Attend one event. You don't have to do everything at once. But I promise, finding your people will make this journey easier.
You're Not Alone
If you're a DHH kid in Seattle and you haven't found your community yet, please don't give up. We're out here! Check out the organizations on our Resources page, and know that there are lots of kids like you in the Puget Sound area.
And if you want to connect with me, send a message through our contact page. I'd love to hear from you!