Our Stories

Ally

Our Stories

Meet Ally: A History Buff Driven by Purpose

Ally, a 2022 alum from Clarke in Northampton, is currently pursuing a Liberal Arts degree at Greenfield Community College. Diagnosed with profound mixed hearing loss, Ally benefited from Clarke’s Mainstream Services, which helped her progress smoothly to mainstream school alongside her peers with typical hearing.

While receiving services from Clarke, Ally learned to champion her needs for her needs as an individual with hearing loss. “I have learned to speak up for myself, never give up and persevere through the challenges I have faced,” she reflects.

Her Listening and Spoken Language journey has also helped her develop essential organizational skills, equipping her with the tools to succeed in all areas of life. Ally believes her “can-do” attitude will continue to carry her far both in and out of the classroom.

As a 2024 recipient of the Caroline A. Yale Memorial Fund Scholarship, Ally plans to further her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history, with the goal of becoming an archivist or historian. She is passionate about these careers, which rely heavily on research and the preservation of artifacts.

To learn more about the Caroline A. Yale Memorial Fund Scholarship and this year’s recipients, click here.

More Stories

Chase

Walking for What’s Possible: Chase’s Story As a newborn, Chase failed his hearing screening and his family quickly learned he had severe to profound hearing loss. After receiving cochlear implants just two months before his first birthday, Chase and his parents began a journey

Kaylee

Finding Her Voice: Kaylee’s Story After failing her newborn hearing screening and attending several follow-up appointments, Kaylee, only 9 months old, was diagnosed with bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueducts (EVA), a form of sensorineural hearing loss that can progress over time.

Jaxson

The Gift of Communication: Jaxson’s Story Born with moderate-severe hearing loss and diagnosed at birth, Jaxson was fitted with bilateral Phonak hearing aids at just 3 months old. Like so many families, his parents faced uncertainty in those early days

Greyson

From a Few Words to a “Dictionary” of Language: Greyson’s Story When Greyson Conway failed his newborn hearing screening, Ally and Michael stepped into the unknown. At just two months old, Greyson was diagnosed with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing

Jaimie

Jaimie’s Journey Comes Full Circle When Clarke Massachusetts alum, Jaimie, was a baby, her parents knew something wasn’t right. They noticed she wasn’t responding to sound which began a series of medical appointments. At 11 months old, Jaimie was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. Determined