Anna’s hearing loss came on suddenly, and her family did not have a history or experience with hearing loss. “We were truly at a loss,” ​remembers Anna’s mom, Kristine.

Anna was diagnosed with unilateral sensorineural moderate mixed hearing loss and has worked with a Clarke teacher of the deaf (TOD) for five years while attending mainstream schools alongside her peers with typical hearing. She wears a hearing aid, uses a hearing assistive technology system for school and has a sound field system in her classrooms.

The family’s Mainstream Services with Clarke include assistance with equipment, staff training, consults with other professionals on Anna’s support team and much more. “The list is endless of how Anna’s TOD has helped her in every possible situation,” explains Kristine. “She always makes time for us, especially being the one constant on Anna’s team when switching schools. Our Clarke TOD has really connected with Anna and is able to empathize with her and give her strategies to get through her day that her dad and I can’t do! Anna really enjoys her visits and talking to her.”

Today, Anna’s family reports that she is thriving with school and home activities including dance, basketball, horseback riding and swimming. She also plays the saxophone in the middle school band, volunteers at the food pantry and has a dog walking business! With her TOD’s help, Anna has learned to advocate for herself in classes and as a result, her family shares she’s getting all A’s and feels confident troubleshooting any issues with her equipment. Kristine is proud to note, “We truly have our Clarke TOD to thank for this!”