ABOUT US
Our primary goal is to drive positive and impactful change at all levels. We are dedicated to advocating for family and community solutions for children and young adults with hearing loss. Additionally, we strive to raise awareness about the importance of early intervention, detection, and reducing societal stigmas that affect children with disabilities.
Our mission centers around establishing and maintaining a comprehensive support network for children in need of hearing loss intervention in Grenada and other Caribbean islands. We believe that every child deserves the gift of hearing, speech, equal opportunities, and an improved quality of life, regardless of their deafness, deafblindness, or being hard of hearing (HOH).
Recognizing that deafness is a cultural identity and not just a matter of hearing loss, we work alongside prominent advocates in the deaf and hard of hearing community. Our aim is to ensure that every individual within this community has access to the necessary resources.
As a core part of our mission, our organization collaborates with subject matter experts in the field to conduct Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs in Grenada. Recognizing the need and lack of resources, we plan to expand our initiatives to other Caribbean islands. Numerous studies have highlighted the crucial role of early diagnosis in the development of speech, language, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities. We firmly believe that successful treatment is best achieved through early identification, ideally within the first month of a child's life. However, there are still children born with significant hearing loss who remain
undiagnosed. Through our pilot project, we aim to promote the practice of screening every newborn for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. In cases where infants do not pass the screening, we will ensure they receive diagnostic evaluations before three months of age and, when necessary, are enrolled in early intervention programs by six months of age. Initially, our organization will focus on screening children from early childhood through secondary school levels. We will provide appropriate care to children identified with hearing deficits, including interventions from Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians, hearing aids, or surgical procedures.
SERVICING
GRENADA, CARRIACOU AND
PETITE MARTINIQUE
DETERMINED
WE ARE
We are determined to promote equal access and full participation of children in an inclusive setting whereby deaf and blind children can attend summer camp, get the education and opportunity they need to achieve to be prepared in participating in a social, diverse and inclusive world.
CECILIA JAMES, MBA
FOUNDER/Executive Director
TOGETHER
Together, we can provide equal opportunities for those who are affected.
Cecilia James, a native of Grenada, possesses firsthand knowledge of the stigmas surrounding hearing loss and deafness. Her passion lies in advocating for and raising awareness about the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing population in Grenada and the Caribbean. Recognizing the significance of early detection and intervention, Cecilia understands the crucial role it plays in speech and communication development for infants and young children. Through her non-profit work, she has organized and participated in numerous hearing missions, providing hearing aids to individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing.
Armed with knowledge and a deep conviction that her life experiences have purpose, Cecilia is currently writing an inspiring book that chronicles her journey as a child coping with hearing loss. "From Inside the Shell" serves as a guide for readers, helping them navigate the signs of deafness, advocate for early intervention, and access necessary resources. Growing up with an unknown profound hearing loss in one ear and deafness in the other, Cecilia understands the challenges and is dedicated to making a difference.
As an astute thinker and adept problem-solver, Cecilia collaborates with organizations like the Starkey Hearing Foundation to bring the gift of hearing and promote hearing health. Together, they strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential and improve the lives of families and communities. Furthermore, as a former Board Member appointed by Governor Nathan Deal for the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Cecilia actively works with various agencies to develop programs that effectively accommodate clients with disabilities, including the deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing.
Cecilia James is not only a trailblazer in business and advocacy but also a proud mother of two successful entrepreneurs who are equally dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. She finds solace in travel, particularly on beaches and in botanical gardens, as she immerses herself in diverse cultures and indulges in new culinary experiences. Additionally, Cecilia is an accomplished pianist who finds joy in losing herself in the beauty of music.
