ABOUT US
We aim to bring about positive and high-impact change on every level. We advocate for family and community solutions for children, and young adults with hearing loss In addition, we want to raise awareness regarding the importance of early intervention, detection and diminishing societal stigmas that ultimately affect differently-abled children.
Our mission is to establish and maintain a comprehensive network of support services for children who are in need of hearing loss intervention in Grenada and other islands in the Caribbean.
The gift of hearing, speech, equal opportunities, and improved quality of life are all inclusive in this mission, for children who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing (HOH).
Deafness is a cultural identity, not merely an issue of hearing loss. As one of the leading voices in the deaf and hard of hearing community, Cecilia James is working to ensure that every member in this community has access to the resources they need.
As part of the core of our Mission, our organization in partnership with subject matter experts in the field, we are going to be on the trail conducting Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) in Grenada, expanding to other Caribbean islands due to the need and lack of resources to conduct such vital service. Many studies have shown that early diagnosis of hearing loss is extremely crucial to the development of speech, language, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities. However, treatment is most successful if hearing loss is identified early, preferably within the first month of life. Still, there are children born with serious hearing loss and still without a diagnosis. Through this pilot project, we can encourage the practice of screening every newborn for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge. In the event that an Infants do not pass the screening, they will receive diagnostic evaluation before three months of age and, when necessary, can be enrolled in early intervention programs by six months of age. In the meantime, during our initial journey, our organization is going to have early childhood through secondary school level children screened. Appropriate care for children detected with hearing deficit including Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians intervention, hearing aids or surgery.
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.
As a native of Grenada, Ms. James knows first-hand about the stigmas regarding deafness. It is for this reason that she works to advocate for and bring awareness to the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing on the Island and throughout the Caribbean. Through the work of her non-profit Cecilia has organized and participated in various hearing missions serving patients and providing hearing aids to d/Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and hard-of-hearing residents around the world.
Empowered with knowledge and convinced that her life experiences have purpose, Ms. James authored an inspiring book chronicling her life as a child experiencing hearing loss. "From Inside the Shell " provides readers with guidance for navigating the signs of deafness, deafness with their children, advocates for early intervention and educates about gaining access to needed resources.
As a brilliant thinker and strong problem-solver, Ms. James works with organizations such as the Starkey Hearing Foundation to give the gift of hearing and hearing health. Together they strive to empower individuals to achieve their maximum potential and improve their lives of families and communities. Appointed Board Member by former governor Nathan Deal for six years for Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Ms. James also works with agencies to create programs for properly accommodating customers with disabilities to include the d/Deaf deaf/blind and hard of hearing (HOH).
A trailblazer not only in business and advocacy, but Ms. James is also the mother of two successful entrepreneurs who are both working to make a difference in the world. She loves to travel, finding her greatest sense of peace on beaches and in botanical gardens. She enjoys learning about different cultures and indulging in new food. Ms. James is an accomplished pianist who loves getting lost in the music.