Fall 2009 Grant Awards

The Coalition is pleased to annouce the recipients of the Fall 2009 Small Grants Award Competition.  The awardees are: 

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)-Nashville Chapter – The project will support the purchase of a new projector, replacement lamp, screen and surge protector for the Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)/caption writer to provide needed communication support to Hard of Hearing individuals in the Middle Tennessee area. The HLAA will identify two community venues to provide specific information about hearing loss and communication needs and provide a free, one-time CART/captioned event.

Kids in Action in Murfreesboro – Through the project five to seven organizations will be identified that will work with Kids in Action to match individuals with disabilities transitioning from, or recently transitioned from, high school with the organizations for a one-year internship. The organizations include the public school system, city and county government, and possibly the federal government.  It is anticipated that these individuals will acquire the skills, competency, and confidence necessary to be successful in the position for which they will eventually be hired.  Two major products are envisioned. The first is a handbook of how to implement the program in other school districts, government organizations, or public/private businesses, along with sample job descriptions, success stories, and the realities of implementing such a program.  The second product is a handbook for candidates and their families that will explain the program and benefits long-term to the intern/employee.

League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Ear Foundation in Nashville – The project involves a rebranding of the League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/EAR Foundation (LDHH/EF).  The League and the EAR Foundation merged in September 2008. The goal of the rebranding is to provide a new and completely unified home from which to embrace the D/deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities. The objective is to help rebrand the fully merged agencies through one shared name, logo, and mission statement to accurately reflect the services provided and to alleviate confusion from customers seeking services related to deafness and hearing loss.