Community Corner
Waukesha County Nonprofit Makes Connections Through Communication
Allison Schley's nonprofit to educate and support families dealing with children with hearing loss.
Allison Schley was a deaf and hard of hearing teacher for 15 years before beginning her nonprofit: Communication Connections, Inc. in February. She is bringing the idea of early intervention for hearing loss to light and helping by bringing education and support to parents of children with hearing loss.
“There’s a lot to go through from the minute that your child’s diagnosed with a hearing loss to the grieving process so getting families through that,” said Schley, president of Communication Connections. “…We just want to be a part of that journey as a team.”
The last two years were spent researching and getting the plan for the business together. Schley said they are “dedicated to early intervention for families with hearing loss so we want to work with kids (newborn) to 6,” but also want to work with families as a whole.
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There are three different areas they want to work on that include an American Sign Language Communication Group, Mondays 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. $75/session, a Listening and Spoken Language Communication Group, Mondays 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. $75/session, and a Parent Education Group, $10/adult.
Schley hopes to increase awareness and participation through outings and fundraisers. Her work has not gone unnoticed by parents like Chris Hart, whose son was taught by Schley for four years.
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“I know my son would not be where he is today without Allison's support and guidance, and I would not be where I am today in my understanding of my son's hearing loss if it wasn't for Allison,” Hart said.
In addition to helping parents like Hart, Schley also hopes to find a permanent location for her nonprofit as they currently use a conference room at the Aurora Medical Center in Summit.
The Parents and Community Education series began on Sept. 26. The series is designed to education parents and the community about why early intervention is important as well as highlight other topics in regards to hearing loss.
“We’re hoping that we’ll take off and be able to serve a lot of families in the area,” Schley said.
For more information and upcoming dates visit their website or their Facebook page.
