LOFT 2012 Quotes and Photos

The Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT) continues to be popular and the demand continues to increase. In an effort to better meeet that demand, AG Bell offered two sessions of LOFT, each with 20 teens. The first session was held June 24-28, 2012 and the second session was held July 3-7, 2012. LOFT is possible due to the generosity and continud support of our sponsors and individual donors.

Read what this year's teens and parents said about LOFT:

“The LOFT program is something we had been looking forward to since our child was 4 years old. Now a teenager who is fully mainstreamed, we see first hand the lack of opportunities to bond with peers who are deaf and hard of hearing LOFT offered our young adult the opportunity to share common feelings, social struggles, coping strategies and much more with teens in the same position. Upon his return, our son contacted his audiologist to discuss other options regarding equipment and simply copied us—his parents—on the email. It was so exciting to observe his self-advocacy skills and interest in advancing his own knowledge of his options. This is great preparation for the upcoming college years!”
– LOFT Parent

“When I signed up for LOFT, I did not know what to expect. I was skeptical, and didn't think I’d have much fun. I ended up thanking my mom profusely for telling me about this program for it was probably one of the best things I ever decided to do. I learned so much about how to stand up for my self and that just because I have a disability doesn't mean I can't take charge, can't become a leader. I also finally made some true friends, who I can be myself with. In just four days, I was completely myself with my roommate. LOFT changed my perspective on life very profoundly.”
– LOFT Teen Participant

“My son is the only deaf student at his high school. Knowing that these years are difficult for even the most self-assured teen, my husband and I are acutely aware of how alienating a difference like this can be. LOFT was the perfect opportunity for our son to discover that he is not alone in the world, but rather a member of a very special group of extraordinary kids like himself. LOFT enabled him to develop a profound bond with these other kids while simultaneously teaching him that differences can be a remarkable opportunity for growth. He came home standing a little taller, walking a little more surefooted.  What more could a parent ask for?”
– LOFT Parent

“I became so much more assured of my ability to communicate to hearing people about my hearing loss. The number of ideas on self-advocacy was tremendous. I feel empowered because of LOFT, and it's wonderful!”
– LOFT Teen Participant

“I am so thankful for LOFT – it was an experience of lifetime for my daughter. I could not believe the difference it made in just few days! When my daughter walked through the security gates at the airport as she left for LOFT, she was an anxious, somewhat nervous girl; she returned as a confident person who could not stop talking about the program!”
– LOFT Parent

“The best part about LOFT was being with a group of teenagers who got how to communicate. We knew how to switch communication between voice, typing things on our phones or using basic sign; I have never been in a group where there was the immediate give-and-take when communicating with others like that. It was an awesome experience. The next best part was walking to dinner with a group of girls from LOFT and passing a family checking in for the convention. The four-year-old girl in the family had bilateral cochlear implants, and as we passed them, she tugged on her mom and said really excitedly "Mommy, Mommy look! Those big girls have hearing aids like me!" Then she ran up to us, ripped out her CI's, and waved them around above her head for us to look at. That experience of being a role model to another, while gaining role models through new friends, helped me gain so much self-confidence. It made me realize that while I may go back to being the only hard-of-hearing person in my school and community, I'm not alone. Now I have so many people I can reach out to help and for help when things get tough.”
– LOFT Teen Participant

“My daughter came home a more confident, self-assured young woman. She learned about teamwork and self-advocacy – skills she will use for a lifetime. LOFT encouraged my daughter to think about herself as a deaf student and as a student in general. She came home feeling that she can do anything she wants to do in life and that she can push herself and expect even more of herself. The motivation she gained was huge and she was already a pretty motivated student. She was so inspired by the LOFT program.”
– LOFT Parent

“I never expected LOFT to grant me a brighter hope for my future. When I arrived I was extremely anxious and surrounded by unfamiliar faces. I’d made up my mind not to associate with anyone – I was afraid for others to know me. When one boy 'dragged' me over to play the game Apples to Apples with everyone during free time, I started to relax and have fun. It's a wonderful, powerful feeling to interact with those who go through the very same things as you. I always assumed my issues were mine alone and worse than everyone else's. I have a tough life socially, but it was enlightening to know that others ‘get it.’ I really am not alone and never have been. Knowing this makes me sparkle from the inside and feel so much freer.”
– LOFT Teen Participant

“LOFT was the most amazing experience I've ever had in my life and I met so many teens who are just like me! I gained a lot more confidence, and I felt like a leader after LOFT! I definitely recommend this program for those teens out there who are deaf or hard of hearing who are looking for the skills to be a great leader in their community!”
– LOFT Teen Participant

“LOFT was an amazing experience to have. It has impacted my life in so many ways, one being that I am now considering getting an implant in one of my ears. I will never forget this, nor will I forget the people!”
– LOFT Teen Participant

“This was an opportunity of a lifetime, timed perfectly as she prepares to leave for college next month!  My daughter never had a hearing impaired peer in her educational setting and she said meeting the participants was invaluable; she felt immediately connected. She also learned about some important technologies and what things will be important for her to advocate for at college.”
– LOFT Parent

“Before I went to LOFT, my friend who had gone previously told me it changed his life. I didn’t know exactly what he meant until I experienced it for myself. It truly was life changing; it has made me a different person. I remember on the first day we listed our goals for what we would like to achieve at LOFT. Little did I know that I would accomplish these goals and so much more. I grew and learned so much. Before LOFT, I spent my life trying to prove to others that my deafness wasn’t a challenge for me, and that I wasn’t going to allow it to drag me down or define who I am. I thought this made me stronger. But now I know that my deafness isn’t a challenge, but an opportunity – an opportunity I will embrace and make the most of. And that is what true strength is. Hopefully, I can lead others to realize the same thing. I cannot even begin to describe how much this experience means to me. I will forever be looking back on LOFT as one of the greatest times of my life.”
– LOFT Teen Participant