The 2020 coronavirus pandemic brought with it many unimaginable challenges for children and families. A4K quickly responded to the needs of Ohio’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing children (ages 7-18) and their families through a partnership with Ohio Hands & Voices. More than $20,000 in mini-grants was distributed to 95 Ohio families in about 2 weeks. These funds defrayed additional costs incurred due to remote learning, provided educational supports and materials and provided much needed communication and social-emotional support to families and children.

Recognizing that children would not be able to gather and enjoy traditional summer activities and socialize amidst the pandemic, A4K continued it’s support of Ohio’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing children by working with members of Ohio’s Deaf community to create and administer a virtual summer program, Kids Connect. 19 Deaf and Hard of Hearing children ages 7-18, enjoyed biweekly virtual sessions and activities with similar age peers and a Deaf/HOH Mentor. Kids Connect was a valuable program that created a unique and viable bridge for Ohio’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing children to Mentors in the Deaf Community. It was especially important in that time of severe isolation to make certain all our children had an opportunity to communicate, socialize, learn and grow.