U-46 walk to raise awareness about deaf program

Registration is open for the second annual Elgin Area School District U-46 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness 5K Run/Walk May 13.

Hosted by the district's Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, the race begins at 9 a.m. at the Bartlett Nature Center, 2050 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett.

Its purpose is raising awareness about the program, which serves more than 100 students with hearing loss, fostering social interaction, creating parent and student connections, and raising funds to support the program and its students.

"We raised about $7,000 last year so it was very successful," said Zainab Sheth, self-contained deaf and hard of hearing teacher for kindergarten through second grade at Horizon Elementary School in Hanover Park.

The money funded bed shakers for high school students allowing them to wake up independently, hearing-aid batteries for families and classroom supplies, Sheth said.

"We were able to send some of our teachers to some special conferences that are just focused for hearing loss so that they could get more training (on advancements in technology and interpreting skills)," Sheth said.

Throughout the district, students with hearing loss are taught self-advocacy skills by itinerant teachers in general education classrooms at their home schools and in a self-contained classroom at Streamwood High School.

Organizers hope to raise the same amount or more this year. So far, $4,000 has been raised through sponsors.

"We really appreciate all the support that we can get for our students," Sheth said.

The cost is $10 for people 7 to 17 years, and $25 for older entrants. Participants can pick up swag bags starting at 7 a.m. An awards ceremony is at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit u-46.org.