Dear Parents

One of the ways we learned would help people around us to know how to handle Johann is to actually talk to them about it. As in serious mode talking. For Johann’s classmates, it was a story telling session. But for their parents, who would probably endure the endless barrage of questions from their preschoolers on what is on their classmate’s, Johann’s, ears are, we sent a letter.

It went on like this:

Dear Parents,

My name is Maia Nuguid, I am the mother of one your child’s classmates, Johann. He is a new student at the Pebbles and Bammbamm Learning Center. I am writing to you to ask for your help.

Johann is currently enrolled in Teacher Luz’s nursery class. He is an energetic and vibrant preschooler. Your child might ask you what those weird looking things in his ears are. I hope you can help them understand that Johann wears hearing aids.

… to introduce this stage mother and her son who wears a hearing aid in school, at home, in all places, at all waking hours…

Johann is hard of hearing. At seven months, we put him on hearing aids after confirming that he has moderate hearing loss on both his ears. He is not deaf; he hears sounds, but only faintly. He wears his hearing aids to help him amplify these sounds so he may learn to listen intently and be able to speak clearly. He has a very high chance of living a normal life like us and that is why he is with normal hearing kids. If Johann has anything alarming, it is his speech delay only.

Please don’t be afraid. Johann’s condition is not contagious. He didn’t get sick when he was born, nor did I when I was pregnant with him. We believe he just has a special mission. What that mission is, only time will tell.

… to give more information on the myth that hard of hearing is the same as deafness, or being hearing impaired is contagious…

As much as I want to do everything for him, I admit I need your help. Since our children interact every day, I hope you can help your children comprehend that Johann is also just a normal kid like them. Here are a few things you can teach them so they know how to cope with Johann around:

• Always speak in a clear voice and moderate tone.
• Come closer to the person you are talking to. Avoid shouting.
• Repeat your sentences if the person doesn’t seem to understand the first time.
• Tap the person’s shoulders gently if he or she doesn’t seem to notice you while you are talking.

… to ask them to find it in their hearts to help us help Johann and how all of us can help Johann in our own little ways…

I understand that it is complicated for children to understand this easily, so I pray that you consider our plea for help. I know this is a big favor, and I thank you for your effort. I thank you for making Johann’s world better, no matter how you choose to do it. I believe you are a blessing to our lives, and we look forward to meeting you in person soon.

… but still in their own choice or venue.

Of course I gave them my contact information so they can ask me for clarifications. Thank God for Teacher Luz and Diane for helping me in this endeavor. I pray that these parents will do help us in any way.