AG Bell-AVI Unite to Promote Spoken Language for People with Hearing Loss

From: AG Bell - Dec 12, 2005
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jessica Ripper
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing
Phone: (202) 337-5220 ext. 123
Fax: (202) 337-8314
Email: jripper@agbell.org
Website: www.AGBell.org

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Auditory-Verbal, Inc. Unite to Promote Spoken Language

Washington, DC, December 12, 2005 – The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) today announced plans to unite with Auditory-Verbal International, Inc. (AVI) to advance opportunities for children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn spoken language. In a joint statement, Inez Janger, president of AG Bell, and Steve Rech, J.D., president of AVI, announced that AVI members voted earlier this month in favor of dissolving AVI and integrating with AG Bell.

“AG Bell and AVI share a vision that every child and adult with hearing loss should have the opportunity to learn to listen, talk and live independently in mainstream society,” said Janger and Rech. “Together, we plan to expand our efforts to increase public awareness, develop educational programs for professionals and families, and advocate that people with hearing loss have the opportunity to participate fully in mainstream society.”

The two organizations have already taken steps toward unification with the launch of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (the Academy), which will develop and manage certification programs for teachers and professionals who provide services to children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Academy will offer the Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist® designation, previously offered through AVI.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a lifelong resource, support network, and advocate for listening, learning, talking, and living independently with hearing loss. Through publications, advocacy, training, scholarships and financial aid, AG Bell promotes the use of spoken language and hearing technology. Headquartered in Washington, DC with chapters located in the United States and Canada and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell's global presence provides its members and the public with the support they need – close to home. With over a century of service, AG Bell supports its mission: Advocating Independence through Listening and Talking! For more information, contact AG Bell at (202) 337- 5220 or visit the AG Bell website at www.agbell.org.

###