For that reason, the clubs who participate often coordinate their efforts through schools and utilize the framework that is already in place. Others have begun to work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Councils in their state or province for a better outreach to students. And still others, like the Arkansas District - Optimist International, have started Foundations so they have the money available to them to carry out this lesser served population.
That's why the CCDHH contest at the Optimist Club of Charleston, West Virginia caught my attention. One contestant, speaking in his first oratorical contest spoke of why high speed internet was so important to the deaf and hard of hearing community for not only will they benefit in the same way as an average consumer, the deaf and hard of hearing client will also benefit from enhanced relay systems that power their videophone capabilities.
We take so many things for granted. As the United States pushes for more high speed internet access in rural and underserved populations, I hope they remember the silent members of our society no matter where they live.
Mitchell Miller took first place for his speech to the Optimist Club where he advocated for high-speed internet in West Virginia. Photo and story idea provided by the Optimist Club of Charleston.