It happens in a flash. The crying newborn becomes the smiling, cooing, babbling, pointing, comprehending toddler enchanting those around her with her first words.  All this and more within just the first year of life.  That is, of course, provided the baby can hear—or in my jargon—has access to auditory information, or in the absence of hearing, access to language through her other senses. By the time our toddler reaches her third birthday she’s a fully conversant social being with whom you can discuss a wide range of topics and ideas.

Every minute counts during these early years, because vital connections are being made in the central nervous system that are uniquely attuned to receive auditory and linguistic information.  In the absence of auditory information, nature has efficiently arranged for alternate use of the brain areas reserved for deciphering hearing, space that can not be reclaimed as effectively again.  In fact, research has shown that for a child born with hearing loss, proper intervention in the first six months is life changing and can insure developmental outcomes that are comparable to children who are born without a hearing loss.

We live in a fortunate time because we now have the technology and expertise to make these outcomes possible.  NJ has in place a program of universal newborn hearing screening which potentially could identify all babies with hearing loss and direct them to appropriate services.  But there are problems. Large numbers of babies remain unidentified, falling through the cracks, particularly in areas where social problems exist.  The necessary appropriate early intervention provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals with expertise in the management of hearing loss, provided by the Sound Start Program, receives only partial state funding. 

The insightful, dedicated, hardworking volunteers who are the board members of the Lake Drive Foundation have worked tirelessly to fill this funding gap. In addition they are embarking on new initiatives:  first, to find the babies who fall through the cracks so that their hearing losses can be treated in the critical time, and second to explore intensified early educational programs to take maximum advantage of the first three years of life.

I am privileged to be recognized for my part in this work today, but know for a certainty that those on the front line—the administrators, the teachers, and the families of the children—make it all happen every day for the children and the families of Lake Drive Program.  They are relentless in their research and work to improve the lives of every child they serve.  They are supported in their work by the dedication of many volunteers who care and understand its importance.  My love and thanks to all of them and my friends and family for support me and allowing me to share in this work. My commendations to my fellow award recipients today for the passion they bring to their important work.