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Program Testimonials
I had first heard of this program last year from the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, where I work. Dr. Vanderbeek had sent a fax to our school which was placed on the bulletin board. When I spotted the fax, I took down all the information, and immediately got in contact with Dr. August (as I call her). Reason being, I have a foster son who is deaf. His name is Tiger Arias, he is 7 years old with 2 disorders. First one, ADHD and the second, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When I read the information Dr. August sent to me, I was really thrilled, because it seemed like this would be a good program for Tiger, and he would be busy doing things he enjoyed, and being with other children too. We enrolled Tiger into the program, and finally on our way to the Dolphin Research Center, all Tiger could think and talk about were dolphins and when he would be able to see them and play with them. Once
we arrived at the facility of the Dolphin Research Center, we couldn't
believe how beautiful the surroundings were. We met Dr. August immediately,
and fell in love with her right away. I knew Tiger would do well
with her. Dr. August gave us a brief explanation of the rules, and
the schedule the children would be involved in. Dr. August, as I
listened to her, has such a wonderful personality, happy as a lark,
and has the patience beyond belief. She was dealing with children
she never met before, and yet it was like she knew them all her
life. She's wonderful!!!! But the best was when Tiger was learning how to actually interact with the dolphins, learning hand signals, and how to properly use them. Tiger loved it! This program was great for Tiger because he was doing something educational and fun! The parents got to go to the Dolphin Research Center to watch the kids work with dolphins. My husband and I were amazed to see all the things he was able to do with dolphins, we just couldn't believe this was the same little boy that had such a hard time focusing on doing anything. Dr. August's program for deaf children is not only amazing, it's truly gratifying to know that she cares enough to go out of her way, to do this kind of amazing program for deaf children. I plan on re-entering Tiger again this coming April, because I know Tiger will be benefit and learn much more now that he has gotten his feet wet the first time. I truly support Dr. August's program and what it stands for. It gives deaf children the confidence to know that they can actually do something in an educational capacity and have fun at the same time. I trust Dr. August whole-heartedly that she will create and schedule another wonderful program for these children. A lot of deaf children have not experienced what my foster son and a few other deaf children have experienced with dolphins. We also bought a video tape. We brought the tape to school so the entire school can see what Tiger accomplished with the Dolphin Journeys for Deaf Children. Everyone, I mean everyone, teachers, staff and students were all amazed and surprised to see Tiger and how well he behaved, and how much he learned and how much he paid attention. They were impressed by this wonderful program. I pray that Dr. August will keep this project going so she can help so many deaf children build their confidence and self-esteem!!! Thank you Dr. August for all you have done for Tiger, we salute you and praise you on the many gifts you behold in working with children that have so many challenges coming in but give them back their self-confidence when they come out. Our hats off to you and the wonderful job you have done. Thank you Dr. August for having such a beautiful heart!!!!" Donna
& Manny Roderiques
Dolphin
Journeys for Deaf Children is dedicated to providing
opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children to have contact with, learn
about, and safely swim with dolphins, in a supportive, loving atmosphere. |