Past Chairs
Lisa Bell E.A.R. Day 2015
Established E.A.R Day in early 2014. After months of creating a budget and planning activities for the day, Lisa submitted a grant proposal to the National Student Academy of Audiology (AAA) H.EA.R. Chapter Grant for funding. Upon approval of the grant, our local SAA Chapter was able to organize a successful day of activities for children who were Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing. Our first H.E.A.R. Day was held on February 21, 2015, the day was a success with approximately 30 children in attendance and more than 30 student and faculty volunteers.
Farris Chappell E.A.R. Day 2016
Our second E.A.R Day was held on January 30, 2016 and was headed by Farris Chappell '17. Farris was able to follow the lead that Lisa had started and add more educational sessions for our parents and children that attended the event. We had 37 Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing children and their buddies under the age of 18 attend our event. Students from Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, SOMA all participated in making this event successful helping out at each rotation that the children attended.
Aarshee Talwar E.A.R. Day 2017
Kelsey Artz E.A.R. Day 2018
On Oct. 20, the ATSU Chapter of Student Academy of Audiology hosted E.A.R. Day for the Mesa, Arizona, community. Children in attendance rotated through a variety of activities, including musical instruments, tie-dye, minesweeper, an obstacle course, and an escape room, while parents attended a panel of guest speakers. A family lunch was provided, followed by an informational session where parents could talk to professionals who provide services and resources to help people with hearing loss. The event ended with a carnival for the whole family.
“To play a role in E.A.R. Day 2018 was one of the most gratifying experiences in my graduate career thus far,” says first-year audiology student Kelsey Artz, who organized the event. “To see members of our school and our community come together for all of the children was something truly to be proud of.”
Amanda Baskerville E.A.R. Day 2020
On February 29th, 2020 the ATSU Chapter of Student Academy of Audiology hosted E.A.R. Day (Education and Recreation Day) for the Mesa, AZ community. Children who are Hard of Hearing or Deaf along with their parents participated in activities and events separately. The children rotated through stations such as an obstacle course, the game Hungry Hungry Hippo, giant ear puzzles, ear arts and crafts, lawn games, a photo booth, and face painting while learning about the ear and how it works in between each activity. The parents took part in a guest lecture series, paraprofessional panel, and an educational audiology demonstration. Resources and outside vendors were on location for the families and available for any questions they had. Lunch was provided by local restaurants for those who attended and participated in the event.
"I was honored to be able to continue the tradition of E.A.R. Day this year. It was an amazing experience to see kids with hearing loss come together and learn from each other while having a great time." says third-year Audiology student Amanda Baskerville, who was the event organizer. "Every year this event brings together families and children who are going through similar situations, as well as student volunteers from different programs including Audiology, Physical Therapy, Physician Assitant, Occupational Therapy, and the School of Osteopathic Medicine. I am so happy we could provide a safe space for these families to be able to ask questions and learn more about resources and information about hearing healthcare."
