Support for Olivia through the generations
In the final two years of Olivia’s life, her grandparents always stepped up to help us. When things were going well and difficult, they were there for you through it all. They are still there.
Olivia has been blessed with involved grandparents who are very hands-on. From the moment our young daughter was diagnosed with deafness, they questioned, did research, and followed our suggestions on how best to help her. Every time we get on the way to her grandparents’ home, she’s so excited and starts clapping, kicking her feet in delight.
When they were young, the very first thing we wanted for them to master was awareness of hearing. Simple adjustments could make a significant difference in a child’s life. For instance, you can get Olivia’s attention before talking to her. It could be done by creating a gesture, gently tapping her, or pounding the floor until she is able to turn her attention to the sound. Be sure to place her face in a bright, well-lit area to allow her to concentrate on your movements. Additionally, it would be best if you naturally spoke to her, making use of the most gestures you can to ensure she has a clear grasp of the message you’re trying to convey.
They also encourage family members to be conscious as well. They instruct Olivia’s siblings to be aware of their hearing and demonstrate how to utilize various signs while playing. They ensure that she is included. As with us, they model examples, which has a positive effect on the others in the family.
My grandmother (Olivia’s great-grandmother) also attended the deaf family club together with us. I still remember the day when my nana and I went through the doorways for the very first time as the tiny baby who was overwhelmed and confused. I even tried to go home as I was confused. However, they were able to persuade me to remain. And I am very happy they succeeded.
At the time, I was in a position where I had no other place to go, and so I turned to the deaf club for help and assistance. That’s exactly what we received. Now, I can go through those doors happy, knowing that they have taught me to be deaf-aware and to talk to my child. I’ll never be able to repay them for this. However, I wouldn’t have been able to walk through those doors without my mother with me.
My mom is a confident woman, and therefore, she has no hesitation in seeking assistance or clarification of her actions. This made me think that my grandmother has nine grandchildren, and Olivia has been her grandchild for the first time. At the age of 75, she’s learning a brand foreign language that my daughter is learning, and it fills my heart with happiness.
Everyone knows that Olivia’s method of learning is purely visual. They try to make everything visible or perform things. This makes it possible for Olivia to acquire new abilities quickly, such as drawing and running through the garden, jumping, and even kicking an object. This example visual will help her feel confident to replicate and discover her surroundings.
The playroom they created in their home also facilitates the development of visual language for Olivia. They have flashcards featuring shapes, signs, and numbers along with their British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet hung on the wall. The room is adorned with bright lighting to provide Olivia and her siblings the stimulation they need. In addition, there is a wide range of toys, puzzle games, and coloring activities to play with while she’s in the room. There are always opportunities to learn.
When it comes to signing, they try to do their best. They watch their interactions, Olivia, and learn as they go. They have been to signing classes with their families, as well as utilizing flash cards and books to improve their sign language for Olivia. They hope to attend a BSL first-level class later, too.
In the end, they make our girl feel loved and special. The efforts they put into it haven’t been as wasted because the connection Olivia shares with them all is and will always be. Olivia loves her grandparents and is aware of how beloved she is.
They follow our example in the best way to assist Olivia and go even further than welcoming her community, language, and culture, which are all new to them as well. This is something we do not take as a given. Their dedication, love, and support is the thing that makes Olivia and her mommy and daddy so fortunate. Olivia will continue to achieve amazing things with a support system such as this.
