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Who We Are
WHISPA: deaf kids talking
In 2006, a group of hearing-impaired students aged between 16 and 19 years and their parents began meeting to address the lack of social and peer support for young people who were deaf but used oral language rather than sign language. Based at the Cora Barclay Centre, this group became known as “WHISPA” – Web of Hearing Impaired Students and Parents Alliance. It is the only youth-led peer support program of its kind, aiming to enhance the personal development, social skills and self-esteem of hearing impaired children and students aged 10 to 18. This is achieved through regular social activities as well as self-development workshops.
Today seven hearing-impaired leaders plan the yearly calendar of events, facilitate the activities, and act as peer mentors. Having faced the social and personal challenges unique to children with hearing loss, these young adults serve as empathetic and positive role models for students in their school years. Each of the WHISPA leaders have undergone mentor training to equip them for their mentoring roles.