Summer at the sea with Usharik
In the summer of 2022, the annual off-site summer auditory-speech rehabilitation program “Summer by the Sea with Usharik 2022!” took place.
Families with children with hearing impairments from all across Russia came together to relax, sunbathe, swim, and, of course, engage in productive learning activities.
As always, the summer intensive program was jointly organized by the Krasnodar Regional Public Organization of People with Hearing Disabilities (KROOLOVS) “Sounds of Life” and the Parents’ Association “I Hear the World!”.
At the resort, children participated in daily sessions led by highly qualified and experienced specialists:
- Individual speech therapy sessions conducted by N. S. Rodina (St. Petersburg) and T. V. Topor (Anapa);
- Individual auditory rehabilitation (surdopedagogy) sessions conducted by T. R. Kruglyakova (St. Petersburg) and O. G. Suvorova (Krasnodar);
- Small-group speech therapy sessions conducted by E. A. Roganova (Anapa);
- Small-group music sessions conducted by S. V. Burnos (Minsk);
- Small-group creative workshops conducted by E. A. Teliga (Novorossiysk);
- CI/HA (cochlear implant/hearing aid) tuning conducted by V. E. Haufman (Krasnodar).
We began our summer journey with a special opening ceremony. Each child was invited by the organizers and welcomed as an honorary participant of the intensive program. The parent organization “I Hear the World!” presented all children with commemorative T-shirts, making everyone look like one big family.
Over the course of seven days, our teachers conducted individual sessions focused on developing pronunciation skills and auditory-verbal abilities in children of different ages.
Each child also received an individual support card, where specialists recorded assessments, progress, and recommendations for further auditory and speech development. The children attended the sessions with great enthusiasm, as the intensive program includes a motivating reward system.
All children eagerly participated in the sessions because they included a wide variety of playful techniques and educational formats—colorful presentations, computer programs, and different games for sound automation and differentiation in speech.
Particular attention is given to the development of interhemispheric interaction, which is essential for coordinating brain activity and transferring information between the hemispheres. Poor coherence between the hemispheres is a frequent cause of learning difficulties among preschool and early school-aged children. When interhemispheric interaction is underdeveloped, the right and left hemispheres cannot fully exchange information, and each explores the world in its own way.
Using specially selected tasks, exercises, and games helps to expand and strengthen interhemispheric communication.
“School for Parents”
Every day, the teachers organized a “School for Parents.” These lectures were especially useful for parents from small towns across Russia. After each lecture, every teacher made an effort to answer all parents’ questions.
An important aspect was also the opportunity to test the functionality of rehabilitation technical devices with V.E. Gaufman.
In addition to daily classes, the children had plenty of free time to swim in the pool, visit the water park, and, of course, enjoy the sea. They also had a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other “Usharik” children. Parents, in turn, spent their time productively, sharing experiences with each other and with specialists.
Animation, songs, dances, contests, and of course, prizes awaited every participant of the intensive. Cruella and Dracula provided unforgettable experiences, while cotton candy and gifts added sweetness to our productive vacation.
During the summer residential rehabilitation program, we celebrated Usharik’s Birthday with on a grand scale!
At the end of the intensive, a final concert was held, where each child had the chance to perform on stage with their own talent—poetry, dance, song, etc. Saying goodbye was extremely difficult because, in just one week, so many bright events had taken place, leaving memories that will last a lifetime for everyone involved.
Participants of the rehabilitation program came from the most remote corners of Russia—Magadan, Kemerovo, Udmurtia, Tyumen, and more. Often, regions lack teachers for the deaf and speech therapists experienced in working with children with hearing impairments. That is why the summer residential rehabilitation program is a unique opportunity to receive professional guidance for parents and children work at home, and to attend high-quality lessons with the best teachers.
Family interactions are also an important aspect: parents share experiences, and children make friends. The program has been running for many years, and every year, as we see returning participants enjoying themselves and new families joining, we understand just how important this program is for children and their parents. More and more families form long-lasting bonds and close friendship through this project.
We look forward to meeting you next year at the “Summer by the Sea with Usharik 2023” residential rehabilitation. Follow the latest news on the official website of the “I Hear the World!” Rehabilitation Program.
