Deaf and Hard of Hearing Athletic

Since 1/03, DhhEAF has reached over 2,500 Deaf and hard of hearing students by emphasizing education and fitness & health in a weekly introductory schools program. DhhEAF's goal is to affect academic improvements, self-esteem enhancement, and good citizenship qualities so that DHH youth will become better students, leaders and upstanding individuals. We have reached Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside County schools where a DHH Program is in place. Please find Letters of Endorsement from teachers as well as students. DhhEAF is the only program of its kind in the U.S. It's explained to the students that participation in the DhhEAF Program is to be treated like a scholarship. Students are to maintain attention to education AND good behavior at school as well as at home. Quantifiably, our progress can be measured by increased numbers of participants, improved attitudes, enhanced familial interaction, and kids having FUN. Since tennis is a life-long game where the rules are universal, our young charges will be able to play wherever they live, for the rest of their lives. To that end, the benefits of long-term health (obesity, HBP, diabetes, etc.), cultural pride/understanding, and a network of friendship will take longer to evaluate. And 25 years from now, they'll be able to hit tennis balls and bond with their own children........Priceless!!!