IMPACT is a
California statewide all-volunteer, non-profit organization of
parents, teachers and professionals serving deaf and
hard-of-hearing children. Established in 1986 by 12 parents,
IMPACT has a current membership of over 400 and is supported and
encouraged by a host of organizations that serve the deaf
community.
The IMPACT Board
Become a member of the IMPACT board and help make
a difference in the lives and education of our deaf and hard of
hearing children! Board members are elected and appointed each year
at our annual conference. We're always on the lookout for board
members and volunteers, so contact us if you'd like to be a part of
our efforts.
Many of the board members of IMPACT gathered in
August for a SUMMER SUMMIT at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont. It
was a good opportunity to meet some new members of the board and had a
very nice history lesson of the organization by one of its founding members.
A workshop session facilitated by Chris Opie, former Director of TRIPOD, was an
excellent way to help the organization stay focused on our objectives and
revitalize our commitments. Followed by another day of hands on committee
work we all came away energized to start a new year in service for the
organization.
Why are we here?
According to the last report of the California Special Education Management
Information System (CASEMIS, December 2004), there were 7,608 hard of hearing
children (birth-age 22) and 4,462 Deaf children (birth-age 22) receiving Special
Education services in California. These numbers do not include students who are
deaf or hard of hearing who have other disabilities, if they are reported by
their school districts under another category of eligibility.
IMPACT Mission
Statement
We as parents, members and
professionals of deaf and hard-of-hearing community are rising up
as a single voice. Regardless of communication modalities,
we stand united in the task of getting the very best for our
children. We will take no less than quality education for
our children, support and early intervention for our families,
information and education for our parents.
To insure quality educational programs in California for
all deaf and hard of hearing children, regardless of methodology.
To provide a mechanism whereby parents can impact local, state
and national legislative processes.
To bridge the gap between parents, teachers, administrators,
and resource personnel in serving the deaf or hard of hearing.
To be supportive of agencies, community groups and
organizations with similar interest in providing a quality of life
for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
To advocate for parent and student rights.
To provide parents of deaf and hard of hearing children in
California with a vehicle to communicate with each other.
