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Listen to Lisa! A Preschooler’s Advocacy Journey

Thanks to AG Bell's Preschool Financial Aid program, Lisa is learning to advocate for herself in more than one language!

Lea en Español

Lisa has never had a problem speaking up about what she needs. In fact, she can advocate for herself in a variety of different languages, including Swedish and English. This is because Lisa’s family is from Sweden, and after their move to Canada, she’s been adding another language to the list: French. With support from Résonance Montréal (formerly the Montreal Oral School for the Deaf), she’ll be able to continue voicing her concerns and even be able to explain her cochlear implants (CIs) in French!

Lisa’s doctors knew she was deaf when she didn’t pass the newborn hearing test right after birth. Because she was tested so early, she was able to receive CIs as an infant as well! With her CIs, Lisa has engrossed herself in Listening and Spoken Language services as much as possible, and Résonance Montréal has been there for her every step of the way.

Not only does the school focus on dual immersion beginning in preschool, but also focuses on Listening and Spoken Language development. Lisa’s mother, Fia, describes the school as having an “auditory-verbal approach to develop the listening brain.” Lisa’s also able to learn in one-on-one sessions, and Fia has attended weekly parental guidance sessions. Thanks to this focus, Lisa’s always been able to be in a “rich and stimulating environment,” so much so that she loves the very thought of going to school!

Lisa doesn’t only have linguistic achievements. She’s been a positive influence on those around her. Her teachers call her “a wonderful role model for her younger preschool friends,” Fia shared. Lisa’s also been approached by several of her peers, simply curious about her CIs. Lisa always responds kindly and has been able to fully explain her Listening and Spoken Language journey as well as the importance of the implants themselves.

All of these notable characteristics are enough to call someone impressive, but it’s especially inspiring how Lisa was able to achieve so much at such a young age. Thanks to AG Bell’s Preschool Financial Aid program, there’s no doubt that Lisa will continue to grow up to be a wonderful learner and an even better storyteller.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Preschool Financial Aid program, which helps families of children from age 4 until they begin first grade with expenses including auditory support services, speech-language therapy, preschool tuition, etc. Apply by June 8, 2026, to support your child’s Listening and Spoken Language journey.

¡Escuchen a Lisa! El camino de una niña en edad preescolar hacia la autonomía

A Lisa nunca le ha costado expresar lo que necesita. De hecho, es capaz de valerse por sí misma en varios idiomas, entre ellos el sueco y el inglés. Se debe a que la familia de Lisa es de Suecia y, tras mudarse a Canadá, añadió otro idioma a la lista: el francés. Con el apoyo de Résonance Montréal (antes conocida como la Montreal Oral School for the Deaf), podrá seguir manifestado sus inquietudes e incluso explicar sus implantes cocleares (IC) en francés.

Los médicos de Lisa supieron que tenía sordera al no superar el cribado auditivo neonatal. Gracias a esta evaluación temprana, ¡pudo recibir IC cuando aún era una bebé! Con los IC, Lisa aprovecha al máximo los servicios de Escucha y Lenguaje Hablado, y Résonance Montréal la acompaña en cada paso del camino.

La escuela no solo se centra en la inmersión bilingüe desde preescolar, sino también en el desarrollo de la Escucha y el Lenguaje Hablado. La madre de Lisa, Fia, describe la escuela como un centro con un «enfoque auditivo-verbal para desarrollar el cerebro auditivo». Lisa también puede aprender en sesiones individuales y Fia ha asistido a sesiones semanales de orientación para progenitores. Gracias a este enfoque, Lisa ha podido tener siempre un «entorno rico y estimulante», tanto ¡que le encanta la idea de ir a la escuela!

Sus logros no solo son lingüísticos. También es una influencia positiva para quienes la rodean. Sus maestros la describen como «un gran modelo a seguir para sus amigos más pequeños de preescolar», comenta Fia. Algunos compañeros se le acercan, simplemente por la curiosidad que sienten hacia los implantes cocleares. Lisa siempre responde con amabilidad y puede explicar con detalle su trayectoria con la Escucha y el Lenguaje Hablado, así como la importancia de los implantes.

Todas estas cualidades destacables bastarían para considerar a una persona extraordinaria, pero resulta especialmente inspirador cómo Lisa ha sido capaz de lograr tanto a una edad tan temprana. Gracias al programa Preschool Financial Aid (Ayuda económica de preescolar), no hay duda de que Lisa seguirá creciendo para convertirse en una alumna estupenda y en una narradora aún mejor.

Actualmente se aceptan solicitudes para el programa 2026 Preschool Financial Aid (Ayuda económica de preescolar 2026), que presta ayuda a las familias de niños desde los 4 años hasta el inicio del primer grado en gastos que incluyen servicios de apoyo auditivo, terapia de fonoaudiología/logopedia, matrícula de preescolar, etc. Solicítela antes del 8 de junio de 2026 para apoyar el proceso de aprendizaje de la Escucha y el Lenguaje Hablado de su hijo(a).

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Stay in the Loop with AG Bell!

Be the first to know about webinars, events, symposiums, and more.

  • Timely Announcements

    Stay informed about upcoming conferences, webinars, and public events.

  • Professional Insights

    Get updates on thought leadership in hearing health, education, and innovation.

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    Access toolkits, expert tips, and opportunities to engage.

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    Get answers with access to our information library

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    A bilingual magazine with in-depth stories about growing up with hearing loss

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    Learn how you can support or collaborate with the hearing loss community.

Whether you're an educator, audiologist, medical provider, business, or advocate—there's something for you.

Get updates delivered straight to your inbox.

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