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Transitioning and Thriving: Liam’s Success in Mainstream Schooling

Thanks to AG Bell's Preschool Financial Aid program, Liam has been able to access a welcoming learning environment, where he is learning multiple languages all at once!

Lea en Español

The Academie Marie-Claire has always provided Liam with a welcoming learning environment. With a small class size, caring teachers, and a challenging academic curriculum, the bilingual private school has always helped Liam thrive. This kind of schooling was very important for Liam’s parents, especially when considering Liam’s Listening and Spoken Language journey.

Liam’s hearing loss is genetic and progressive. By the age of 2, his hearing loss became profound and his parents decided it was best for him to receive bilateral cochlear implants. At the beginning of his education, his mom Sahar confided that it was hard to believe that Liam could speak. However, now he’s described as “so chatty,” and can communicate in English, French, Spanish, and Farsi. While the Farsi was family-encouraged, Spanish was added on as Liam’s third language, and bilingual learning in English and French has always been encouraged in Quebec, Canada.

One thing that Sahar is most proud of is Liam’s ability to transition into Academie Marie-Claire, since it’s a mainstream school. He didn’t handle this transition shyly either, as Sahar shares that Liam has been able to not only inform his teachers about his disability, but “address other kids’ curiosity and questions.” From discussing his battery processors to making friends, Liam has excelled in and out of the classroom.

Thanks to AG Bell’s Preschool Financial Aid program, Liam will also be able to thrive in sports. He’s obsessed with swimming, and enjoys activities such as riding his bike, playing soccer in the summer, and tennis lessons. Liam will not only be able to stay active but actively enjoy his time at Academie Marie-Claire.

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.

Transición y superación: el nuevo éxito de Liam en el sistema de educación ordinario

La Academie Marie-Claire siempre ha proporcionado a Liam un entorno de aprendizaje acogedor. Con clases reducidas, maestros comprometidos y un plan de estudios exigente, esta escuela privada bilingüe siempre ha ayudado a Liam a prosperar. Este tipo de educación era muy importante para los padres de Liam, especialmente teniendo en cuenta su trayectoria en la Escucha y el Lenguaje Hablado.

La pérdida auditiva de Liam es genética y progresiva. A los 2 años, se volvió profunda y sus padres decidieron que lo mejor sería que recibiera implantes cocleares bilaterales. Al comienzo de su educación, su madre, Sahar, cuenta que le costaba creer que Liam pudiera hablar. Sin embargo, ahora lo describe como «muy hablador» y puede comunicarse en inglés, francés, español y farsi. Mientras que el farsi fue impulsado por la familia, el español se añadió como tercer idioma, y en Quebec (Canadá) siempre se ha fomentado el aprendizaje bilingüe en inglés y francés.

Una de las cosas de las que Sahar se siente más orgullosa es de la capacidad de Liam para adaptarse a la Academie Marie-Claire, ya que se trata de una escuela ordinaria. Tampoco afronta esta transición con timidez, ya que, según dice Sahar, Liam es capaz no solo de explicar a sus maestros su discapacidad, sino también de «responder a la curiosidad y las preguntas de los demás niños». Desde hablar de sus procesadores y baterías hasta hacer amigos, Liam ha destacado tanto dentro como fuera del aula.

Gracias al programa Preschool Financial Aid (Ayuda económica de preescolar) Liam también podrá destacar en los deportes. Le encanta nadar y disfruta de actividades como montar en bicicleta, jugar al fútbol en verano y tomar clases de tenis. Liam no solo podrá mantenerse activo, sino que también disfrutará plenamente de su tiempo en la Academie Marie-Claire.

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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