News & Notes 51 | Meet the Pompeos pg 52 | Meet the Parent pg 56
MIA POMPEO
A remarkable teen who believes that deafness is an identity, not a disability
JANUARY ACTIVITIES AND FUN
We need some things to look forward to this January — and we’ve got ideas! Who knew all of these holidays even existed?! To stave off seasonal affective disorder and cabin fever may we suggest the following for livening up that darkest and coldest of months.
SIT, STAY, READ
Jan. 4
NATIONAL SPAGHETTI DAY
Jan. 8
NATIONAL BUBBLE BATH DAY Jan. 13
NATIONAL RUBBER DUCKY DAY Jan. 14
NATIONAL DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY JAN. 19
NATIONAL POPCORN DAY Jan. 21
NATIONAL SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY
Find more at savvykidsar.com
SAVVY kids PUBLISHER BROOKE WALLACE | brooke@arktimes.com
EDITOR KATHERINE WYRICK | katherinewyrick@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS ART DIRECTOR KATIE HASSELL
In honor of National Book Month — and in light of the soaring number of pandemic pet adoptions — we’d like to highlight children’s book author, publisher and dog lover Pat Becker. Kids can learn so much from pets, and the bond between them can be a powerful thing — both healing and edifying. Having a pet teaches responsibility and offers the opportunity to learn about respect and compassion. We recently spoke to Pat from her home in Little Rock, AR., and she shared the following with us about her experience and her mission: “My mission is to reach children connectively through words and illustrations, using stories in relation to the importance of understanding pets and their care. “I am certified with NADOI, a National Trainer’s Organization, and I have had one national and two local TV shows, all three of which were directed toward educating dog owners, on the responsibility of pet ownership. “I have shared my home and my life with over 25 dogs, numerous cats, and many horses for over 60 years. “I am encouraging and sponsoring the efforts of other authors to use their creative talents to communicate the joys of including pets in children’s lives — giving kids the ability to understand the nature of animals and the happiness communication with them brings.” Find more information about Pat and her authors at patbeckerbooks.com.
MEET THE
POMPEOS
A mixed deaf-hearing family that together makes a joyful noise BY KATHERINE WYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN CHILSON
T
he Pompeo family of Bryant is large: parents Harry and Jackie and their children, Ethan (20), Will (16), Mia (14), Maci (11), and dogs Charley and Zoe. Harry, Jackie and Mia were born deaf; Ethan is hard of hearing (profound in his right ear). Will and Maci, however, were born hearing. What follows is an email conversation with a lively, big-hearted, sprawling family who value community, communication — and each other. Parents Harry and Jackie are answering as a couple throughout (unless otherwise indicated).
Mia: It is so cool that you trained your dog with ASL commands! Is this a common practice? How did you go about it, and what are the benefits?
Yes, it’s a common practice. I have had nine different dogs in my lifetime but never taught any of them ASL commands until Charley. It was really fun and enjoyable to train Charley using ASL. Fun fact, I used my little sister as a dog so Charley would learn how to do the tricks since I’m not able to speak words like “sit, stay, and shake hands etc.” and it worked really well.
I haven’t seen the show “Deaf U” on Netflix, but it made me think about how deaf people are portrayed in popular culture (TV, movies, etc.) and how they are underrepresented.
I haven’t watched the show “Deaf U” either, and I’m not planning on it because I have heard some people, friends and teachers say they didn’t like it. But it’s so nice to see some deaf people being portrayed in movies since it’s so rare. I also want hearing people to say “wow, deaf people really can act” or something like that.
What are some of your favorite subjects in school and activities outside of school? My favorite subjects in school are English and writing.
THE POMPEOS LOVE SPENDING TIME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY. HERE MOM JACKIE, MIA, DAD HARRY AND DOG CHARLEY, WHO WAS TRAINED IN ASL COMMANDS, ENJOY SOME HANG TIME ON THE PORCH.
My favorite activities/hobbies at home are painting and drawing.
Jackie and Harry: What was it like raising both hearing and deaf children? Did you tailor your parenting styles or was it the same for everyone? To be honest, we don’t see any differences in raising hearing and deaf children. Our hearing children learned sign language first before they spoke, so it didn’t make a difference. The only thing different is that with hearing kids, I can call their names with my voice, but with Mia I have to flick a light or stomp to get her attention, ha.
How was your experience growing up deaf (compared to Mia’s), and how did it influence the way you raise your own children?
[Jackie] I was the only deaf person in my family; my parents and siblings had to learn sign language, which I am
so grateful for because I know some hearing parents DO NOT learn sign language to communicate with their deaf children. Our experience has been good because Mia has grandparents who can communicate with her in her language. I had to communicate with my grandparents via writing. I do not see that as negative, but it would have been so much easier if they had learned sign language.
Did you choose to send Mia to a deaf school and why? We made the decision to send her to the Deaf School where she has communication access and learned social skills to be able to participate in events in her language without barriers. [Jackie] I graduated at Arkansas School for the Deaf and Harry graduated at Boston School for the Deaf.
Mia and her parents, Harry and Jackie: What are your opinions on hearing aids and cochlear implants?
It is a sticky subject. Our opinion: depends on who is getting it. We do not agree to put cochlear implants on babies while they do not have a voice to say something. We know some people who got CI as young children and then had them removed. We think it is best to let them grow up and make a decision after they know their identity. Please know that being deaf is not a bad thing; we are so happy with who we are. We have our language that is SO COOL just like foreigners who speak in their own language. Again, if deaf people who are old enough to make a decision to get a cochlear implant, we support that because everyone should be able to make their own choices. The only thing we disagree with is to implant at such a young age. We encourage parents to start with hearing aids at a young age if they want them to learn how to speak. Start with hearing aids first before cochlear implants.
How do you feel about the word “disability”?
There is no such word as “disability” in our home. We don’t view ourselves as disabled because we basically can do anything like hearing people except that we can’t hear.
How is communication a challenge for you when sign language isn’t used?
Yes, it can be a challenge, especially with COVID-19 when people wear masks; it is impossible to read lips when we are at restaurants or at church. We will have to ask them to remove their masks for a brief time, but they do not want to. We understand not everyone knows sign language. We can get frustrated with communication barriers, but we strive to break the barrier by corresponding via writing with family
5 REASONS TO CHOOSE PCSSD 1. Preparing students for life through initiatives like AVID and PBIS. 2. Cultivating future leaders by learning from teachers and peers inside and outside the classroom. 3. Strengthen public schools through community and nonprofit partnerships. 4. Strengthening our communities by reaching students where they live across Pulaski County. 5. Driving innovation in the classroom with traditional and blended approaches to learning.
Registration is now open! visit pcssd.org/register
There are approximately 48 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the U.S. About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. We’re fortunate here in Arkansas to have resources like The Arkansas School for the Deaf (ASD) — the only school for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in the state and the oldest school for the deaf west of the Mississippi River.
RESOURCES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING:
or waiters. We request to have a sign language interpreter when we are at a doctor appointment to avoid challenges. We are thankful that most places we go provide interpreters. Most of all, we are thankful our family is able to communicate.
Arkansas Hands and Voices PO Box 512, Conway, AR 72033 501-932-7700 | info@arhandsandvoices.org arhandsandvoices.org
Where do you find support and what are some go-to resources? You can find support and resources at Arkansas School for the Deaf. You can also find resources on gallaudet.edu.
What is your experience with the local deaf culture, and how vibrant is it here?
We love our deaf community; we have so many wonderful people. We are a close-knit family when it comes to deaf community; we like fellowship. We meet at Starbucks every first Friday of the month, but with COVID-19, it has been canceled. Hopefully we will be able to meet again when things get better. We also go to Deaf Fellowship Church at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church; the church could tell you, we love to stay and visit, lol!
What do you think the hearing community should know about deaf culture and communities? Harry’s favorite quote when he talks to hearing people is, “We
will not bite you.” Please do not be afraid to come to us. Unfortunately, some people are afraid to talk because they think we are different from them. At a restaurant, we’ve experienced a waiter switching to a different waiter because he felt awkward communicating with us. I can tell you, we are no different from you; we are humans just like you. The only difference is how we communicate; we can correspond by writing or even gesture. We are just normal people like you except that we can’t hear or talk with a voice. We talk with our hands. So please don’t feel sorry or feel pity because we are deaf. We are happy with who we are. Sign language has more benefits than you realize. We can communicate from a distance; we can communicate when we are under water; and we can talk through a window. Not every deaf person can learn how to speak, but every hearing person CAN learn sign language. So what’s stopping you?
Are there things that hearing people do that frustrate or offend those who are deaf?
As for a proper term, we don’t like people to label us “hearing impaired” because it means our ears are broken. Please use a better term — deaf — because it is our identity.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital Audiology Department 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 501-364-4000 | archildrens.org Arkansas Dept. of Health Infant Hearing Program 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 20, Little Rock, AR 501-280-4740 | healthy.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Relay Services 900 S. Shackleford Road, Suite 700, Little Rock, AR 501-221-1285 | arkansasrelay.com Arkansas School for the Deaf 2400 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 501-324-9506 | arkansas.gov/asd Better Hearing Care DeQueen, Texarkana & Hope 870-888-2920 | betterhearingcare.net Little Rock Audiology 500 S. University Ave., Suite 405, Little Rock 501-664-5511 | littlerockaudiology.com UALR/UAMS Speech & Hearing Clinic 5820 Asher Ave., Suite 600, Little Rock 501-569-3155 uams.edu/chrp/audiospeech/default.asp
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: arced.org – Arkansas Coalition for the Education of Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing arkansasrid.org – Arkansas Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf arkad.org – Arkansas Association of the Deaf ualr.edu/ba/INAS/ – UALR Interpreter Education Program arkdisabilityrights.org – Disability Rights Center arksped.k12.ar.us – Arkansas Dept of Education, Special Education arlearn.org – Arkansas Local Education Agency Resource Network arkansas-ican.org – Increasing Capabilities Access Center/AR Rehabilitation Services
Kids’ Books by Arkansas Authors Looking for a home, Bailey Beagle battles wits with a potential new friend...and you can guess who wins! Available in Audio
On his own in a fun-filled neighborhood, Jack the Freedom Dog finds an unlikely friend in a tough cat. Available in Audio
These well-illustrated books and more (many in audiobook) and all autographed by the authors are available at:
www.PatBeckerBooks.com
GIFT SOME
L VE! Consider donating to the Arkansas School for the Deaf Foundation. All proceeds for 2021 will benefit ASD’s dorms and after school programs. Help us create a home away from home for the children!
www.asd-foundation.com
Meet the Parent:
SUSAN CAMPBELL Susan Campbell is a certified yoga and Pilates teacher, the owner of Lumerie Studio, an artist, and a single mother of two — Blakely (14) and Easton (12). She began her yoga practice in 1998 while she was finishing a master’s of fine arts degree in metalsmithing/jewelry design, and she learned the Pilates method shortly thereafter. Her combined background in fine arts, Pilates and yoga give her a unique perspective when working with others. For 20 years, she’s helped women and girls increase self-esteem, build confidence and discover their authentic selves through movement and breath. In the past, you’ve offered classes to tween/teen girls to help with selfesteem and positive body image. Why are these issues important to you? I grew up with terrible self-esteem and a negative body image, and I finally realized that self-esteem wasn’t something that just showed up one day when you arrived at adulthood. In our present culture, the influence of social media has exacerbated the unrealistic social pressures placed on teenage girls to be perfect. In response to this and from my own experience of parenting my teenage daughter, I created a class for young women where they would learn the tools to help them recognize and build their own confidence. The class is important to me because I think confidence is priceless. Social media often bombards young women with messages that undermine their feelings about themselves, which can contribute to anxiety, depression and unrealistic ideas about body image. I wonder what the next generation of young women could accomplish if they were less worried about their hair or the size of their thighs and more concerned with finding out who they are and what they believe in. Tell us a little about your business and how you’ve had to adapt during this challenging time. I own and operate Lumerie Studio, which is a private therapeutic yoga and Pilates studio located in Hillcrest. I specialize in working one on one with clients who often cannot attend a typical yoga or Pilates class. My clientele is diverse, and the work I teach covers issues that arise with joint replacement, cancer and recovery after surgery. I also
“BE PRESENT, BE PATIENT AND LISTEN.” SUSAN APPLIES THIS PHILOSOPHY TO PARENTING AND WORK. PICTURED HERE WITH KIDS BLAKELY (14) AND EASTON (12). (ABOVE) THE KIDS ENJOY KAYAKING IN MICHIGAN.
specialize in helping clients improve their balance, strength and flexibility. The greatest challenge during the pandemic has been my inability to teach near my clients and have the ability to make physical adjustments to their position during our sessions. What does school look like for your family this year? My kids are doing virtual school this year, which has been a unique challenge. Not being in class with their friends has been particularly hard and virtual learning lacks the engaging qualities teachers display in the classroom. Despite the circumstances, we are grateful for the option of virtual learning and hope to be back in the classroom by fall. What are your favorite “family time” activities? Most evenings we like to take a walk through our neighborhood together. It gives us time to talk, listen, share stories and reminisce
about the fun (and sometimes not so fun) experiences we’ve had throughout the years. We typically take a trip to Michigan each summer to visit family. We love to kayak and spend time on the beach while enjoying the cooler temperatures of Michigan summers. Name three things that helped your family get through 2020. Laughter, ice cream and remembering that the pandemic won’t last forever. How would you describe your parenting philosophy? Be present, be patient and listen. I don’t believe in raising my voice to get my point across to my kids or doling out empty threats. Listening to what they think and how they feel opens a conversation between us instead of me just dictating the rules. My goal is to raise independent thinkers who are kind, compassionate and true to themselves.
No Cost to Families!
Ensuring Quality Early Childhood Education Services for Families 2020-2021 Program Year Enrolling Now We Welcome Spanish Speaking Families We Welcome Children with Special Needs To see if you qualify, call (501) 570-5000 or visit UAMS.info/Headstart
Head Start/Early Head Start
We are following all CDC and AR Health Department Guidelines during Covid-19. Home Visits and In-Person meetings are currently held virtually and classroom ratios are smaller.
The UAMS Early/Head Start programs were created to increase school readiness and provide valuable support for parents and moms-to-be. Pregnant Women Program To ensure the best possible start for their babies, we provide quality prenatal and postnatal education to expectant mothers using the Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum and assisting pregnant women in obtaining prenatal care. The program includes: Biweekly Home Visits Networking Opportunities Monthly Parent Cafes with other Pregnant Women Research Based Prenatal Resources and Referrals Curriculum Home Based Program Designed for children birth to 36 months, the Home Based Program helps families provide quality early childhood education to their children through interactive child development activities including: Weekly Home Visits Comprehensive Support Bi-Monthly Family Events Services in Education, Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, Disabilities and Social Services. Center Based Program Designed for Children 6 weeks through 4 years old. Qualified teaching staff help children learn and develop in age appropriate ways in safe classrooms. Teachers use best practices to help children develop social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language skills. Disability Support Services Developmentally Appropriate Quality Classrooms Curriculum and Assessment Qualified Teachers Parent Engagement and Support