You might associate deafness with silence, but the first thing you notice when you enter Central Institute for the Deaf is the cheerful hum of voices and laughter. A global leader in progressive education since 1914, CID transforms the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing by teaching them to listen, speak and interact with others—without using sign language. “Knowing how to talk opens up boundless opportunities for them,” explains executive director Robin Feder. “Students graduate as soon as they’re ready to attend a mainstream school, prepared to achieve their fullest academic, social and professional potential in the hearing, speaking world.”
The approach works: CID alumni have gone on to more than 150 leading colleges and universities, including Harvard, Yale and Northwestern, and have made their mark as architects, lawyers, social workers, professors, pilots, engineers and artists. “Their families credit CID with providing a firm foundation for success,” Feder says.
The institute serves children from birth to age 12 with an array of individualized programs, including classes at its Central West End school, in-home instruction, and audiology and speech therapy services. “We work closely with students’ families, a vital element in the educational process,” Feder says. CID also partners with other institutions, educators and professionals to offer training and continuing education.
To serve as many youngsters as possible, CID awards scholarships. “We never turn away an eligible child, regardless of a family’s ability to pay,” Feder notes. But only 25 percent of the school’s costs are covered by tuition and fees. “Generous public support keeps us affordable for everyone who needs our services.” CID’s $25 million Making Conversations Happen Centennial Campaign endows scholarships, curricula development, education for teachers and other professionals, and an expanded audiology department. The campaign has already raised more than $20 million.
The school’s major fundraiser takes place May 9 at The Ritz-Carlton. Formerly known as the Ultimate Picnic, the gala has been renamed CID OUT LOUD! The event is co-chaired by Jack and Rachel Oliver. Karen Leebolt serves as live auction chair, with Molly Danforth and Dawn Sturmon as silent auction co-chairs. “The campaign, the gala and other fundraising activities make a CID education possible for even more families, and also allow us to share our innovative curricula and methods with more teachers and professionals worldwide,” Feder says.
The inability to communicate as freely and fully as possible is profoundly isolating. “But CID empowers students to break the barriers of social isolation,” Feder says. “By gaining access to the same opportunities as every other human being, they’re able to build a life for themselves and contribute their talents to the community. It’s a privilege to help them grow—but we can’t do it without support. That’s why, as we enter our second century, we hope you’ll join us to celebrate 100 years of service, and invest in
100 more.”
Photo: Danielle Pipitone, courtesy CID
[CID OUT LOUD !, benefiting Central Institute for the Deaf, takes place May 9 at The Ritz-Carlton. Pictured on the cover: Event co-chairs Jack and Rachel Oliver and CID students Rylee, Dominick and Mackin. For ticket and sponsorship information, call 314.977.0163 or visit cid.edu.]