Besides helping hearing-impaired kids learn to communicate, Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) also enables them to grow and develop as individuals. Executive director Robin Feder says CID’s programs and services help children integrate into neighborhood schools and achieve success as adults.
“We have had students from all over the world—48 states and 30 countries,” Feder says. “Parents often choose CID because there is no school like ours in their communities. Other schools may teach sign language, but families send their kids here to learn speech. Last year we served 250 children, and currently, our largest population is under age 3.” CID educators work with hearing-impaired babies and toddlers in the home, and when they turn 3, they can attend its full-day school just east of Forest Park.
Kids can remain at CID as long as necessary to gain the skills they need up to age 12, Feder notes. “In the past, they often had to stay here 10 or 12 years before they were ready to go to neighborhood schools,” she explains. “Now, because of early intervention, advanced teaching methods, and technologies like cochlear implants and digital hearing aids, the average stay is four to five years.” And the school is uniquely accessible; no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay.
CID relies on the generosity of private, corporate and foundation donors to give kids a promising start in life—but it also throws a festive fundraising bash each year. It’s called CID Out Loud! because the school encourages its students to make their voices heard. The gala, sponsored by Wells Fargo, is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 5 at The Ritz-Carlton and will feature a Cinco de Mayo theme. “It’s also Kentucky Derby night, so we are inviting guests to come an hour early for a watch party at the hotel,” Feder says. “We want them to feel free to ‘dress out loud,’ too!” Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, silent auction and golden ticket raffle for a chance at special live auction packages. CID students get excited about the big night as well. “A group of them will dress in costumes and sing at the event,” Feder says. “They love performing and put a lot of hard work into it. Everyone enjoys this part of the evening—it’s back by popular demand.”
Each year, the school carefully examines its programs and services, and designs ways to better serve its students. “We’re committed to improving on the great education that is already happening here,” Feder says. “Our students have attended college everywhere from the University of Missouri to Harvard, and they have become teachers, college presidents, doctors, lawyers and more. With the foundation they receive at CID, they can do anything they wish.”
Pictured at top: Students gain tools for success at CID.
Photo: Chris Malacarne
Central Institute for the Deaf is committed to teaching hearing-impaired children the skills they need to learn and flourish. Pictured on the cover: CID Out Loud! fundraising gala committee members David and Kerrin Kowach with young CID students. For more information about the gala May 5, call 314.977.0163 or visit cid.edu.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography