whatQGA's MISSION

To empower deaf and hard of hearing youth to become fulfilled and contributing citizens of both deaf and hearing communities through improvement of communication (especially within the family), education, deaf awareness, and values.

ABOUT OUR MISSION

What do you mean by “empower”?
            Many deaf and hard of hearing youth have challenges to overcome that hearing youth do not have.  These challenges stem mainly from difficulties in communication, which in turn affect a multitude of other areas of life.  When we say ‘empower deaf and hard of hearing youth’ we mean that we work to help them overcome the difficulties caused by the circumstances of their life that relate to their hearing abilities.

What are deaf and hearing communities?
            Because people with hearing loss have a significant characteristic in common, they often form strong connections with each other.  A large ‘deaf community’ is the result of these bonds.  Within it develops a deaf culture that is distinct from the culture of the “hearing world” even though they are intermixed within the same geographical area.  However, since the majority of the world is comprised of hearing people, those involved in the deaf community must also be involved in the hearing community if they are to be successful in every aspect of their lives.

How does whatQGA help deaf & hard of hearing people improve their ability to communicate?
            WhatQGA helps people learn to communicate through sign language by teaching necessary skills and creating situations in which these skills can be practiced and improved.  Various workshops are offered by whatQGA to teach skills used in signing.  Social activities provide contexts in which these skills can be practiced in a non-stressful, enjoyable way.  “Silent getaways” (1-3 day trips focused on learning and practicing sign language) offer a chance to get out of the normal pressures of life and focus on communicating with those who use sign language.  Silent getaways are especially beneficial for families, since they offer a short vacation as well as time to learn and practice signing skills.

How does whatQGA help deaf & hard of hearing people improve their education?
            Currently the main aspect of education being actively propagated by whatQGA is the ability to communicate through sign language.  In the future we hope to also play an active role in providing tutoring to students who need additional help with their academic progress. 

What is meant by “deaf awareness,” and how does whatQGA help to improve it?
            Often deaf and hard of hearing people and their needs are misunderstood by the hearing world.  These misunderstandings can lead to problems that sometimes leave emotional scars and mistrust between deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people.  Because deaf and hard of hearing individuals must live among hearing people, one of the goals of whatQGA is to teach the hearing public as much as possible about hearing loss and the implications that stem from it.  We call this deaf awareness.  WhatQGA improves deaf awareness by providing several activities each year that are open to the public (including our annual 5K/1 mile race), running booths at various public functions, and generally advertising what we do and why to the public.

What values does whatQGA support, and how are they taught?
            Values that will help whatQGA’s members become better contributing citizens in society (both hearing and deaf communities) and more fulfilled in their personal lives are supported by whatQGA.  These values include: optimism; self-reliance; self-confidence; perseverance and determination; kindness; friendship; honesty; education and high intellectual standards; respect; patience; and courage. 
The teaching of these values happens in various ways.  First, they are taught by the example of whatQGA’s employees.  We realize that one of the most important influences we can have on our youth stems from how we live our own lives and what they see in us.  Second, within whatQGA’s activities there will be structured instruction from time to time that is centered on these ideals.  We recognize that each member of whatQGA has his/her own strengths and weaknesses in these areas, and that we cannot set one standard across the entire group.  Our aim in teaching these values is to help each person rise higher than he/she was before in each of these areas.  Most of the youth’s success in doing this will depend on each one’s own personal commitment.  We also recognize that within each person’s family, regardless of who comprises it, lies most of the influence that will lead them either closer to or further away from these goals.  Because of this, we ask all who are at home with our members to do their part in showing good examples and encouraging your youth in our program to reach for the ideals that will help them to be happy.