In 1925, Lions accepted the challenge posed by Helen Keller ( who became blind and deaf in childhood) to help persons who are deaf as well as those who are blind. Click here to view her inspiring speech.

Services provided by Lions clubs for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing include:

• hearing awareness
• hearing screenings
• communications aids for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing
• recreational camps for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing
• support for the Deaf or hard of hearing community

In 2002-03, Lions donated more than US$4.3 million and volunteered more than 292,000 hours to hearing-related service projects. Lions are invited to share news of their successful service projects for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For general information about hearing, access Understanding hearing impairments (IAD-8) or Technological devices for people who are hearing impaired (IAD-9) in the Resources section.

For additional hearing information, log onto: www.nidcd.nih.gov or contact the Program Development Department at Lions Clubs International Headquarters: programs@lionsclubs.org.