Local and International Golf Personalities Support Hearing Loss Charity Golf Tournament at WestChase Golf Course

Internationally renowned golf pros, long drive champions and local personalities will converge on WestChase Golf Course on Monday, May 23rd, 2016 to play for a good cause. The 2nd annual Divots for the Deaf Charity Golf Tournament will raise funds for three local non-profit organizations that support the elderly and children living with hearing loss.
“It’s great to have so many local small business and big organizations supporting this cause,” tournament organizer and local businessman Herb Stevenson explains. “There are so many people living the the Tampa area who have hearing loss, and even young people, and the issue is so overlooked in our culture. It’s really nice to be part of something that raises awareness about the issue of hearing loss among our population, and the importance of advocating for inclusion for these individuals. Divots for the Deaf is not just a fundraiser, it’s also a great medium for communicating the important work that needs to be done on behalf of those living with hearing loss in our community.”
Communication Access, Inc., (CAI) Executive Director, Tess Crowder explains her passion for this event, "As enormous as the population is of those living with hearing loss in our area, it's still amazing to me how few organizations exist to provide services. Even more stunning is how few facilities are equipped with either hearing loop technology or CART Captioning services which would ensure inclusion for people living with hearing loss."
While public knowledge of hearing loss is on the increase, as evidenced by recent articles in such widely-read publications as the Wall Street Journal and the Huffington Post, knowledge about the importance of utilizing available technologies in commercial venues is still sparse. Even in such important and critical junctures as public transportation hubs and medical facilities, people with hearing loss are still heavily reliant on others to help them understand crucial information, and oftentimes complete clarity and inclusion are insufficiently realized. Furthermore, many people who begin to experience hearing loss later in life don't seek treatment right away. In fact, a recent study showed that on average people wait nearly 10 years before they begin to proactively address hearing loss.
"That's why this event is so important, and we need to get the word out there. People can maintain their quality of life at home, at work, and in public venues, despite the challenges that come with experiencing hearing loss," Crowder explains. "Increasing public knowledge and advocacy efforts can help remove the stigma; Hearing loss doesn't have to be the silent disability."
This event will benefit Blossom School for the Deaf, Woodlawn Community Academy and CAI, all of whom serve individuals living with hearing loss. Divots for the Deaf is sponsored by AmeriscapeUSA, WestChase Golf Club and Charity Golf International. Additional sponsors include MicroLumen, Eddie V’s, Dimmitt Chevrolet, Bilmar Station, Class Act Inspections, Coopers Hawk, Paradise Golf, and Sign It Quick of Tampa. More information about sponsorship and registration for Divots for the Deaf Charity Golf Tournament can be found at www.divotsforthedeaf.org

About Communication Access Inc.

CAI was founded on the premise that whether hearing loss is lifelong, adult-onset, or due to illness or injury, communication and inclusion are the RIGHT of every individual in every setting of their lives. Through translation, counseling, education, and advocacy services, we are committed to providing every individual access to communication, not simply those who can afford these services privately. Our mission is to provide communication access and services for people living with hearing loss. For more information visit www.communicationaccess.org.

About Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf

Blossom enrolls Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, as well as their hearing siblings and children of Deaf adults (CODA) and teaches them in a Montessori environment that embraces Deafness. Parents of children attending Blossom are both hearing and deaf. Communication at Blossom is always inclusive. Teachers and staff use spoken or written English as well as American Sign Language (ASL). Each child (and parent) enjoys the communication mode that best suits their needs and allows them to participate fully. Deaf culture lessons, sign language instruction and information about local deaf events are always available at Blossom.

Blossom Montessori is a nonprofit educational program. This status allows us the chance to keep our program focused on the needs of our children and the proper application of Montessori method. Blossom’s unique challenge is to give ‘Children a Chance and Parents a Choice’ - and we are doing it…one child at a time. We hope you will choose to allow your child a chance to “blossom” with us. For more information about our mission please visit : www.blossomschool.org