Hazma F Alireza, B.A (Sociology) from . Tufts University, Medford, MA
Early Intervention Coordinator

 

After graduating from college, I returned home I started working as a kindergarten teacher.  In January of 2006 I was recruited by JISH, to become the Early Intervention Coordinator.  I had a unique personal experience in that my mother and four of my cousins have a hearing loss of varying degrees, so one could say I have a lifetime of experience communicating with people with hearing impairment.  I joined the JISH family and after intensive academic and practical training in the aural/oral division under Abdulrahman Naqawa, MS,CCC SLP I helped set up the first  early intervention program (Wahat Al Samaa) for hearing impaired children ages 0-3 years in the kingdom. This program was established in memory of Sharifa Hazma Al Ghalib, and is offered free of charge.

 

Wahat Al Samaa, the JISH early intervention program opened its doors in 2007 and has helped more than numerous families. Our plan is to take this program to remote parts of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where mothers do not have the resources or services needed to help their hearing impaired children.

“I want to be around when these mothers hear their hearing impaired children say their first words; I want to see the look in their eyes when goals are met, I want to be the one to give them a starting chance.”