Thompson Family Overjoyed and Thankful!

John Michael (affectionately known as JM) started to receive services through SMD when he was only one and a half years old. An Audiologist referred JM to SMD when it was discovered he had profound hearing loss bilaterally. A surgery was required for implantation of bilateral cochlear implants. Ana Bautista, JM’s mother admits, “This was very hard to accept, but we keep moving forward and are thankful for SMD in all they were able to help us with. They provided a lot of support for our family. I was working part-time and financially, it was difficult. SMD has been there for financial support and JM is improving a lot through Speech Pathology and his overall behaviour.”

John Michael (JM) and family

JM has visited Winnipeg multiple times from their home in Thompson, Manitoba for surgeries and Speech Language Pathology appointments and SMD has assisted the family financially with travel costs. He is also receiving respite services.

“SMD is very helpful in providing multiple connections to the proper resources that are required and when we meet with the staff, we feel like family.”

When asked what message Ana would like to spread to others who might be going through a similar situation, she proudly states, “As a parent/mother, never give up on your child. No matter what condition they have, show the love and care for them.”

JM and his family are currently learning American Sign Language (ASL) through our Deaf and hard of hearing program to augment his communication skills and are finding it very helpful. “JM is doing more sign language and his communication has been improving.”

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES LIKE THE BAUTISTA'S THROUGH OUR DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING PROGRAM