First American Girl Doll with Hearing Aids
Every year the American Girl company honors an inspirational girl by creating a new doll in their lineup of inspirational characters. This year, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is partnering with American Girl to create the 2020 Girl of the Year, Joss Kendrick. Joss Kendrick is an athlete that loves surfing and competitive cheerleading, and also wears a hearing aid.
Increased Education and Awareness of Hearing Loss
American Girl’s collection of motivating characters can help children with hearing impairment learn and feel confident. Children can learn that they can push past stereotypes and try new things. Since Joss is a competitive cheerleader, she shows the importance of being a team player. Both American Girl and HLAA hope that children will feel inspired to create awareness and a deeper understanding among family and friends.
American Girl and Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Partnership
American Girl has donated $25,000 to help support the educational programs that HLAA creates, and the 2020 Walk4Hearing. American Girls is also donating a portion of every Joss Kendrick doll sale to HLAA and working to raise money in each store and on their website. The partnership with American Girl will help fund HLAA’s initiative to educate families about the resources that are available to help people with hearing loss live their life to the fullest.
A Boost of Confidence
People, even children, can often feel isolated and depressed living with a hearing impairment. Their peers most likely won't understand or will have trouble communicating. When children have a toy that they can connect with on a personal level, it can help boost their confidence with themselves. For hearing impaired children, having a doll that also has hearing impairment but participates in both solo and group activities can show children that they can do and be anything they want and that their hearing impairment shouldn’t hold them back from reaching their dreams.
How You Can Participate
The HLAA Walk4Hearing is held in 20 cities nationwide to help promote hearing health and hearing protection. To find a participating city, visit the Walk4Hearing website.
To purchase a Joss Kendrick doll, visit the American Girl website or a store near you.
Our hearing care professionals always want the best for our patients. Contact us today at 864-881-1663 to make an appointment. We have four convenient locations in Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.