Lions of District 35-O Hearing Program assist Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Lions Clubs of District 35-O Hearing Program will provide complimentary clear face masks and face shields to family and friends of the deaf and hard of hearing community that allow them to see and read lips and facial expressions. District 35-O covers the following counties: Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Hernando, Lake, part of Levy, Orange, Osceola, Polk (North of Highway 60), Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created further burden on the deaf and hard of hearing. Lion Wendy Wilson, President of the Lions District 35-O Hearing Program proudly announced that “providing these face masks and face shields in desperate times will contribute to the education, information and communication for those who rely on facial cues.”

The face masks with clear anti-fog vinyl section over the mouth and the anti-fog face shields provide the necessary means for the deaf and hard of hearing to communicate with their family and friends.

In addition, the clear face masks allow groups with hearing impaired to go out in public with the sense of respect and protection of others during COVID-19.

Interested residents in Central Florida can obtain a “Request for Face Masks/Face Shields” form by emailing centralfloridalionshearing@gmail.com.

The local Lions Clubs and District 35-O Hearing Program also assist those with hearing loss to obtain hearing tests and eligibility for hearing aids through the Hearing Program Foundation.

People interested in serving and improving the quality of our communities can find a local Lions Club at https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/join/membership-form.

The Lions of District 35-O have traditionally aided the hearing and sight impaired since Helen Keller asked the Lions to be “knights of the blind” in 1925. She has been a world-wide inspiration and challenged Lions to educate the visual and hearing impaired.