There is nothing more powerful for a child with a disability than to see an adult with the same disability being active, engaged and successful.  This is the goal of READ and DEAR Days in our schools.  FHSR believes in the power of mentorship and role models so we fund these literacy programs in both Central and Southern Illinois to make sure children who are deaf or hard of hearing see that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Adults who volunteer to read to the school children reflect on the importance of reading both in school and in the home along with a wide range of topics to help the children navigate their hearing loss; from wearing assisted devices and equipment maintenance, to taking care of their bodies and social-emotional exercises to promote self-advocacy.  What looks like a simple shared moment of reading a book has many additional benefits.