Advertisement
Indiana State Representative Brian Bosma will officiate as Master ofCeremonies. In 1999, Rep. Bosma championed legislation in which hearingscreening became mandatory for all Indiana newborns.
Advertisement
"We are thrilled to have Rep. Bosma officiate this year's race," saidNaomi Horton, Executive Director for Hear Indiana.
"In 1999, Rep. Bosma, co-authored House Bill 1410, which enabled hearingloss to be identified before babies even leave the hospital. Children whoreceive appropriate early intervention before six months of age have languageskills comparable to their hearing peers by the time they reach first grade,if not earlier."
"Today we live in a dynamic age in medicine and it's my pleasure to helporganizations like Hear Indiana help deaf and hard of hearing children," BrianBosma said. "I hope many Hoosiers will join me at Fort Harrison State Park torun or walk for this wonderful cause."
Directions:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?addtohistory=&countrycode=&country=&addre
ss=6002+N%2E+Post+Road&city=Indianapolis&state=IN&zipcode=46216&submit.x=0&sub
mit.y=0 .
The event will raise funds and awareness for the nation's number onecongenital disability -- deafness. Following the run/walk, there will be afree Kids Fun Run, followed by food, live music, and exhibit booths withinformation about hearing loss. Last year's event raised $17,000 for deaf andhard of hearing children throughout Indiana.
Today, through a combination of early diagnosis of hearing loss, the useof hearing technology and education, most children with hearing loss candevelop language skills comparable to their hearing peers by the time theyenter 1st grade, saving school systems more than $400,000 per child in specialeducation costs and related services through high school.
Availability for interviews
A complete media kit is available for download at www.hearindiana.org (Goto Media tab) and includes a list of available Talk*Walk*Run 2008 participantsavailable for interviews, both in person and via telephone. Using today'stechnology, many deaf and hard of hearing individuals can conduct interviewsover the phone. Please see the accompanying directory in the media kit on thewebsite for more information, or call Hear Indiana executive director, NaomiHorton at 317-828-0211 or [email protected], or Christopher Mann, member ofthe board of directors at (260) 469-3090 or [email protected]. Hortonand Mann have normal hearing and can advise reporters who may be unfamiliarwith how to conduct interviews over the phone with members of the deaf and/orhard of hearing community. (Don't be shy; we're a friendly bunch).
About Hear Indiana
Hear Indiana is the non-profit Indiana chapter of the Alexander GrahamBell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For over 30 years theorganization has helped children with hearing loss achieve their fullestpotential as independent members of society. For more information visithttp://www.hearindiana.org .
About Brian Bosma
Brian Bosma represents House District 88, including portions of Marion andHamilton counties. In 2004 he was elected Speaker of the House and in 2006 hewas reelected to lead his caucus as House Republican Leader. In 2005 Rep.Bosma received the Friends of First Steps Award for his support of earlychildhood intervention programs. In his private life, Brian is a partner withthe law firm of Kroger, Gardis and Regas. He was a founding Director of BosmaIndustries for the Blind, Inc., which employs over 85 blind and visuallyimpaired Hoosiers in Central Indiana. Brian and his
