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The words "life-changing" can be applied to various events throughout our lives. But here at AG Bell, I can think of no better program that fits that description than the Leadership Opportunities for Teens (LOFT) program.

“This experience has been life-changing. I’ve never been in a room full of so many deaf people before. It definitely helped me feel less alone, and now I can be a better advocate for myself knowing what I’ve learned,” one LOFTee (as we call them) told me following her experience at this year’s session.

Many of our members have children who took part in this program and returned from it forever changed. LOFT provides a common ground for teenagers who are deaf and hard of hearing to create new friendships, learn how to advocate for themselves and build leadership skills - all within a fun and supportive environment!

Teenagers who participate in LOFT have demonstrated great improvements in their self-confidence and their own ability to recognize the skills they have to succeed as productive young adults. They learn what it takes to be a leader, how to communicate and how to express their needs.

Paying It Forward

LOFT brings out the best in many teens with hearing loss. Central to its success has been the generous spirit of its co-founder, Ken Levinson.

Ken has been part of AG Bell for several decades and has served as a past-president of the association. His lasting impact is the creation of LOFT with co-founder Donna Dickman, who was then executive director of AG Bell.

LOFT has become one of the most prominent and successful programs of AG Bell, and its impact has not been limited to the teenagers who have participated in it. It's clear to me that LOFT has become Ken's greatest passion and, as he calls it, "his baby."

“What makes this program unique is that these kids transition from a life and world where they’re not sure where they fit to a position where they're energized with a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and a sense of self-esteem that could transcend anything,” Ken once said.

The great accomplishments of LOFT are far-reaching. Its earliest participants are already well into their careers as successful, productive adults, and many have returned to “pay it forward” as program counselors.

AG Bell is grateful for the support of our sponsors who made LOFT possible.

Manufacturers Phonak and Oticon expanded their support this year, and Oticon arranged for Jonathan Hutcherson, a wonderful singer-songwriter with hearing loss who appeared on NBC’s “The Voice,” to make his appearance during session one, despite a hectic schedule. View a clip of Jonathan singing during session one.

In particular, we are always grateful for the support of our Presenting Sponsor, the Children’s Hearing Foundation, as well as the Rothman Family Foundation and Jay and Bonnie Tenenbaum who have supported the program for many years. We also appreciate the participation of our newest sponsor, TD Bank, who delivered outstanding sessions to the teens on financial literacy.

Presenting Sponsor

Children’s Hearing Foundation

Exceptional Sponsors

Phonak, Inc.

Oticon

KDH Research Corp.

Daniel Kaiser

Gold Sponsors

Dr. Richard Mani

Gallaudet University

TD Bank, N.A.

Key Supporters

Burch Family Foundation

Bob and Marie Bush

Ken Levinson

Kathleen and Sam Jadallah

The New Jersey Chapter of AG Bell

Joseph Rosenstein and Donald McGee

With the success of LOFT and the spread of its successful alumni throughout the world, the mission of AG Bell is succeeding in more places and in greater ways. Society is invariably improved as successful teenagers who can listen and speak become part of its fabric.

To help support LOFT and other programs of AG Bell, please visit our website to give now and help teens who are deaf and hard of hearing gain the confidence to understand their true self, inspire others and become leaders in our world.