Board of Directors and Staff
David Spencer: Director
Director
| 74 Renfrew Street Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2M5 |
Tel: 902-463-3919 Fax: 902-424-7735 E-mail: David.spencer@ns.sympatico.ca |
Deafness has always been a part of my life. Even before my cochlear implant surgery seven and half years ago, I have been an active advocate for the rights of those who are deaf and hard of hearing and I feel that my efforts have made a positive difference. I am a past member of the Board of Directors for Deafness Advocacy Association Nova Scotia and I am presently a board member as well as an executive committee member of the Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians. I have strong ties with the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Clinic and with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority where I am assisting in the development of a program to assess oral interpreters. Up until recently I was a proud member of the Acoustic Neuroma and Late Deafened Adult Support Group. I have always had the belief that deafness is simply another challenge and we all face challenges in life.
My own mother was deaf so deafness was never foreign to me; it was simply the way things were. I have come up against obstacles due to my deafness which include loss of a job, and ignorance. I have dealt with those who simply refuse to attempt communication with me due to my deafness. I have dealt with my share of struggles and pain and feelings of loneliness and frustration and I wish to provide others with resources I did not have - support, understanding and the knowledge that others have experienced the same struggles that they are facing.
My cochlear implant surgery was highly successful, but I have not forgotten what I have experienced and those who helped me along the way. I am committed to providing support and guidance for those with hearing loss whether they were born deaf or find themselves new to the uncertainties that deafness presents.