JACKSONVILLE, Fla \u2013 At just 4 years old, Noah is already leading the way \u2014 proudly showing off his classroom, introducing his friends, and making sure the adults keep up.<\/p>\n
After being diagnosed with a hearing impairment as a baby, his parents, Becca and Sean Cardenas, were filled with questions and uncertainty about what the future might hold.<\/p>\n
Today, Noah is thriving.<\/p>\n
This month\u2019s Positively JAX story takes us inside Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Jacksonville, where children who are deaf or hard of hearing are learning to listen, talk, and pursue limitless possibilities.<\/p>\n
Finding the right place<\/p>\n
When Noah first arrived at Clarke, his parents remember feeling scared \u2014 but also relieved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were for sure scared,\u201d his parents said. \u201cBut at the same time, I think we got plugged in so quickly with Clarke that we felt very safe very quickly and knew that we were in the right place.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Clarke, the mission is simple but powerful: teach children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk.<\/p>\n
Using advanced technology like cochlear implants and hearing aids, teachers of the deaf, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists work with children from infancy through their teen years. <\/p>\n
The goal is to prepare students academically and socially so they can succeed in neighborhood schools and beyond.<\/p>\n
A remarkable transformation<\/p>\n
When Noah started at the school, his parents say, he had \u201cmaybe one or two words.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, he can\u2019t stop talking.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can hear him now \u2014 he\u2019s very talkative,\u201d his parents said. \u201cHe\u2019s really grown into his confidence and advocating for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n
His vocabulary has grown dramatically.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s telling us things we didn\u2019t know he would be able to tell us,\u201d they said. \u201cIt\u2019s been incredible to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside the classroom, that growth is happening everywhere. When students are asked who loves going to school, the answer is loud and enthusiastic: \u201cMe! Me!\u201d<\/p>\n
Teachers say watching those transformations never gets old.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been amazing,\u201d one teacher said. \u201cSeeing the difference from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond speech and language, teachers say they also see growing independence.<\/p>\n
Students who were once hesitant to try new things are now attempting tasks on their own before even asking for help.<\/p>\n
Growing confidence<\/p>\n
For Noah\u2019s parents, the changes go far beyond words.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis school is special because it gives Noah a place to grow, to shine, and to learn from teachers who really care,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
In fact, Noah enjoys school so much that leaving at the end of the day can be the hardest part.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loves school. He does not like leaving school,\u201d they said. \u201cIt\u2019s his favorite part of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perhaps the biggest milestone is seeing Noah experience childhood fully \u2014 running, jumping, climbing, and exploring just like any other kid.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got a lot of words and lots of opinions,\u201d his parents said with a smile. \u201cAt the end of the day, all we can hope for is that we gave him the tools and resources \u2014 and he decided, \u2018Yep, we\u2019re going to talk.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Sweet support for local students<\/p>\n
The community will soon have a chance to support students like Noah.<\/p>\n
Clarke is preparing for its annual Ice Cream Run on Saturday, March 28 at St. Johns Town Center.<\/p>\n
The event features a timed 5K and a one-mile walk\/run with a brand-new race course and vendor area, all benefiting local students served by Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.<\/p>\n
The event is held in partnership with Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies \u2014 and yes, there will be plenty of sweet treats waiting at the finish line.<\/p>\n
For Noah and so many other children, it\u2019s support that helps turn uncertainty into confidence \u2014 and possibility into reality.<\/p>\n