The MGH Institute's Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) recently completed its first service project by donating books to Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Harvard Kent School. The money to purchase the books came from a fall book fundraiser.

Members of SAA raised approximately $300 for the books through contributions from IHP students, faculty members, colleagues in clinical placements, and families of chapter members. They were able to purchase 20 books that will be valuable in educating peers and teachers on hearing loss, hearing devices, and effective communication strategies.              

“We began by identifying a cause that aligned with national SAA's mission — to promote and advance audiology and the associated services, information, education, representation, and advocacy for the profession and public that we serve,” said Marissa Galan, IHP's Student Academy of Audiology President.                     

SAA chose Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Harvard Kent as the recipients of the books due to the relationship between the schools and the MGH Institute. Harvard Kent works closely with several different MGH Institute programs and Horace Mann School is a clinical placement for the Audiology program. 

“Overall, the experience was incredibly rewarding,” said Gallan. “It was a meaningful way for our SAA chapter to make an impact while reinforcing its mission and seeing the enthusiasm from our peers and the fundraiser recipients made all the effort worthwhile.”