Magan Chyko-Leigh

Chyko-Leigh's program, "Access Announcements", will help bridge the communication gap between hearing students and those who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) by broadcasting daily announcements via closed circuit televisions with an American Sign Language interpreter. Because DHH students at Villa Cresta Elementary School rely on their vision instead of their hearing to gain information, the Access Announcements initiative will allow them to be more fully included in the school community. This student-operated program gives students an opportunity to lead the development and delivery of school-related news with "crews" comprised of hearing and DHH students who serve as newscasters, writers and camera operators. According to Chyko-Leigh, this project will be unique because it is designed to meet the specific needs of the school's mixed population of hearing and DHH students. With ongoing instruction and support from a dedicated team of teachers, she believes this program can help students improve their writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills thereby enhancing the quality of education for all of Villa Cresta's students. Chyko-Leigh resides in Baltimore.