Everyday Heroes Kids, Upopolis & Cochlear Partner to Support Youth with Hearing Devices
Press Release: 19 October 2022
Everyday Heroes Kids, Upopolis and Cochlear are excited to share the launch of a new online community for youth with hearing loss on the Upopolis app. This community will allow teens to connect, share experiences and benefit from a supportive network of their peers also living with hearing devices.
Everyday Heroes Kids (EHK) is a pediatric platform that improves access to care. EHK’s comprehensive profiles show families all the resources they are looking for and also all those they didn’t know existed; saving time, money and stress.
Upopolis is a free, fun, and secure online community that connects youth 10 to 18 with others like them who are going through medical experiences or life challenges in North America. Upopolis reduces social isolation while educating and empowering youth to play an active role in managing and coping with their diagnosis, condition, or challenge.
Youth have access to peer support, resources and activities shared by their child life team, the option to attend virtual groups or workshops facilitated by a CCLS, and more.
Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. Cochlear has provided more than 700,000 devices in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear. The company connects people with life’s opportunities and welcomes them to the world’s largest hearing implant community. Cochlear continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.
Krista Naugler, Program Manager for Upopolis and a Certified Child Life Specialist says, “When it comes to adolescence, peers and independence are two key development considerations. Having things in common with their peers is very important. This one of the main ways they make connections with other. Youth with a new or existing medical diagnosis/condition they feel like others don’t understand or relate. Giving youth access to a community like Upopolis where they can make connections, build relationships, and become inspired through shared experiences is invaluable. The Upopolis team is grateful for the support of companies like Cochlear, who help us to connect youth.”
By directing youth and teens withhearing loss to this new community you are helping deaf and hard of hearing teens with the skills of self-advocacy, self-confidence and communication. These connections are critical to help reduce social isolation while also educating and empowering youth with hearing loss to build lasting relationships and navigate life’s challenges.
Pamela Aasen, Community Manager for Everyday Heroes Kids, former special education teacher and mom to 2 sons with bi-lateral Cochlear implants says, “It is so important for kids to be around their peers with shared experiences in facing adversity, to not feel like they need to explain themselves.”
If you are interested in learning more, becoming a referrer, or making your first referral, please reach out to Krista at krista@kidshealthlinks.org or use the online referral form
If you are an accredited health or education professional working with kids and youth, please create a no cost professional profile on Everyday Heroes Kids by clicking on “Join/Login” in the menu bar, create an account, and submit a profile for review.
Below you will find links to rack cards, information sheets, a video for professionals on 10 Things about Upopolis, and a tour.
Upopolis Rack Card
Upopolis Information Sheet
Video 10 Things about Upopolis
Tour of Upopolis
Copyright © 2022, Everyday Heroes Pediatrics Inc., All rights reserved.
www.ehkidshealth.com
For more information:
info@ehkidshealth.com
