It began with a vision
In the 1970s, a group of visionary Lions recognized a need to assist Hoosiers with speech & hearing impairments. In 1981, ILSH was incorporated as a 501c3 organization, functioning as an autonomous corporation, authorized by the Lions of Indiana .
Today, the main objectives of ILSH are:
- Conservation and restoration of human hearing
- Prevention of speech and hearing disorders
- Support of research into the treatment and prevention of speech and hearing disorders
- Elimination of communication barriers for those with speech and hearing disorders
A board of 21 elected Trustees represent each of the seven Lion districts as a governing body.
Grants made must serve the needs of Hoosiers and may be dispersed for charitable, educational or scientific purposes.
The main source of funding for ILSH is the generous contributions of the Indiana Lions Clubs.
ILSH Projects
Affordable Hearing Aid Project offers deeply discounted hearing aids to low-income Hoosiers through a partnership with the Rexton Company.
Hearing Aid Loaner Bank loans hearing aids to any Indiana child or adult in need.
Infant Hearing Aid Loaner Bank loans hearing aids to any Indiana audiologist to fit infants up to age 3 with approval by the First Steps Program.
Cochlear Implant Program. ILSH was the first organization to offer support and is instrumental in the continued success of the world-class program, operating at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Hospital .
Preschool Hearing Screening for children, ages 3-5, is sponsored by a local Lions Club, with the assistance of an ILSH Trustee and hearing professional.
William Foster McKenney Outreach Program offers substantial funds annually for scholarships, research and materials to benefit students and the Speech & Audiology Departments at Ball State, Indiana State, Indiana University or Purdue University.
Scholarships to students attending Indiana universities and colleges, majoring in speech pathology, audiology or American Sign Language.
Alternative Communication Device Program provides access to ACDs to individuals unable to communicate through spoken voice for the enhancement and development of communication skills.
Camps for the Deaf Scholarships allow students from the Indiana School for the Deaf to attend a Deaf Youth Leadership Camp in Stayton, OR, and sponsor children to Camps operated by the Indiana Deaf Camps Foundation, Inc. , and Hear Indiana .