INDIANAPOLIS, May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 300 runners and walkers will converge in Indianapolis once again for the annual Talk*Walk*Run (5K or 2.3 mile) on Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m. at Fort Harrison State Park at 6002 N Post Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46216.
Indiana State Representative Brian Bosma will officiate as Master of Ceremonies. In 1999, Rep. Bosma championed legislation in which hearing screening became mandatory for all Indiana newborns.
"We are thrilled to have Rep. Bosma officiate this year's race," said Naomi Horton, Executive Director for Hear Indiana.
"In 1999, Rep. Bosma, co-authored House Bill 1410, which enabled hearing loss to be identified before babies even leave the hospital. Children who receive appropriate early intervention before six months of age have language skills comparable to their hearing peers by the time they reach first grade, if not earlier."
"Today we live in a dynamic age in medicine and it's my pleasure to help organizations like Hear Indiana help deaf and hard of hearing children," Brian Bosma said. "I hope many Hoosiers will join me at Fort Harrison State Park to run or walk for this wonderful cause."
Directions:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?addtohistory=&countrycode=&country=&addre
ss=6002+N%2E+Post+Road&city=Indianapolis&state=IN&zipcode=46216&submit.x=0&sub
mit.y=0 .
The event will raise funds and awareness for the nation's number one congenital disability -- deafness. Following the run/walk, there will be a free Kids Fun Run, followed by food, live music, and exhibit booths with information about hearing loss. Last year's event raised $17,000 for deaf and hard of hearing children throughout Indiana.
Today, through a combination of early diagnosis of hearing loss, the use of hearing technology and education, most children with hearing loss can develop language skills comparable to their hearing peers by the time they enter 1st grade, saving school systems more than $400,000 per child in special education costs and related services through high school.
Availability for interviews
A complete media kit is available for download at www.hearindiana.org (Go to Media tab) and includes a list of available Talk*Walk*Run 2008 participants available for interviews, both in person and via telephone. Using today's technology, many deaf and hard of hearing individuals can conduct interviews over the phone. Please see the accompanying directory in the media kit on the website for more information, or call Hear Indiana executive director, Naomi Horton at 317-828-0211 or [email protected], or Christopher Mann, member of the board of directors at (260) 469-3090 or [email protected]. Horton and Mann have normal hearing and can advise reporters who may be unfamiliar with how to conduct interviews over the phone with members of the deaf and/or hard of hearing community. (Don't be shy; we're a friendly bunch).
About Hear Indiana
Hear Indiana is the non-profit Indiana chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For over 30 years the organization has helped children with hearing loss achieve their fullest potential as independent members of society. For more information visit http://www.hearindiana.org .
About Brian Bosma
Brian Bosma represents House District 88, including portions of Marion and Hamilton counties. In 2004 he was elected Speaker of the House and in 2006 he was reelected to lead his caucus as House Republican Leader. In 2005 Rep. Bosma received the Friends of First Steps Award for his support of early childhood intervention programs. In his private life, Brian is a partner with the law firm of Kroger, Gardis and Regas. He was a founding Director of Bosma Industries for the Blind, Inc., which employs over 85 blind and visually impaired Hoosiers in Central Indiana. Brian and his wife, Cheryl, along with their children Allison age 18 and Christopher age 15, attend Grace Community Church. He is a graduate of Purdue University's School of Engineering (1981) and the Indiana University School of law (1984).
SOURCE Hear Indiana
