CCHAT Alumni Spotlight: Grason

After Grason failed multiple newborn hearing screenings, Anna was faced with a hard reality: her son, just 2 months old, was deaf. 

That was more than 10 years ago. Last month, Grason, a kindhearted 11-year-old with excellent communication skills, returned to CCHAT, the program that changed the trajectory of his future and provided hope to his family during a time full of question marks. 

A Stunning Diagnosis and a Life-Changing Discovery

Anna remembers all of the feelings that came with Grason’s diagnosis. She was a young mother, nervous and fearful of what the future would look like for not only Grason, but for her, as well.

The discovery of CCHAT changed everything for her family.

“I remember walking in on my tour to check out the school, and I saw children fully speaking and hearing their teachers,” Anna said. “It gave me chills, and I knew Grason needed to go to school there. It was so inspiring.”

At 3 years old, Grason was enrolled in CCHAT’s toddler class. His first teacher, Meredith Wright, recalls an enthusiastic child who fit right in with his classmates.

“It didn’t take long for Grason to get comfortable at CCHAT,” Meredith said. “His language progressed rapidly, and it was so rewarding to see his confidence rise at the same time.”

Anna noticed the same development. Watching Grason succeed and feel the immediate acceptance from CCHAT convinced her to continue their daily commute from Vacaville, a roughly 50-mile distance each way.

“CCHAT was not just a school for us; it was a community of support with the most caring and passionate staff you will ever meet,” Anna said. “I don’t even think about the countless hours driven to Rancho Cordova. It was all so worth it.”

Ready to Mainstream

It wasn’t long until Grason was ready to mainstream into his local kindergarten in Vacaville, equipped with a strong foundation of listening and spoken language skills.

“CCHAT catapulted Grason and helped shape his communication skills,” Anna said. “He could advocate for himself and was responsible for his devices, but most importantly, his speech was incredible. He fit right in with his peers.”

Grason immediately found a home in the mainstream, and he continues to shine both inside and outside of the classroom. He earns good grades and has been awarded many honors for his high character and willingness to help classmates. He loves to play baseball, flag football, go fishing and ride mountain bikes.

“Grason is kind and extremely creative,” Anna said. “He can achieve anything he puts his mind to.”

Returning to CCHAT

Grason and Anna have visited CCHAT occasionally since they left the program, and a few months ago, Grason was able to tour the campus, reconnect with CCHAT staff and bring to life the memories he retains from his time on campus.

At that time, Grason was presented with an opportunity to emcee the 2024 CCHAT Winter Showcase, one he and Anna both jumped at. For Anna, letting current parents see Grason’s success is the best way to calm any fears they may have about their own child’s future.

“I would tell families to trust the experts, make the sacrifices and advocate all day and every day for your child,” Anna said. “Create a community and find people you can use as mentors.”

Grason smoothly commanded the Winter Showcase, showing off his own skills while introducing the talents of current CCHAT students. This full-circle moment will be one cherished by Anna and one she will never take for granted.

“My hopes for Grason are that he will never let his deafness define him,” Anna said. “Seeing the blessing of CCHAT is something we will forever be grateful for. You can’t put a price on seeing your child succeed despite being deaf, and it’s all thanks to the strong foundation of amazing staff members at CCHAT and other families who helped along the way.”