Member Spotlight: Inclusive Story Time at UCONN Avery Point

Posted by benniefinch on June 18th, 2026 Posted in: Blog

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This week, we are highlighting an upcoming free in-person program for all children and their families at UCONN Avery Point, an inclusive story time with a reading of the book The Quest for the Cockle Implant, presented in spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL).

NNLM Region 7 is interested in supporting health information access in languages other than English. We were excited to learn about this innovative program for all children and the interdisciplinary partnership that developed this program. In this post I will share a bit more about what to expect at this special water focused event, a bit about each of the partners who are involved, and some resources you can use. Check back at the end of July to hear how the program went, more on how the partnership came to be, and more about their other work and expertise.

This event will be held on July 18^th 10:30am at 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, Connecticut in the Lowell Weicker Building.

The partners

Four programs from the University of Connecticut are highlighted in this innovative project. Narindra Andrisoamampianina is the Lab Manager of the Hearing Experience and Language Learning Outcomes (HELLO) Lab  located at the Storrs Campus, and three faculty members from the University of Connecticut Avery Point Campus, Maria Bernier, Library Director, Jamie Kleinman, Professor in Department of Psychological Sciences, and Larissa Graham, Education Coordinator of the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR), bring together a variety of professional expertise to this interdisciplinary partnership and event.

The Program Invitation

From the HELLO Lab Facebook page “Join friends from the HELLO Lab, UConn Avery Point, and Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve for an inclusive Storytime near the water on Saturday, July 18^th! We will be reading the book The Quest for the Cockle Implant written by nine-year-old Maya, who is profoundly deaf, and illustrated by Lucy Rogers! There will be ocean-themed crafts and fun activities for children of all ages! This free event welcomes all families, especially those with children who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. Interpreters will be available. RSVP here: Inclusive Story Time At UConn Avery Point Campus RSVP”

Visiting UConn Avery Point

Located in Groton, Connecticut – Campus is open to everyone – surrounded by water on three sides – beautiful walking trail along the water called the Discovery Path highlights many themes including health and wellness aspects of spending time in nature.  You are invited to visit the public campus.

What to expect at the Inclusive Story Time event:

• Book reading presented in spoken English and ASL interpreter.
• Craft and literacy activities based on the book.
• Each child receives a book to bring home. Books related to water and sea creatures found in the Long Island Sound.
• Observe water life – Graduate students from the CT NERR will bring various critters or objects that the children can observe up close.

Related Resources

• What Is American Sign Language (ASL)? | NIDCD
• Building Communication Skills | Parent Guides to Hearing Loss | CDC
• The “State” of Early Hearing Detection & Intervention | NCHAM – learn more about early hearing detection and intervention resources in your state
• Parent Resources | HELLO Lab | Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences | University of Connecticut
• Hearing Problems and Deafness | Hearing Loss | MedlinePlus
• Hearing and the cochlea – Health Video: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• Hearing Problems in Children | MedlinePlus
• Cochlear Implant | MedlinePlus
• Cochlear implant: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image