Earlier this month the world celebrated World Hearing Day, under the theme ‘Hearing care for all’.This day draws attention to the needs of all people living with or at risk of hearing loss and ear diseases and calls upon governments to integrate ear and hearing care into national health plans.
In support of this special day and in recognition of the needs of those living with unaddressed hearing loss and ear diseases, eDeaf offers training courses and learnership programs to empower Deaf communities for business.
“We have over 1000 Deaf learners on learnerships every year, with an 80% retention rate, 90% competency rate at the end of each learnership and over 80% of our students find employment thereafter. eDeaf, together with our partners, are responsible for these Deaf learners earning a monthly stipend, moving a previously economically inactive community to one that contributes to the country’s GDP and helps grow South Africa,” said Bezuidenhout .
“Globally, nearly 450 million people live with disabling hearing loss. When unaddressed, hearing loss has a huge impact on those affected and is the cause of significant financial losses to our economy,” explained Nicky Bezuidenhout, e-Deaf Marketing & Communications Manager.
The Deaf led organization recently translated a series of World Health Organisation Ear Care posters into South African Sign Language (SASL), including Tips for Hearing aid users, Discharging ears and Ear Hygieneand Care. You can view them here.“We are proud to have assisted in ensuring that important ear care information is also accessible in this language,” said Bezuidenhout.
eDeaf will be offering free Deaf sensitisation workshops to local businesses during March and April on a first-come-first-served basis.For more information please visit: www.edeaf.co.za or contact Nicky Bezuidenhout on nicky@edeaf.co.za
