Deaf Awareness Week 2012

To mark Deaf Awareness Week, CBM are highlighting hearing impairment.

CBM are proud to support Deaf Awareness Week (7th-13th May 2012).

CBM, the overseas disability charity has been working with deaf people for over 100 years. Last year we reached over half a million people who were at risk of hearing impairments and supported over 80,000 deaf and hearing impaired adults and children through education, livelihood development and the provision of hearing aids. CBM is constantly working towards a world where every child with a disability has the right to achieve their full potential.

• 50% of deafness is preventable.
• Lack of access to education is one of the biggest barriers children with disabilities face every day in the 81 countries where CBM work.
• It costs as little as £30 to provide someone with a hearing aid, yet the current global production of hearing aids meets less than 10% of the global need.
• Education empowers people and opens new opportunities, yet over 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school.

CBM UK’s Head of Programme Development, Mike Davies OBE (who is also hearing impaired) says “Most deaf children will not have the opportunity to attend school, for those who do, it is often a lifeline. It provides them with communication skills and opens opportunities for the future. 80% of deaf and hearing impaired people live in low and middle-income countries. Although we have reached over half a million people with hearing impairments last year, we are only touching the tip of the iceberg. There is much more that we need to do”

The key to preventing the effects of hearing impairment is education, but so many deaf and hearing impaired children just don't get the chance to go to school.

With the help of our supporters, CBM has been able to provide specialised support to enable children who are deaf or hearing impaired, to participate in classroom activities and enjoy being part of their community.

Rose is a wonderful example of how education can empower and open new opportunities.

Rose was born in Kenya and is deaf, and as a child she was lucky enough to attend a CBM supported school. From this solid start she graduated with honours from University. Rose's university lecturers had no training in teaching students with disabilities, but she regularly attended classes and copied the notes of supportive fellow students, some of whom learned sign language to make communication easier. In discussion groups, one friend read our Rose's comments and questions dictated in sign language.

Rose is naturally very proud of her accomplishments “Despite the fact that I have a disability, I have not received any preferential treatment at university” she says “and that has helped me to embolden my resolve to succeed in life.”

80% of deaf and hearing impaired people live in low and middle-income countries. Although we have reached over half a million people with hearing impairments last year, we are only touching the tip of the iceberg. There is much more that we need to do" - Mike Davies OBE (Head of Programme Development, CBM UK)

Rose is now working in CBM’s office in Kenya as Assistant Inclusive Development Officer. She has already trained our teams in Kenyan sign language and is inspiring the whole office on a daily basis. Rose is also studying for her Masters in Entrepreneurship Development. In her spare time she is a motivational speaker, getting regular invitations to talk at schools in Kenya.

By giving Rose the opportunity, she has excelled, and she continues to inspire.