Inclusion of children and youths with hearing impairments

Callan Services for Disabled Persons provides nationwide educational and vocational training to children and youths with hearing impairments and capacity-building to school teachers to facilitate inclusion in general education institutions. Between 2008 and 2015 Callan Services had reached over 100,000 children and adults.

Problems Targeted

Child deafness, often a consequence of malaria or other infection, is widely spread in Papua New Guinea. Approximately 67 percent of all children have ear and hearing problems, and up to 48 percent suffer hearing loss. This ‘hidden disability’ is a leading cause of school drop-out, exclusion, and malnutrition, thus contributing to the cycle of child poverty.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Children and youths in all provinces are regularly screened on ear and hearing problems in local institutions. In cases of severe problems, referral to further medical support is facilitated. These children are then prepared for and included in the regular education system through the development of individual education plans. Children and youth with hearing impairments are included in community initiatives and events to give them an opportunity to illustrate their skills and gain acceptance in society.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Several manuals have been distributed, and Callan Services is currently working with Light for the World on a lessons learned guide for similar approaches to national hearing health and education projects in other countries. Screening for hearing impairment is conducted in an elementary school in Ningerum.

Pictures