Province Proclaims May as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month to promote understanding of hearing disabilities, to increase awareness of hearing loss prevention, and to recognize organizations that support individuals who are Deaf, Deafened or Hard of Hearing.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the great work of community-based organizations in Saskatchewan who support individuals with hearing-related disabilities during Speech and Hearing Awareness Month,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said.
Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) is a non-profit organization that provides support services and programs for individuals with hearing disabilities, including sign language interpreting, computerized note-taking, vocational counseling, community service assistance and access to technical aids and assistive signaling devices.
“I am pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month,” SDHHS Executive Director Nairn Gillies said. “This proclamation helps focus public attention on the issues associated with hearing loss. All provinces need to implement universal newborn hearing screening, and early intervention to prevent severe and costly developmental delays.”
“Our government thanks SDHHS for their continued work to raise awareness of disability issues affecting their members,” Harpauer said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to continue improving the lives of people experiencing disabilities.”
Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan invested more than $2.7 billion to support people experiencing disabilities. The 2015–16 Budget provided more than $23 million to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan.
Furthermore, a comprehensive Disability Strategy was released in June 2015. In December 2015, Government announced its focus on six priority areas: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people experiencing disabilities.
For more information about SDHHS, please visit www.sdhhs.com.