Collaborating for a Better Future for Hearing-Impaired Children

04 December 24

The hall of "Arabkir" Medical Center was buzzing with activity during an event dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The "Havat" NGO for mothers of hearing-impaired children, together with UNICEF Armenia, presented the outcomes of their joint program addressing the needs of children with hearing impairments, including refugees, and fostering their social inclusion.
 

The program primarily focused on children from Artsakh with hearing problems. Key activities included collecting and verifying their data, conducting hearing tests, assessing their needs, and providing hearing aids and device inserts where necessary. The "DzaynEar" package of didactic materials for speech development classes was updated with resources for three age groups, and videos were created to guide parents.
 

The event opened with remarks from Professor Ara Babloyan, Scientific Director of "Arabkir" Medical Center, and Christine Weigand, UNICEF's representative in Armenia. Both highlighted the importance of early problem detection and intervention, stressing that collaboration between parents and specialists is vital to achieving meaningful results.
 

The event concluded with performances by young artists from the Speech Development Center of "Arabkir" Medical Center, joined by their older peers from the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this impactful initiative!