_____________ Hear . Here. Grace Shyng, M.Sc., Aud (C), RAUD, RHIP Acting Executive Director Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing June 26, 2018 Rotary Club of Vancouver Charitable Registration Number 108200098RR0001
Ears work 24/7 No “earlids”!
Isolation
Prevalence of Hearing Loss • Over 20% of general population • Over 65: 54% • Over 85: 65% • Fastest growing disability in North America……why?
Recent Census Data • Seniors (5.9 million) > children (5.8 million) • By 2061, projected 12 million seniors to 8 million children • Where is highest share of seniors? • Qualicum Beach, BC • Fastest growing age group? • People aged 100 yrs of age or older: • Increase of 41.3%
Hearing Loss Associated with Aging
The Aging Ear With increasing age, our ability to process speech in noise decreases, even if a basic hearing test reflects little change Research between young, normal hearing adults and older, normal hearing seniors: Little difference in speech in quiet, but significant differences in speech in noise
The Aging Ear Untreated hearing loss is a risk factor for other health issues: Mental health: isolation, depression, dementia Cardiovascular disorders Diabetes
Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, est. 1956
About WIDHH Largest registered charity in Western Canada that provides services to deaf and hard of hearing 3 Metro Vancouver locations Multicultural (English, Chinese, French, American Sign Language, Hindi, Farsi) Unique, one-stop service hub for wide range of programs: Social enterprise programs Social service programs
Audiology Diagnostic Hearing Assessments Hearing Aid Sales and Services – all major brands Social service Programs: Lend an Ear – refurbished aid for low income clients Drop in service Speech reading classes Support groups
Counselling Services Employment Services: Job search, preparation and placements (resumes, interviews, etc) Disability Supports Seniors Outreach Services for homebound seniors: visits, transportation, community activities Deaf and Hard of Hearing Seniors: marginalized group in care homes
Interpreting Services Sign Language Interpreting Services Medical Interpreting Community Interpreting (social ent) Drop in English-ASL translation services Community Outreach and Presentations Annual “Tax” Night
Communication Devices Showroom Amplified devices for TV, phones Alerting devices Phone, alarm, fire Doorbell, baby
Recent accolades February 2018: Winner of City of Vancouver “Accessible City award” April 2018: International recognition of research work in Audiology (American Academy of Audiology conference) May 2018: “Stars of Vancouver” award from Vancouver Courier – best HA services July 2018: Better at Home program featured in National Conference on Aging
WIDHH helps MANY
Barb and Judy
AJ and Barb
Diane and Nagmeh
Vinu and Rena
Elissa
David & Priya & Baby Lila
Landon Krentz
Accessibility & Inclusion – removing and preventing barriers Proposed Accessible Canada Act – accessibility legislation for improve accessibility for all Canadians (June 2018) BC Accessibility 2024: actions and strategies to address barriers to persons with disabilities Built environments Employment Communication Technologies Programs and Services
New location – Fall 20 19
Programs and Accessibility >18,000 sq feet, 4 levels, Expanded Programming Audiology, Employment Counselling, Seniors Outreach, Interpreting, Communication Devices Showroom Research Division Remote Services (Audiology, Interpreting) Accessibility partnership with Rick Hansen Foundation hearing accessibility: deaf, hard of hearing mobility and aging friendly
Thank you! Hadfield, C. (2014). You are Here. Around the W orld in 9 2 Minutes. Toronto, ON. Random House Canada www.widhh.com Charitable Registration Number 108200098RR0001
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