The Hunter has welcomed its first specialised early intervention children’s hearing service.
The Shepherd Centre, a not-for-profit NDIS service provider helping youngsters with hearing loss learn to listen and speak, began operating in the region this week.
The new mobile project is thanks to a $110,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The service will deliver therapies to families via home visits and telehealth video appointments where necessary.
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in Australia, rising from 1 in 1000 children affected at birth to about 1 in 300 by the time these children are ready for school.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair Jennifer Leslie said the centre would make a real difference for hearing-impaired children and their families.
“The Shepherd Centre’s telehealth and mobile services will bring therapies to local hearing-impaired children in the Hunter, helping them to develop their speech and communication skills as well as emotional resilience,” she said.
“This new program will play a vital role in ensuring these children receive proper care and are empowered to reach their potential.
“The Shepherd Centre is experienced in supporting families across Australia.
“Their evidence-based approach, combined with the dedication of their highly-skilled clinicians ensures that each child receives tailored and comprehensive support to thrive and succeed.”
The Shepherd Centre’s local clinician hired to oversee the new program, Jessica Chambers, said the new service ensured children had access to appropriate services, so that no child was left behind.
“Our new mobile and telehealth services are just the start of our journey in supporting children with hearing loss in the Hunter region,” she explained.
“By bringing world-class therapies directly to their homes and utilising telehealth technology, we are removing barriers and expanding access to essential early-intervention support to the local communities, regardless of location.”
Read the full article written by Rebecca Riddle by clicking here.
