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Erica

Empowering Older Persons with Hearing Disabilities: Join the movement!

The challenge 

  • 12 million South Africans experience hearing loss.

  • 4-5 million people are persons with a hearing disability.

  • 1 in 3 individuals over 60 and 2 in 3 over 75 are affected.

 

The Gap

Less than 20% of these use hearing aids. Many rely on alternate communication methods, like speech reading, gestures, subtitling, and others.

 

The Solution

 FanieDreams' National Initiative -

  • Identifying volunteers for communication support.

  • Support older persons with communication.

  • Training and support for frontline staff and community members

 

Get Involved

  • Are you passionate about making a difference?

  • Receive training and guidance from our team.

 

Join us in supporting older persons and significantly improving their lives!

 

As a communication facilitator, it's essential to 

  • Ask clients about their preferred communication method (writing, lip-reading, or hearing aids, etc.)

  • Understand their needs and communication preferences

 

Our methodology

  • Accompany older persons to appointments (bank, pharmacist, shop)

  • Act as a liaison between the older person and service provider

  • Repeat or rephrase information for clarity

  • Use simple language and avoid jargon

  • Write down important information

  • Ask service providers to speak clearly and face the older person

  • Clarify any misunderstandings

 


Communication hints for facilitators

  1. Be patient and respectful

  2. Maintain eye contact

  3. Speak loudly and clearly (without shouting)

  4. Use visual aids (pictures, diagrams) to support understanding

  5. Encourage older persons to ask questions

  6. Offer emotional support

 

Outcomes of our service 

  • Enhanced independence for older persons

  • Reduced feelings of isolation and frustration

  • Improved access to essential services

  • Promoted social inclusion and confidence

 

Make a difference in the lives of older persons struggling with hearing loss.

 

Together, let's

Promote accessible communication.

Support inclusive communities.

Empower older persons with hearing disabilities."

 

Video link:

Subtitles are available via Cell phone Live Caption | Google Chrome CC |



YouTube CC

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