INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DEAF - Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences

The Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery organized Guest Lecture and Poster Competition in association with All India Institute of Speech And Hearing to mark the event of “International Week of the Deaf” on 30th September 2024.

The primary objectives of the programme were to promote awareness of deafness, foster inclusivity and to educate the participants about sign language, communication barriers and deaf culture to enhance understanding, empathy, and accessibility for everyone, regardless of ability.

The programme was presided by Dr. M.G. Shivaramu, Principal AIMS & Dean Health Sciences (Medical), ACU and attended by dignitaries; Dr. Kiran M Naik, Dr Aliya Nusrath, Dr Ravi K S and Guest speaker Dr. Prithi Venkatesh, Associate professor at Department of special education, All India institute of speech and hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysuru.

The programme was attended by Faculty and undergraduate students. The under graduate students also participated in poster presentation with their innovative ideas.

An engaging and impactful role play was performed by the Interns and undergraduate students, which highlighted the importance of sign language in raising awareness and early detection of deafness and its crucial role in enhancing outcomes. This interactive experience showcased its power to foster communication and connection, promoting understanding among diverse communities.

Speaker of the session Dr. Prithi addressed about navigating deafness which requires a personalized approach that includes effective rehabilitation strategies. Options such as tailored hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy, along with sign language and communication training, were discussed. Support networks and resources play a vital role in empowering individuals, promoting independence, and enhancing overall quality of life.

The session was successfully ended by presenting prizes to the winners of poster presentation and the role play.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of deafness, sign language, and communication barriers, which fostered empathy and increased awareness of the challenges faced by the deaf community.

The participants were also sensitized on basic sign language and became better equipped to advocate for inclusive practices, contributing to a more supportive and accessible environment for individuals with hearing impairments.