Last week staff, alumni, learners and some parents from the Carel du Toit Centre in Parow attended the Power of Speech 2024 programme held at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in Cape Town. The event was hosted by the provincial parliament in collaboration with the centre. It was also the first time that the event had been hosted in Africa.
The Power of Speech programme is an initiative during which centres where deaf children learn to speak, can highlight the achievements of children who are deaf and use spoken language, Matthys Odendal, spokesperson for the provincial parliament, said in a statement.
During the programme the children showcased what is possible by utilising hearing technology. The programme also sought to provide a platform for parents to share their experiences with the members of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, the statement reads.
The event, which was also attended by the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Daylin Mitchell, and Deputy Speaker Beverley Schäfer, was held on Thursday 7 March. Lynn Cloete, communications and marketing manager, explained why it was held.
“We want government and policy makers to understand the importance of newborn hearing screening. When hearing loss is detected early before the age of one, preferably, then early intervention can begin leading to the best possible outcome for that child which is being able to listen and speak and integrate into a hearing society.
“A child’s hearing can be screened minutes after birth. Our campaign #getitdonebyone aims to bring awareness around the importance of newborn hearing screening,” Cloete said.
Power of Speech programmes have been held in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
