“To hear for life, listen with care.” Over 5% of the 430 million world residents require rehabilitation to address their ‘disabling’ hearing loss. This includes 34 million children (WHO). Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive (UNICEF).
17 March 2022 – A month ago, a collaborative work between Indonesia and Malaysia (UGM, USM and UPSI) was held in order to remember World Hearing Day. The purpose of the event is to learn about learners with hearing impairment from the perspectives of Malaysia and Indonesia through “Hearing Care across the Lifespan and Education”. Dr. Elga Andriana utilizes the event as an educational enhancement for International Undergraduate students in the ‘Children and Adolescents with Special Needs’ class. The main purpose is to introduce students with international collaborative work through an international program held by the lecturers. The lecture conducted by Elga Andriana from the University of Gadjah Mada is about “Student Voice on Hearing Loss and Psychological Impact Across Lifespan”.
Dr. Elga Andriana spoke about stories of children having their own way to continue their learning activity despite several obstacles that lingered around them, especially their hearing abilities. Children who suffer from hearing disabilities are at risk of experiencing loneliness and peer interaction is needed in order for children to enhance their social and communication skills. Consequently, the presentation also emphasizes the importance of learning sign language where it’s considered as primary language and the consideration for school to obtain further knowledge about sign language.