National Association of Hard of Hearing and Deafened People

Event 15 Jan 2025 31

National Association of Hard of Hearing and Deafened People

SHRUTI (Society for Hearing Rights, Unity, and Advocacy for Inclusion) is a pioneering organization in Nepal dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with hearing impairments. Established to ensure equal opportunities and inclusive services for people with hearing challenges, SHRUTI works tirelessly to improve the quality of life and social inclusion of this underserved community.

Vision and Mission:

Vision:

A society where people with hearing impairments are empowered, respected and provided equal opportunities to thrive.

Mission:

To promote awareness, inclusivity, and accessibility for individuals with hearing loss through advocacy, education, collaboration, and community support.

Core Objectives:

  • Ensuring the rights of individuals with hearing impairments are respected and protected per national and international laws.

  • Promoting tools and technologies to enhance communication for individuals with hearing difficulties.

  • Providing education, training, and skill development programs for the hard of hearing and their families.

  • Raising awareness about hearing impairments to reduce stigma and encourage inclusivity.

  • Collaborating with stakeholders to influence inclusive health and social services policies.

Key Activities and Achievements:

Community Programs: SHRUTI conducts regular hearing camps, awareness campaigns, and workshops to address the hard of hearing needs.

Partnerships: To implement impactful projects, it collaborates with local and international organizations, including healthcare institutions, government bodies, and non-profits.

Training and Resources: Offers training on hearing aid usage, communication strategies, and other tools to improve accessibility.

Advocacy Campaigns: Works with policymakers to introduce and implement inclusive legislation for individuals with hearing disabilities.

Innovative Projects: SHRUTI leads initiatives like developing visual communication tools, sign language resources, and digital platforms tailored for the hard-of-hearing community.

Milestones:

Facilitated the creation of accessible health communication materials in collaboration with national healthcare providers.

Successfully lobbied for policy amendments to enhance accessibility in public spaces and services.

Partnered with global organizations such as JICA to introduce advanced hearing aid technologies and training in Nepal.

Published guidance booklets and materials to support individuals and families affected by hearing loss.

SHRUTI’s Role in Society:

SHRUTI serves as a bridge between the hard-of-hearing community and mainstream society. By addressing communication, healthcare, and education barriers, the organization strives to create an inclusive environment where individuals with hearing impairments can participate fully and equally.

With a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement, SHRUTI continues to expand its efforts, aiming to touch more lives and ensure that hearing impairments do not limit anyone’s potential to contribute to society. Through its unwavering dedication, SHRUTI has become a beacon of hope for many and a leading voice in advocating equal rights and services for the hard of hearing.

Comments