Vikki MacKay and Nick Liem began the development of this program in 2003/4 when it was learned that hearing impaired children in Bali had little or no support beyond the poorly funded SLBB (Special Needs School for the Hearing Impaired) school system. Vikki and Nick had previously participated in international programs to establish hearing services in both Zimbabwe and Uganda.
During a fact finding visit in 2004, they were approached by a YKIP representative to consider working together on a project to test and fit hearing aids on children at Jimbaran SLBB. This project was well accepted and very successful and has since expanded to include almost all the SLBB schools on Bali.
Activities:
- Regular scheduled school visits
- Regular monitoring of hearing aid use
- Maintenance of hearing aids
- Inspection and replacement of earmolds as necessary
- Supply of batteries and accessories as necessary
- Testing of all new students and reporting to School & YKIP
- Fitting of new hearing aids as approved
- Annual Hearing Evaluations for children in the program
- Appropriate hearing aid adjustments
- Training and support regarding hearing aid use for Teachers and Parents
- Regular visits to all SLBB schools to check hearing aids and meet with teachers and parents
This project is made possible through funding by:
Greg Evans and family of Australia for their monthly donations to help offset costs in the Guided Study after school program for first graders.
Chris and Mary Hill of Perth, Australia held a joint Garden Party Fundraiser with ABC Radio and raised funds for the hearing programs.
The Fischer family of Switzerland for sponsoring hearing aids for nine children in the SLBB schools
