Proper services are decided to be implemented for people in need of cochlear implants

On the basis of the collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the Ministry of Education and Research of Norway priorities in future perspective was given to implementing effective services for cochlear implant need people in terms of educational and rehabilitation development.

Regarding above mentioned issue the working session has been held between Ministry of Education and Science, labor, health and social affairs of Georgia and the Administration of Norway, the National Center for AUDIOLOGY, Organization ‘Kingsman’, project ‘implementation of inclusive education in Georgian professional education and training system’. The cooperation is going to be long-term.

During the meetings, several essential issues were shaped that need to be reacted. Specifically, low qualifications and lack of speech therapists; Education and awareness of parents concerning the problems related to cochlear implant need children rehabilitation, everyday life and gaining education; Bilingual approaches to cochlear implant user education process; proper equipment in classes; reasonable and sequential informative campaign in the preparing phase for cochlear implantation and further period.

Norwegian specialists paid special attention to reasonable planning of the pre-operational and post operational periods, that plays crucial role in final achievement. Specialists also gave a lot of importance to the identification of hearing impairment in children, in order to perform surgical treatment at an early age. Hence, it is very important to plan proper services for hear-impaired child and their parents right away the identification. At the same time, it is essential to create proper atmosphere at schools.

As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached that in short period of time learning programs will be introduced in the direction of speech therapy. By the help of Norwegian donor, at the first stage some classes will be equipped, where cochlear implant user individuals get education. In addition, qualified information booklets will be made for parents.

Active discussions continue with Labor Health and Social Affairs ministry in order to improve rehabilitation period and support for parents.