Mysuru: The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, celebrated its “Open Day” on theme “Equality of Opportunity” on February 3.
Speaking after inaugurating the event Joint Director, Public Instructions, Mysuru Division, Basavegowda, expressed his concern over the reach of facilities provided by the AIISH to hearing and speech impaired children. “Despite enough awareness created about the facilities at the AIISH, the reach among rural people is not much. Hence awareness about the prevailing facility should be taken up by AIISH.”
He also mentioned that the state government was making efforts to bring such students to the mainstream with special schools and other facilities. A few private companies too have extended helping hands to such children. He further stressed that the differently abled children would have huge opportunities in the future if they continued their studies and there was also reservation for them when it came to employment in the government sector. Dr Shyamala K C, Speech Pathology, AIISH, called upon the parents to approach doctors if they came across delay in speech development among their children. “The earlier the disorder is detected, the soon it can be corrected,” added Shyamala.
The institute had organised various games for differently abled children. The children enjoyed each and every game. The institute had planned games according to the ability of the children according to their disabilities. Children with hearing impairment tried their hands on treasure hunt, cap race, stacking race, mala making race, lemon and spoon race and balloon blowing. Children with mental retardation displayed their skills in soft ball throw, running race and musical chair while the children with autism played filling the bottle with sand, needle and thread race, solving puzzles and treasure hunt while children with multiple special needs and communication disorders participated in crossing obstacles, matching pictures, kicking the ball, aiming the coin and pick-n-speak.
To educate visitors on hearing mechanism, speech production, prevention and management of communication disorders, harmful effects of noise and vocal hygiene, the organisers conducted an exhibition.
