Today, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, was joined by representatives of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and the Canadian Hearing Instrument Practitioners Association-NL for the signing of a proclamation acknowledging May as Better Hearing and Speech Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Better Hearing and Speech Month is an opportunity to highlight issues related to hearing, hearing loss and communication disabilities. It also focuses on raising awareness about prevention, early detection, treatment and greater public understanding of hearing loss and communication disorders, which affect approximately 100,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Provincial Government is committed to continuing to work with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-Newfoundland and Labrador, and other stakeholders, community groups and individuals to remove barriers to opportunities and services.
Quotes
“Prevention and early detection are key to maintaining good hearing health and I encourage everyone to learn more about the early signs of hearing loss and how they can protect their hearing. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is to be commended for their education campaigns and the support they offer people throughout the year.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
“Hearing loss is more than a communication issue; it’s an overall quality of life and health issue that has significant financial and other implications for everyone. Research has shown that hearing loss leads to many other health-related issues including anxiety, increased stress and blood pressure levels, social isolation, depression, and the early onset of dementia. It’s an issue that affects people of all ages and is no longer just a seniors issue, it’s everyone’s issue. Please take steps to protect your hearing and your quality of life.”
Leon Mills
Executive Director, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Newfoundland and Labrador
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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, met with representatives from the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-Newfoundland and Labrador (CHHA-NL), the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NLASLPA) and the Disability Policy Office (DPO) on May 3, 2018, where a proclamation was signed to declare the month of May as Better Hearing and Speech Month in the province. Seated (L-R) Ashleigh Noel, NLASLPA; Minister Dempster; Art Norris, CHHA-NL; Karen Davis, DPO. Standing (L-R): Kim Pratt-Baker, CHHA-NL; Leon Mills, CHHA-NL; Terry Martin, CHHA-NL.
Learn More
Disability Policy Office – www.cssd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/index.html
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – www.chha-nl.ca/
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL and @BetterHearingNL
Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
GinaMacArthur@gov.nl.ca
Leon Mills, Executive Director
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Newfoundland and Labrador
709-753-3224
lmills@chha-nl.ca