Latest News from the International Communication Project (February 2018)
The International Communication Project (ICP) newsletter brings you communication-related information and stories from around the world. Continue reading for information on World Hearing Day, dementia care in Morocco and a roundup of communication health stories around the world.
International Communication Project in Action
Building the speech pathology profession in Ghana
Australian speech pathologists are assisting their Ghanaian counterparts in shifting the landscape for people with communication and swallowing difficulties. Thanks to a small aid grant from the Australian government, professional lecturers can now travel to Ghana in support of efforts to train and educate more speech pathologists.
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the UDHR
Throughout 2018, the ICP will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). As part of these celebrations, the ICP is proud to promote a special issue of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology that aims to expand the discussion of communication as a human right. A key article in this unique publication is written by the ICP. This special issue is available online at no cost. Read the articles, and then circulate and discuss them with your friends and family. Communication is a basic human right.
World Hearing Day is 3 March 2018
World Hearing Day is held annually on March 3 and raises awareness regarding hearing loss and ear and hearing care around the world. The theme for the day in 2018 is “Hear the future”. The theme draws attention to the anticipated increase in the number of people with hearing loss around the world in the coming decades. The day will focus on preventive strategies to stem the rise and outline steps to ensure access to the necessary rehabilitation services and communication tools and products for people with hearing loss.
Developing dementia care in Morocco
Over 46 million people around the world live with dementia. As the number of people with dementia worldwide continues to rise there is a need for countries to develop services that meet the needs of people with dementia. In Morocco, Alzheimer’s disease currently affects nearly 100,000 people. The Alzheimer Day Care Centre in Rabat, Morocco, is among the first of its kind in North Africa.
Did You Know?
- The date for World Down Syndrome Day, is the 21st day of the third month (March), to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
- Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of characteristics.
- World Health Day (April 7) is held to mark the World Health Organization’s founding, and is as an opportunity for WHO to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
Important Milestone for All India Institute of Speech and Hearing
In January, the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing celebrated its 50th anniversary. The institute undertakes professional training, clinical services, research and educates the public on issues related to communication disorders, such as hearing impairment, voice, fluency and phonological and language disorders. ICP congratulates the institute on its anniversary. ICP is keen to promote and celebrate the achievements of organisations around the world that represent the professional practices of speech-language pathology and audiology. Let ICP know your date!
Awareness Days Related to Communications
- 21 March: World Down Syndrome Day
- 2 April: World Autism Awareness Day
- 7 April: World Health Day
International Communication Health News From Around the World
The International Communication Project (ICP) regularly features stories about communication and swallowing difficulties from around the world. If you have a story you’d like to see featured, please contact us.
Belize: Watch a television interview with the only speech pathologist in Belize.
Cyprus: President Nicos Anastasiades has opened the first university speech rehabilitation clinic in Cyprus.
Fiji: Speech and language pathology researcher in Fiji has been praised by her supervisors for its high standard and far reaching applications.
Ghana: The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra has commissioned a Speech Language Centre to give comprehensive care to patients with hearing difficulties.
India: An estimated 63 million people suffer from significant hearing loss in India. According to a study by the World Health Organization, five million Indian children suffer from hearing and speech impairment in 2016.
Kenya: There are very few speech pathologists in Kenya. This is the story of one of them.
Palestinian territories (Gaza Strip): A Gaza speech therapist is treating refugee kids online.
Tanzania: What is it like to raise a child with Down syndrome in Tanzania?
Trinidad and Tobago: A partnership that began in 2005 continues to assist children with disabilities, including those with communication disorders.
United Arab Emirates: Children with neurological disorders are responding positively to a new rehabilitation program.
Do you have a story to share? Get in touch—we would love to hear from you.