Telethon Speech & Hearing is excited to announce two of its students, Valarie Kwik (9) and Owen Johns (11) will wow some of Australia’s most powerful politicians at the Australian Power of Speech event on Tuesday 21 March 2017.
The national event will be held at the Parliament House Theatre in Canberra and aims to challenge common perceptions surrounding what deaf children can achieve and celebrate the remarkable outcomes possible for cochlear implant recipients. Speakers at the event have all participated in First Voice’s world-leading early intervention programs for children with hearing loss.
Valarie and Owen are 2 of 12 deaf children from Australia and New Zealand invited to participate in the Power of Speech event. Both are set to challenge common perceptions about hearing loss and to prove to the world that hearing loss is no barrier to education, sport – and even public speaking – as they present a short speech on a topic of her choice.
Michael Forwood, Chairman of First Voice, said each of the 12 participants is living proof of the bright future possible for children with hearing loss – and he’s certain Valarie and Owen will leave lasting impressions in Canberra in March.
‘We’re looking forward to seeing Valarie, Owen, and all of our First Voice graduates, inspire our political leaders with their outstanding speech, listening and language skills. These are skills that many people don’t realise are possible for people with hearing loss, and these children are set to challenges these assumptions,’ Forwood said.
‘These remarkable young Australians truly are testament to the value of early intervention when it comes to giving deaf children the very best chance at life. All children deserve to have equal opportunities to make their dreams come true, regardless of disability.’
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About Cochlear Limited – www.cochlear.com
Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. It has a dedicated global team of more than 2,700 people who deliver the gift of sound to the hearing impaired in over 100 countries. Its vision is to connect people, young and old, to a world of sound by offering life enhancing hearing solutions. The Cochlear promise of “Hear now. And always” embodies the company’s commitment to providing its recipients with the best possible hearing performance today and for the rest of their lives. For over 30 years Cochlear has helped more than a quarter of a million people either hear for the first time or reconnect them to their families, friends, workplaces and communities.
About First Voice – www.firstvoice.org.au
First Voice is a national alliance of member organisations whose primary focus is the provision of listening and spoken language programs for children who are deaf or hearing impaired. Established in 2010, First Voice plays a leadership role in shaping public policy and funding decision-making relating to hearing impaired children.
For further information please contact TSH Marketing & Communications Officer, Christina Ng at (08) 9387 9888 or email speech@tsh.org.au.
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For more information please contact TSH Marketing & Communications Officer, Christina Ng at (08) 9387 9888 or speech@tsh.org.au.
