Ida Senior Audiologist Melanie Gregory presented the My World tool to a group of 25 teachers of the deaf at a workshop at the Ear Foundation in Nottingham, UK. The teachers represented schools from Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
Attendees were presented with different case examples of how hearing loss affects children and their families. The ethnographic film about Kathleen and her family was used to illustrate the challenges families face both in supporting children with hearing impairments and seeking support for their children.
The My World tool promotes self-determination in children. As a child uses the game board to describe their days – including the highlights and challenges – they are able to better understand what they need, whether it’s education, technology, or support through audiology services – and how to advocate for themselves to get these things.
In presenting the tool to the teachers, Melanie hoped to emphasize how professionals can support self-determination in their young students.
“We think if we teach and tell we can convince people to do things in a certain way,” says Melanie. “But really if you want young adults who have a positive sense of self and advocate for themselves, you need to start the process early and that’s what My World is about.”
The tool was received warmly by the group at the Ear Foundation, who responded well to its engaging use of the principles of play therapy, and the role playing that allows children to experiment with different solutions in a safe environment.
There will soon also be an Ida kiosk at the Ear Foundation where visitors will be able to buy their own copies of both My World and the Living Well tools. Visit the Ear Foundation website for more information.