Anantnag, April 3: An awareness and outreach programme on speech and hearing health was conducted at Army Goodwill Public School, Pahalgam and Army Goodwill School, Khanabal by Dr. Neha Tiwari, President of the Sachetataa Foundation.
The sessions focused on early identification of speech, language and hearing disorders among school children. Teachers were trained to recognise early signs of communication difficulties and were guided on classroom strategies to support affected students. Students also participated in sensitisation sessions on disabilities, along with awareness about aural and vocal hygiene.
As part of the drive, audio screenings and speech assessments were carried out for students requiring evaluation, helping bridge the gap in access to such specialised services in these areas.
The initiative underscored the importance of early intervention and inclusive education, particularly in underserved communities. According to a 2023 survey conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a high prevalence of communication disorders in the region, with over 30 per cent of reported cases involving ear and hearing issues. The survey also identified language disorders (19.73 per cent), speech sound disorders (14.19 per cent), fluency disorders (13.46 per cent), and nearly 19.85 per cent of individuals experiencing multiple communication-related complaints.
Organisers emphasised that continued awareness and screening programmes are essential to ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate intervention and improved learning outcomes for children.
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