BIll C-577 and VOICE in the News

As a parent of a deaf child, I wanted to share a few things I am thankful we have as Canadians. The organisation VOICE participated in a press conference on Parliament Hill recently advocating for changes to the Disability Tax Credit criteria. I am in full support for Bill C577!!

"Hearing loss in children is a lifelong condition for which families and the children themselves will suffer increased costs.  The Disability Tax Credit is intended to help offset the additional costs of a disability.  Many of our families have had their applications challenged."

When I was attempting to fill in the paper work for this Tax Credit, we were told by a doctor that many of his patients did not get appoved because of hearing loss. I remember feeling worried and told him I wanted him to fill it in regardless of what his experiences were. He did and we were approved no questions asked. Too bad it's not the same case for everyone.

The existing criteria for eligibility for the tax credit and subsequently for the Disability Savings Plan discriminates against individuals with hearing loss who use cochlear implant or digital hearing aid technology and who have learned to speak. This costly assistive listening technology does not eliminate their disability.  They are, for all intents and purposes, still deaf.  There are many times during the course of their daily living, for example, in water and in noise, that they cannot maximize the use of this technology.  

The following video speaks of many situations in which Alex will not be able to benefit from his assistive technology. Many everyday situations will be a challenge for him. Therefore, I am so glad to see audiologists and other citizens trying to fight for families who are descriminated against. Once again, I am so fortunte Alex's application was not declined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtIG7O7ys3w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbyNIzT6KSA

Also in the news,

October 4, 2010 (Ottawa): Today, the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) launched its position paper on Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) as part of a national campaign to improve early identification of hearing loss in children. CASLPA calls for a Canada-wide adoption of UNHS programs in all provinces and territories.

I am very thankful for this hearing screening. I can not imagine if Alex had not been screened at birth how much more of a delay the entire process would have taken. I might not have even realized he was not hearing until much later. I can't even imagine. I agree that hearing screening should be done everywhere in Canada (which it is currently not). If you would like to read more, the following link is the full article: http://www.voicefordeafkids.com/article_pop.asp?artID=167