Help for hearing impaired in East Java

• Local project helps East Javanese children with hearing impairment

• Eleven trainees in Perth this month to learn screening techniques

• Local organisations with hearing expertise to provide training

The lives of children with hearing impairment from East Java will improve after 11 Indonesian nurses and teachers visit Perth this month to learn more about hearing screening.

The nurses and teachers from the Karya Mulia School in Surabaya are attending the Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre for Children WA, WA Institute for Deaf Education and Ear Science Institute Australia for three weeks to learn basic screening and intervention methods for children with hearing impairment.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton met the trainees at the WA Institute for Deaf Education in Cottesloe with Patricia O'Sullivan Humanitarian Project (POHP) president Trisha Henderson.

The Disability Services Commission provided the POHP with $30,000 for the visit, in addition to $20,000 in 2011 to support a scoping visit to East Java by key project members and to report on services and training.

"WA has a Sister State relationship with the East Java Provincial Government and, to mark its 20th anniversary in 2010, provided $100,000 for school repairs," Mrs Morton said.

In April last year, a social services delegation from East Java visited Western Australia to learn more about disability services and support systems in the State.

"A combination of strong community support, dedicated staff and a clear vision and purpose articulated by school leaders has ensured the school continues to deliver good outcomes for students in difficult circumstances," the Minister said.

"After this visit, the next phase is to encourage the East Java Provincial Government to establish a post-graduate course, further supporting the development of staff."

      Fact File

• Karya Mulia is the only school for children with hearing impairment in East Java

• Only 20 per cent of students have hearing aids

• Patricia O'Sullivan Humanitarian Project has supported the school for more than 20 years

Minister's office - 6552 6900