Kathmandu March, 30 2025 - An interaction program on promoting rehabilitation services for children with hearing loss was successfully conducted in the capital on the occasion of World Hearing Day. The event was organized by the Organization of Persons with Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened Nepal (Shruti), with support from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, and in partnership with Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
The interaction program saw the participation of children with hearing loss, their parents, heads and representatives of organizations active in the disability sector, and representatives from government agencies. The discussion mainly focused on the issues faced by children who are compelled to endure social barriers due to hearing loss.
The program was organized on the occasion of this year’s World Hearing Day under the theme: “Changing Mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all”, according to Shruti’s Chairperson, Nita Keshari Bhattarai.
Speaking at the program, Chief Advisor of the Blind Youth Association Nepal, Kaladhar Bhandari, emphasized the need for early identification of children. He stated, “If we can identify children at an early age, we can understand the nature of their disability in time and accordingly focus on rehabilitation. Moreover, there is a need to link persons with disabilities to employment opportunities.”
Similarly, Phupu Sherpa, who has benefited from Shruti’s programs, shared that with Shruti’s support, she has been able to integrate into society and become aware of her rights.
Shruti, with support from various national and international donors, has been conducting various programs for individuals with hearing-related problems. In this context, therapy programs launched to make education more accessible for children with hearing difficulties have significantly helped improve the hearing ability of her child, said Bidhya Jha.
The program was attended by Dr. Sunil Sharma from the Department of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Population, Anil Adhikari from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Samiksha Niraula—Head of the Social Division of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Govinda Prasad Aryal from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Baburam Dhungana—Ph.D. in Inclusive Education, and disability rights activist Maheshwar Ghimire, among others.
