Qais Khan, graphic designer, model and CI user, and Harald Seidler, ENT and CI user, and both board members of CIICA.
The CI International Community of Action (CIICA), which aims to increase access to cochlear implants (CI) and lifelong services, is delighted to be holding its first global conference on CI advocacy. It is a chance to hear about how groups of parents, young people, professionals and advocates have achieved success, learn what works from professional advocates, share challenges and get new ideas by networking with global partners.
Collaborative advocacy initiatives are essential when only 5–10% of those who could benefit receive cochlear implants. This is compounded by the concerns of users about the provision of lifelong services. CIICA’s growing network in 66 countries, with more than 100 organisations and 500 individuals, is making change happen. The conference is an opportunity to inspire each other to further action.
More than 1000 users have described the changes they want to see in a global report, CI Services Matter.
CIICA also gives voice to young adults who were implanted as children – the first group to grow up as deaf individuals with hearing – and a global group of young people will be at the conference to share their own report, Young Adults with CI Matter.
Shelly Chadha (right with Sue Archbold), Technical Lead, Ear and Hearing Care at the World Health Organization, will begin the conference in the company of some of the founding members. She will stress the importance of ‘changing mindsets,’ the World Hearing Day message, and of collaboration in advocacy.
This first-ever global advocacy conference on CI will provide crucial learning opportunities and a chance to be part of a global movement for change. Go to the conference website to find out how you can be part of this exciting event.
Above left: Emma Stapleton and Qais Kahn.
