Huge crowds throng AIISH on Open Day in Mysuru

The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) was buzzing with activity as hundreds of students enthusiastically tested their voice in the voice indicators, questioned about the anatomy of ears and participated in debate and other competitions organised as a part of ‘Open Day’, here, on Friday.

Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by AIISH former director and theatre person Na Rathna.

Going by the registrations, about 4,000 people visited the AIISH and learnt about various techniques and, latest technologies used to detect impairments. The students of AIISH were explaining about the functioning of voice indicators and were also demonstrating them.

Theme

The theme of the ‘Open Day’ this year was ‘Hearing Protection’. In an effort to educate the visitors to the issues related to disability, an exhibition was held at the ‘Knowledge Park’ of the institute. Those visiting the expo also had an opportunity to evaluate their speech, language, hearing, reading and writing disorders. The students were waiting to know about their capability in solving simple mathematics, finding the missing words, repeating a sentence, visual memory and others.

The audiometers for adults, paediatric audiometers, where the hearing impairment is evaluated on a newborn baby, speech impairment, artificial larynx which is used on those who have undergone laryngectomy due to cancer, were on display.

There were also pictures and science models highlighting the importance of protecting ears. Pamphlets on Tele-Center for Persons with Communicative Disorders (TCPD) that was launched to help the needy by overcoming geographical constraints for the delivery of professional services and to provide rehabilitation and educational services offered at the AIISH and other institutes in the country, were distributed.

Vocal hygiene tips for professional voice users by professional voice care unit, Department of Speech-Language Sciences, was also organised.

Specially abled

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Alok, competitions coordinator, said, “This year, the elocution competition was held for students on the topic ‘Conserve your hearing’.
Special events were held for children with special needs. While treasure hunt, cap race, balloon blowing and others were held for hearing impaired students, passing the ball, running race, soft ball throw, musical chair was held for children with mental retardation.”

Several fun-filled games were held for autism, multiple special needs and other communication disorder children. AIISH Director S R Savithri and others were present.