INDIGENOUS YOUTH IN FOCUS
Crucial new services available for indigenous youth
YOUNG Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the North Burnett can access free hearing tests and surgery as part of a new initiative by I
INDIGENOUS YOUTH IN FOCUS
Crucial new services available for indigenous youth
YOUNG Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the North Burnett can access free hearing tests and surgery as part of a new initiative by IWC focusing on the health and well-being of indigenous youth.
IWC’s clinical governance manager Jenni Toogood said ear health issues, if left untreated, could have serious impacts on learning capabilities.
“The delivery of this program, which has a focus on indigenous children and teens, is undoubtedly providing a vital early intervention service,” Ms Toogood said.
At the end of a recent session in the North Burnett six students were referred for further assessment, treatment and consultation with a GP or audiologist.
“While we know that around 9% of children overall suffer from ear conditions in the communities covered by IWC’s services, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and teens that figure is much, much higher,” Ms Toogood said.
“It sits well above the 20% mark generally, and when we go into some schools it is even higher.”
The relationship between schools and the IWC is a great asset that allows the organisation to identify and then treat hearing impediments, Ms Toogood said.
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