In the context of the month dedicated to audition and communication, the Groupe Forget Foundation was pleased to provide a newly restored specialized therapy room for children registered in the Language and Auditory Processing Disorder program and for teenagers and young adults in the Teenagers/Young Adults, Hard-of-Hearing, Language Impairment and Stuttering program, both offered at the Raymond-Dewar Institute.
The room will be equipped with state of the art technology that will allow children and teenagers to film themselves and edit their videos. Media such as photography and video are an interactive way to increase the development of communication, speech, autonomy and self-esteem.
« This new room creates a less medical environment: it provides a more natural setting. Only to have a couch, chairs and a computer, items we did not have before, will contribute to the fact young people will no longer feel they’re in a re-adaptation centre but in a warmer and attractive place», explained Mr. Patrick Lévesque, head of the teenager and young adults program at the Raymond-Dewar Institute.
« This new environment simplifies daily interventions thanks to its technology », added Mr. Stéphane Bérubé, head of the Language and Auditory Processing Disorder program.
In addition, this multi-functional space provides two distinct areas each welcoming a different age group. The renovation was completed by a wall painting by Montreal artist and painter Mrs. Joëlle Thébault. In accordance with the Raymond-Dewar Institute’s mission, this creation represents communication in the 21st century.
It is important for the Groupe Forget Foundation that children and teenagers have access to a most stimulating therapy environment. This is why the Foundation decided to be involved with the IRD Deafness and Communication Foundation in this project.
About
The Groupe Forget Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of those affected by a hearing loss and to raise the public’s awareness to the daily challenges brought about by a hearing loss. (www.fondationgroupeforget.ca)
The Deafness and Communication Foundation is an inseparable partner of the Raymond-Dewar Institute. Its mission is the well-being of deaf or deaf-blind children, teenagers, adults and seniors as well as young people with communication problems attending the Institute. (www.raymond-dewar.qc.ca)
