Equal Participation for Hard of Hearing People in Europe

ongoing

The European community of Hard of Hearing people is a diverse group, which primarily relies on access to sound with hearing assistive technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, assistive listening devices (hearing loops), subtitling and real time captioning for effective communication. Concerns regarding access within this group are still an emerging area in both research and implementation, as there are still low levels of awareness of the significant socio-economic consequences. The overall lack of both clear and specific best practice guidance on this in different EU member states, as well as the low levels of participation of hard of hearing associations nationally in policy have impeded inclusion and diversity implementation for the hard of hearing community. EPHOHE is a continuation of the previous EHOHC project under operating framework. This project seeks to follow on the foundations laid in strengthening the capacity of EFHOH national member organisations of hard of hearing and deafened people. With the purpose of contributing to both national and European policymaking, the project takes into account inclusive policies and the needs of their members for accessible health, education and employment. EPHOHE seeks to protect, promote and raise awareness on rights of persons with disabilities, specifically hard of hearing and deafened people, through its long-term mentoring, training and support programs that can strengthen the capacity of national member organisations and much needed visibility. EPHOHE will undertake a range of communication and engagement activities, in alignment with the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 among hard of hearing organisations and their members to further promote the rights of persons with hearing loss in Europe.