VAANI and Ferrando Speech & Hearing Centre
Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre is an NGO run by Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMC) and comprises of a special residential school, a vocational training centre, an infant and preschool programme for children which works through parent training, and a support programme to train professionals in other parts of North East India. The programme has been able to reach out to parents from Shillong and other smaller towns in the North East, and a small number from rural areas.
Ferrando’s project with VAANI will support the development of a CBR program to meet the needs of deaf children who are unable to receive any services. The project provides training to parents and family members so that they can provide early stimulation for their newly diagnosed babies and young children and communicate with them. Follow up visits are carried out during community visits by the program coordinators and CBR workers. Families are encouraged to form groups and support each other and advocate for the rights of their children.