Social Services Minister June Draude has proclaimed May 2014 as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month in Saskatchewan.
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month encourages the early detection and prevention of communication disorders, and seeks to increase the public's awareness to the issues faced by individuals who are experiencing them.
An increase of $37 million in this year's 2014-15 Budget will go toward supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities into the social and economic life of our province.
"This investment demonstrates our commitment to Saskatchewan's vision of being the best place in Canada for people with disabilities to live," Draude says.
"That's why it is more important than ever that we encourage those who experience speech and hearing disabilities along with all members of Saskatchewan's disability community to help government shape our province's Disability Strategy."
Province-wide public consultation forums are taking place. More information regarding the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy, as well as a listing of the upcoming consultation dates can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/disabilitystrategy.
"One in five Canadians experience some form of hearing loss. Awareness and early screening is vital for people to get the assistance they need, such as sign language, lip reading instruction, or electronic devices..."
