Successful engagement: CBM’s holistic approach to the work in the area of ear care, deafness, hard of hearing and deafblindness

Abstract

Purpose: CBM is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in disadvantaged societies. CBM aims at achieving this in partnership with local organisations and in cooperation with stakeholders at regional and international levels. This article aims at sharing CBM’s holistic approach for successful engagement in the work area of ear care, deafness, hard of hearing and deafblindness. Methods: Review of CBM supporting documents, including strategies, position papers, technical guidelines, criteria of success and information related to partners, centres of excellence and model projects. Results: Description of how partner programmes use participatory methods of planning and implementation, involving persons with disabilities and the community. Recommendations on how to develop national or sub-national strategies to impact the lives, and advocate with governments for the rights and inclusion, of persons with disabilities. Conclusions: CBM’s holistic approach to work in the area of ear care; deafness; hard of hearing and deafblindness includes intervention at all levels of health care provision, Education, CBR and Audiological, Speech Therapy and other interdisciplinary services. This article presents CBM’s core principles and shares specific strategic planning and results, together with lessons learnt while searching a sustainable engagement for field work.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation, in its widest conception, should be approached as a multidisciplinary strategy, and developed in close cooperation with other local, national and international agencies.

• CBM is positioned in a strategic point from where it can play a key role in the facilitation of an international forum for agencies and stakeholders to reach a consensus to decrease the burden of ear disease and hearing loss, through early intervention and re/habilitation.

• CBM
• deafblindness
• deafness
• ear care
• good practices
• hard of hearing
• hearing aids
• holistic approach

Acknowledgements

Although this article has been produced by two authors, it certainly represents the work developed by CBM in the areas of health and education, related to ear disease and hearing loss, over many decades. The authors would like to thank CBM for authorising the use of the information contained in its technical and corporate papers, and all the persons who have contributed to the production of those documents, with a especial gratitude to all the members of two of CBM’s AWG: EHC, and Education for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind (EDHD), without whom, much of the information portrayed in this article would had never seen the light.

Notes

¹CBM’s areas of technical and professional strength:, CBR, medical eye care, ear and hearing care, community mental health, physical impairment, neglected tropical diseases, inclusive education, livelihoods, which all contribute to disability inclusive development.

²Research: Research can be defined as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories and concepts, usually using scientifically sound methods of data collection and analysis. CBM focuses on applied and operational research involving the practical application of the knowledge gained from research. Evidence: Evidence results from an objective analysis of a collective body of information gained from research (or evaluation) to determine or demonstrate the validation of an assertion/assumption/question.