“With this charity discussion dedicated to the challenges and opportunities for children and young people with hearing impairments, we aim to draw public attention to the difficulties they face and together try to create better conditions for their integration, showing empathy and solidarity with them.”, said Kristian Vigenin, Head of the Bulgarian Socialists Delegation in the European Parliament. Vigenin and his colleague Tsvetelina Penkova organized the charity event. The discussion brought together representatives from the Association of Parents of Children with Hearing Impairments (ARDUS), medical professionals, educational centers, social and non-governmental organizations, as well as parents of children with hearing impairments.

“The care for children and young people with hearing impairment is our common responsibility. Let us not forget that being compassionate and supporting people in need are the core European and Bulgarian values. Today we are trying to help the children and parents who face every day many challenges of integrating this community.  Concrete ideas and initiatives are needed to overcome these issues.”, he emphasised. Vigenin recalled his participation in the development and approval of the Sign Language Act, which is a step in this direction.

Tsvetelina Penkova, a Bulgarian Socialist MeP, stressed the need to improve inclusive education and ensure easier and more informed access to modern technologies and therapies. She highlighted that specific measures must be taken to guarantee children and young people with hearing impairments a dignified and fair life.

It is our duty to focus public attention on the problems and the solutions. We need to bring together institutions, the NGO sector, business, academia and all families so that together we can promote solidarity and more support for this cause.”, added Penkova.

Petya Tsankova, member of the BSP-United Left Parliamentary Group and teacher with 20 years experience, shared a personal story from her practice. She stressed the crucial role and efforts of teachers in integrating children with hearing problems, so that they can reach their potential and develop social skills. “This is the only way they can ensure their quality of life. Let us all together- institutions, parents, partners, be the voice of these children and create an environment where they feel safe and accepted!”, she urged.

Maria Krusteva, president of ARDUS, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the charity discussion. “Access to new technologies is essential. These children need adequate assistance and support in school and university. While such provisions exist on paper, they are rarely implemented in practice. We need a comprehensive legal framework that addresses all aspects,” she stressed.

Sevdalina Jongarska, director of the Special School for Students with Hearing Impairments “Prof. Decho Denev”, said that concrete solutions are needed, not just talking about problems. “If we help even one more child, we have achieved a great success.”

Nevena Nikolova, deputy director of the Regional Centre for Support of the Inclusive Education Process in Sofia, highlighted another problem: “There are too many hearing-impaired children in the country and too few rehabilitators and specialists to address their problems and to provide the necessary care and attention.”

As a parent, Ana Dimcheva said that many parents are forced to look for private options. Thanks to the Yanika Center and the doctors from Milirary Medical Hospital, Ana’s daughter can speak and hear. “Every parent wants his/her child to have a chance for a normal and independent life. The problem is the lack of access to early diagnosis, there is almost none,” she pointed out with pain.

According to Prof. Diana Popova /head of the Ear Nose Throat Clinic at Tsarina Ioana University Hospital/ the future is in the new technologies and easy access to information. “Integration into mainstream schools cannot be universal solution. Every child is different, so the right approach is to create specialized groups. The next important step is to introduce compulsory hearing screening for preschool children.”, she recommended.

Assoc. Prof. Doncho Donchev, head of the Audiology and Otoneurology Department of the Milirary Medical Hospital, suggested that specialists should visit schools to conduct screenings. This way, hearing impairments could be detected early, preventing children from falling behind in their development.

Tanya Dimitrova from the Yanika Educational Center pointed out that the efforts of institutions, doctors, educators and parents should be united – not just in slogans, but in practice. “Together we will offer real solutions. Parents need to know that the solution is not only the operational approach, but they can also turn to signing methodology,”, she noted.

Children and young people with hearing impairments were at the event. Dobrina Petranova, a student at New Bulgarian University, presented her interests – photography, yoga and fitness. Ventsislav Velev, a 12th grade student at the National High School for Ancient Languages, gave a very rich speech, noting the importance of knowing history. He shared his choice of profession – to be an archaeologist, which he is currently studying. He ended by saying, “We all can!”. Miroslav Manov, a 3rd grade student, welcomed the audience with his favorite poem and shared that he loves math and choreography.

During the event, funds were raised to support parents of children with hearing impairments. The donations will be used for speech and hearing rehabilitation, as well as for the purchase of educational materials and hearing aid batteries.