Tripolia

Tripolia Social service Hospital Patna in collaboration with the NIHH inaugurated the preschool and service center for the hearing handicapped on 6th Sept 1992. It was formally opened by the Honorable Union Minister for Social Welfare, Mr. Sitaram Kesri. The institute is run by The Sisters Of Mercy Of The Holy Cross. The vision of the founders of the order Fr.Theodosius and Mother Maria Teresa to work for the underprivileged is alive through this center.

The service center caters to the needs of all hearing handicapped of all age groups. The neo-nates born in the hospital are screened for hearing loss soon after birth. This is the aim of "Early Identification and early Intervention" Hearing evaluation is done for all who come with the complaint of hearing problems. They are provided with suitable hearing aids and people who are unable to afford the aids are provided with SADP hearing aids free of charge. Besides hearing problems, those with speech and voice problems are also provided therapy needed.

The Pre-School at present has 40 students who are deaf in the age group of 3-6 years studying in 5 classes. There are 5 special educators teaching them full time. After 3 years of intense preparation in developing language and speech the children are integrated into regular schools.

Besides developing their language and speech skills the students are also helped to learn creative arts. Drawing and painting are taught and the schools participate in painting competitions held by various organisations in Patna. They are also invited to perform on stage at special occasions and they are developing good dancing and acting skills.
In short we feel that our center provides young deaf children with the best opportunities at integration into the mainstream at the youngest age possible.