Useful Phonak doc
Here is the link to a document Phonak has produced that you may find useful.

We are placing a link to this document on the PRP website for your future reference.

Joe Coelho

Batteries
The Freedom FM receiver is posing an interesting challenge in BC, especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling on school fees.

The use of wireless FM receivers has always been with the understanding that the receiver uses power from the hearing aid battery and therefore higher battery consumption should be expected. What makes the Freedom wireless receiver different is that a) the consumption of batteries is significant (in discussion with one family it is estimated that over 300 cells will be needed at a cost in excess of $220/year) and b) for families purchasing the rechargeable pack available from Cochlear to run the processor, disposable batteries are only needed to run the FM. I have enquired as to the availability of a rechargeable pack for the FM. At this time Cochlear does not have plans to produce one.

During the recent Throne Speech there was indication that changes will be made regarding school fees http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/report/docs/education-report-21.pdf

I recommend that you discuss your district's policy on school fees with your administrator and determine how the provision of batteries for the Freedom FM used at school will be addressed.

I have received calls from some families requesting assistance and one indicating that if the family has to buy the batteries for the FM at school the student will go without. Non-profit organizations may be able to provide the assistance needed but I would like to see a unified
provincial effort rather then each family fending for itself.

Regards,

Joe Coelho

Support for hearing aids
Hi Jeanne. I agree with you, as HRT's we need to start addressing the need for appropriate student amplification in a serious way.

Please send a copy of the student's latest audiogram and audiological report along with permission from the parents to share information - form available at http://prp.sd47.bc.ca/pdfs/release.pdf - to the PRP and we will see what we can do. Depending on the hearing profile, one solution for your student may be the iLink. The iLink integrates FM and amplification. We have provided a few of these already. Quite neat units; look like a hearing aid alone but function as both a hearing aid that can address moderate to profound loss and an MLxs receiver.

We are in the process of placing user manuals on the PRP website. To view this one go to:

http://www.phonak.com/com_029-0173-xx_ilink.pdf

Jill, talk to Jeanne Campbell. She may be able to help you and alleviate some of the frustration you are experiencing.

As I pointed out at the last Itinerants' conference, in both Jill and Jeanne's cases the difficulty is not only getting the devices but also covering the fitting fee ($400 each unit at Public Health, more at private providers). A bigger issue for Jeanne since she has not had a Public Health audiologist in her area for a while. Nevertheless, at the PRP we have usually found a way to address the students' needs. So, for those who have students in need of auditory support, give us a call.
Let us know the situation and together we may be able to address it.

Best wishes

Joe Coelho
Provincial Resource Program
Cochlear Implant and Auditory Training Outreach
210 - 5021 Kingsway
Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4A5
Direct Phone: 604-439-0542 fax: 604-439-0573

________________________________

Think Safety - Win Big!!!

B.C. high school students are invited to enter the video contest "Start Your First Job Safely". Create a short public service video about workplace safety and you could win great cash prizes for you and your school! The winning videos will also be featured at a public event in Vancouver in May.

Deadline for submission is April 20, 2007. For details please click the button below.

http://www2.worksafebc.com/fwd/g473.htm

http://www2.worksafebc.com/enews/070201/posterThumb.jpg

ITINERANT TEACHERS OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CONFERENCE 2007

COUNT US IN

Supporting Mild, Moderate And Unilateral Losses
Friday, April 20, 2007
Speakers: Dr. Mary Ann Bibby, Dr. Dave Gordey, Sean Reily, Niki Timar, Panel of Teachers and Students

8:30 am to 3:00 pm
James Bay Community School
140 Oswego St.
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 2B1

Come join us for a “capital experience”
Sponsored by SCHOOL DISTRICT #61 (VICTORIA)
pguilbault at sd61.bc.ca

FIRST NOTICE: OPTIMIST COMMUNICATION CONTEST 2007

January 31, 2007
It is that time of year again ... the Provincial Outreach Program, in collaboration with the Burnaby Optimist Club, is busy organizing for this year's Communication Contest. Please get geared up for another fantastic competition ... the following particulars are noted below:

DATE: April 17th, 2007 (Tuesday)
LOCATION: Michael J. Fox Theatre (Burnaby South Secondary, Burnaby BC)
TOPIC: "My Biggest Challenge is .............. "
CONTESTANTS: Contest is open to Deaf or hard of hearing students grade 6 - 12 who are eligible for services from a TDHH and who have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more. An audiogram documenting the hearing loss must have been completed within the last 24 months prior to the start of the 2006-2007 academic year. The audiogram must be submitted at the time of the application.

*** APPLICATION FORMS AND MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW !!!

Let's work together to make this the most exciting contest ever ...

Warm regards,Karen Taylor and the Organizing Committee

Karen Taylor
Provincial Outreach Administrator
Secretariat to PERCD
604-664-8300