To assist in the treatment of deaf youngsters the Audiology
Development Foundation of China (ADFC) is collecting donations.
Beginning this month, the year-long campaign will raise funds by
selling 30,000 boxes of superior Pu'er tea. This is renowned brand
produced in southwest Yunnan Province.
The money raised will be used to buy audiophones for deaf
children and provide them with basic language training.
Liang Tao, ADFC vice chairman, said language training for deaf
people should begin when they are 2 to 3.5 years old. It was
difficult for deaf children over six to begin to learn a
language.
If deaf children don't receive early treatment, many of them can
become dumb as they get older and be permanently impaired.
"In the impoverished rural areas of China 70 percent of families
that have deaf children can't afford the treatment and lose a
golden opportunity to help them," Liang said.
According to statistics there are approximately 20 million
people in China with hearing difficulties which accounts for 34
percent of the country's disabled. Two million are under 14 and
800,000 under six.
The figure is increasing by 30,000 annually due to hereditary
diseases, drug abuse and environmental pollution.
China has taken measures to help these youngsters. About 220,000
deaf children under seven received language training up to 2004 and
20 percent of them progressed to being admitted to ordinary
kindergartens and primary schools.
People wishing to make a donation should call Beijing (8610)
6489-0942.
(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2006)