What We Do

At the Speech and Hearing Association of India — West Bengal Branch (SHAI-WB), we are dedicated to making real, positive impacts in the field of speech, language, and hearing. Here’s how we work:

1. Awareness & Outreach Programs

  • Conduct public awareness campaigns to inform communities about speech, language, and hearing disorders.
  • Organize events in community centres, hospitals to reach people early — promoting early identification and intervention.
  • Distribute informational resources (pamphlets, brochures and posters), hosting events and walkathons to create public awareness.

2. Workshops, Seminars & Continuing Education

  • Host professional development workshops for Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, teachers, caregivers, and other allied professionals.
  • Organize seminars on the latest research, intervention techniques, and best practices in therapy and rehabilitation.
  • Provide Continuing Education Programs (ceps) to ensure that members stay updated with advances in the field.

3. Support & Collaboration

  • Guide families and caregivers of individuals with speech, language, or hearing impairments — offering counseling, support, and information.

4. Advocacy & Policy Advice

  • Monitor legislation, regulations, and government policies affecting speech, language, and hearing professionals, and affected individuals.
  • Advocate for improved standards of care, inclusive education, disability rights, and accessibility.
  • Provide expert advice and position statements to the government and other agencies when relevant laws or policies are being drafted or revised.

5. Research & Innovation

  • Encourage scientific study of speech, language, and hearing processes — to deepen understanding of causes, diagnostics, and treatments.
  • Promote research projects and partnerships with educational institutions and research centres.
  • Support innovation in therapy methods, assistive technologies, and communication aids.

6. Rehabilitation & Intervention Services

  • Facilitate access to diagnostic services (hearing assessment, speech-language evaluation).
  • Support intervention programs (speech therapy, hearing rehabilitation, language development, etc.).

  • Promote early intervention for children to improve long-term outcomes, and provide support across the lifespan.

7. Community & Patient-Centred Support

  • Develop support groups for individuals with hearing loss, speech or language disorders, and their families.
  • Provide resources and guidance to caregivers to help them in daily communication facilitation.

  • Ensure culturally sensitive practices and materials are used, respecting linguistic diversity in West Bengal and beyond.