Are you:
- Interested in people?
- Wanting to help others while learning and developing yourself?
- Prepared to become involved in a worthwhile activity?
Then you might like to consider becoming a volunteer tutor for hearing impaired adults with Better Hearing Australia.
TRAINING TO BE A TUTOR
Better Hearing Australia has developed its own training course, based on competency-based learning, to train volunteers to conduct programs in Hearing Loss Management for adults with impaired hearing. The Aural Rehabilitation Course can be commenced at any time through the year, and trainees work at their own pace. The course is a practical one, with regular attendance at a group an integral part of the training. Better Hearing groups meet weekly or fortnightly in suburban and country areas and provide learning and assistance in a friendly, supportive environment. Some tutors have impaired hearing themselves, while others have normal hearing. Better Hearing Australia, through its branches and regional groups, assists and supports the volunteers throughout their training, and encourages them to feel part of the Better Hearing Australia family.
If you think that you may be interested in becoming a tutor, please feel free to contact us to discuss what is involved.
THE TRAINING INVOLVES:
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READING AND STUDY
The Aural Rehabilitation Course is made up of 7 modules of study. The Course Manual and other texts are provided to guide your home study and reading.
Training materials include library books, videos, handouts, together with a variety of resources from the Advisory Centre.
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WORKSHOPS AND FIELD VISITS
These are arranged by the Branch Trainer and provide personal contact with fellow trainees and others working in the field of hearing impairment.
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ATTENDANCE AT GROUPS
There you will observe how the sessions are conducted and gradually take part in the presentation of parts of the session to the group. You will develop practical experience under the supervision of an experienced tutor. Groups meet weekly or fortnightly and usually run for 1 – 1½ hours .
TOPICS STUDIED INCLUDE
- Hearing Loss & Communication
- Causes & Effects of Hearing Loss
- Lipreading & Communication Strategies
- Conducting Group Sessions
- Basic Audiometry
- Hearing Aids and other devices
- Access Programs & Services
THE REWARDS
After the doctors and hearing aid specialists have done all they can, there is still a need for hearing impaired people to learn how to manage their hearing loss and get the best out of hearing technology such as hearing aids.
Better Hearing Australia provides this service.
Our tutors derive a great deal of personal satisfaction from seeing their clients gradually overcome the serious problems of coping with impaired hearing.
Although there are no monetary rewards, the teaching of lipreading and other aspects of hearing loss management can be a most stimulating form of part-time activity and a source of exceptional personal satisfaction.
We would be happy to welcome you as a member of our team.
For further details or to request an Application form, please Contact your Local Branch.