Conference Documentation of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People Congress th from 10 till 12th of April 2015 in Essen Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund e.V. Sophie-Charlotten-Str. 23a 14059 Berlin Page2 Dear Attendee dear Reader the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund (abbreviation: DSB) is one of the oldest German disabled rights organisation in Germany. For decades persons concerned of hearing impairment and deafened work with the aim to obtain equal participation in social life. Yet, the world has changed in recent years. The expansion of the labour market on a European and international level, the global movement of refugees, the migration and immigration, challenge us to think outside the box and to think globally, also in terms of disability policy and hard of hearing people. The UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Germany in 2009, has set an example. Standards have been formulated that should be in force worldwide. Thus the association DSB has to join the discussion with other European and international organisations. The association DSB has accepted the challenge. After a long time, the association DSB carried out an international congress in Germany. According to our motto that everybody should understand everybody, the association DSB broke new ground by the implementation of a bilingual conference. The European Federation of Hard of Hearing People congress 2015 was held in German and in English. Simultaneous translation had to be ensured. In addition, the audio induction loop system – switchable at two channels – had to render the required language for people with hearing loss. Page3 For deafened people, speech-to-text interpreters had to take notes in both languages simultaneously. The presentations of the speakers had to be displayed in both languages, as well. The technical effort was enormous, but solvable. Barrier-free communication was possible in both conference languages, German and English. Thus our sincere thanks to the outstanding organisation team of the association DSB, ensuring without minor and major problems that everybody could understand everybody. Thanks to the communication conditions, good results could be achieved. A resolution – the Essen Declaration 2015 – was passed, signed by all European Federation of Hard of Hearing People member organisations, sent to the Members of the European Parliament and introduced into the work with disabled by the European Union. The documentation at hand serves not only as retrospect but would like to encourage continue working on topics, improve living conditions for hard of hearing people and ensure their full societal participation. We would be delighted, to make a contribution with the congress. With kind regards Renate Welter – Vice President of the association DSB Page4 1 AUSPICES ................................................................................ 6 2 WELCOMING SPEECH ................................................................ 7 3 EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE .................. 9 4 DEUTSCHER SCHWERHÖRIGENBUND E.V. (DSB) ........................... 11 5 HOTEL FRANZ ......................................................................... 12 6 THE CHARITY AKTION MENSCH. TOGETHERNESS WINS .................. 13 7 CONGRESS SCHEDULE ............................................................ 14 8 PROGRAMME.......................................................................... 16 9 LECTURES ............................................................................. 18 10 THE DECLARATION .................................................................. 39 11 EVENING PROGRAMME ............................................................. 42 12 SIGHTSEEING TOUR ESSEN....................................................... 46 13 EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS .................................................... 48 ADVERTISEMENT .......................................................................... 51 Page5 1 Auspices Verena Bentele was born 1982 in Lindau on Lake Constance and studied literature, philology as well as pedagogy at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Born sightless, the former competitive athlete and Paralympic biathlete is the first Commissioner for the Disabled of the Federal Government, who has a disability herself. The Commissioner for Matters Relating to Disabled People is the central contact person for the Federal Government. She influences political decisions and actively accompanies the legislative process for strengthening the participation as well as the self-determination of people with disabilities. Furthermore she maintains close contact with disabled people, their organisations, self-help groups and political actors. In her commission she is supported by an interdepartmental task force. Page6 2 Welcoming speech Reinhard Paß Mayor of Essen photo: Elke Brochhagen, Fotoredaktion Stadt Essen Ms Welter ladies and gentlemen guests arrived from near and far I would like to welcome you most warmly here with us in Essen. I am certain, you will enjoy Essen. As trade fair and congress city, we annually welcome in the heart of our Ruhr metropolitan area far more than one million people. And who is once here, quickly notices: all kinds of things are to discover in Essen. In the last two centuries, the entire region repeatedly reinvented itself. In most exciting ways, you can closely relive the traces of our past. If given the opportunity to you, do not hesitate to approach the people living here. We are known for being open and honest and would be pleased to help you. Otherwise living together would not work after all. Because the Ruhr region is Europe's third largest conurbation. Over five million people reside peacefully in the Ruhr area. This is only possible, when everyone is taking the other into consideration. But naturally, there are also barriers in everyday interaction that make the exchange among each other difficult. At times, cultural differences lead to misunderstandings. And with people from more than hundred-ninety nations, verbal communication does not flow smoothly, too. As we consider ourselves as bridgebuilders in Essen we give special attention to this responsibility. Page7 This particularly applies for our aim to shape accessibility for disabled people by designing a barrier-free city, if possible. I am glad that we have such competent partners as the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund at our side. I am sure that your congress can contribute valuable insights on how we could achieve this aim. On that account, I wish you stimulating discussions, innovative ideas and approaches. Again, a warm welcome in Essen and a marvellous event. Page8 3 European Federation of Hard of Hearing People The European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: EFHOH) is a non-profit European non-governmental organisation consisting of hard of hearing and late deafened people, parent organizations and professional organizations at a European level in dialogue with the European Union, the Members of the European Parliament, and other European authorities. The EFHOH has registered as a charitable organization and has its registered office in NVVS, Randhoeve 221, 3995 GA Houten, The Netherlands. The aim is a Europe where hard of hearing people can live without barriers and have the opportunity to participate on all levels in society. The EFHOH realises this vision through actions, contacts and campaigns, involving the EFHOH members and partners. Hard of hearing and deafness is a problem which concerns 50 million Europeans. The term is used as a definition covering everybody with a hearing loss ranging from light hearing loss to adult profoundly deafened users. Unlike pre-lingual deaf people, hard of hearing people develop and use the spoken language (with or without supportive signs). Hard of hearing and late deafened people are reliant on visual text to ensure access to information on an equal basis with hearing people. The Board members all have a certain degree of hearing loss, and they carry out their work on an honorary basis. They are elected to serve a two year term at the Annual General Meeting (abbreviation: AGM) by the delegates. They all have experience of working or volunteering at national levels in their own countries. Since the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (abbreviation: CRPD) is now ratified by all major European countries and the European Union, this convention serves as a foundation for all EFHOH work. The main focus is subtitling, hearing loops, and hearing loss rehabilitation. Page9 Marcel Bobeldijk was one of the founders of the European Platform of Deafness, Hard of Hearing and Deafblindness (abbreviation: EPDHDB). In the Netherlands, Bobeldijk is a volunteer for the Dutch Organisation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: NVVS). For twelve years, Bobeldijk is serving as president for the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: EFHOH). Additionally, he is board member of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: IFHOH). The member of the European Disability Forum advances equal opportunities for disabled people at all societal levels. P a g e 10 4 Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund e.V. (DSB) In 1901, Freifrau Margarethe von Witzleben founded in Berlin the first local association of Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund (abbreviation: DSB), the association for hard of hearing people in Germany. After the unification with the Bund der Schwerhörigen in 1991, the association DSB is represented in every federal state of Germany. The nationwide hearing advices, information centres and local counselling centres of the association DSB could be expanded on the basis of growth in membership. With state associations, self aid groups, youth and sport groups, the association DSB launches the exchange and inclusion of hearing impaired people. The association DSB offers rehabilitation measures, effective help for self-help and provides coping strategies for persons concerned. Because regardless of the age, incidents such as an accident, an increased degree of stress, illness, noise exposure at work or at leisure time can lead to hearing deficiency on a permanent basis. Regularly, the magazine “Spektrum Hören - Mittendrin im Leben” supplies members of the association DSB bimonthly with information about barrier-free communication, how to preserve hearing, and how to deal with tinnitus. The association DSB endeavours to introduce the needs of hard of hearing people in the political participation process with opinions as well as policy documents. DSB departments such as “Design for All” or “Cochlear Implant” implement practiceoriented inclusion, to improve the quality of life from persons with hearing loss. The DSB department “Design for All” achieved that the Eurokongress in Aachen, Germany was equipped with audio induction loop systems for hard of hearing people, for instance. P a g e 11 5 Hotel Franz For the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People congress 2015, the choice of the association Deutsche Schwerhörigenbund was in favour for the Hotel Franz. To the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund, the centrally located hotel and event centre – sponsored by the charity Aktion Mensch – seemed appropriate for various reasons. On the one hand, the Hotel Franz considers a broad spectrum of health restrictions. As a result, the hotel offers guests with allergies, personnel health care needs, mobility impairments, visual impairments, mental handicap and hearing loss optimal comfort. For instance, in the hall and at the reception are audio induction loop systems for hearing impaired people available. For emergency cases, the hotel rooms are partially equipped with flashing light doorbells and optical alarms for people with hearing deficiency. Portable devices for hard of hearing are handed over at the reception desk of the hotel on demand. On the other hand accessibility is implemented in terms of the staff, too. According to official information, the Hotel Franz gives professional assistance to people in need for support and employs approximately fifty percent severely disabled people. The in practice implemented accessibility in the Ruhr metropolitan area spoke in favour for organising the European Federation of Hard of Hearing congress at Hotel Franz. Entrance The Hotel Franz in the evening Foto: Michael Rasche P a g e 12 6 The Charity Aktion Mensch. Togetherness Wins The charity Aktion Mensch is advocating the natural, societal togetherness of people with and without disability by funding social projects as well as actions and campaigns for inclusion. Purpose of the charity Aktion Mensch is the participation of people with disability, the possibility of a self-determined life and the chance to demonstrate own abilities. This applies to all areas of life and from the very first: in the kindergarten, school, apprenticeship, course of studies, workplace, housing, and in the leisure time. The charity Aktion Mensch commits to dissolve environmental and mental barriers. As Germany's largest funding organisation in the social sector and in the social lottery, Aktion Mensch has achieved a lot together with its members – the central associations of non-statutory welfare services as well as the German public-service television broadcaster Second German Television, called ZDF – in the fifty years, since its founding in 1964. Public relations activities and awareness campaigns of the charity Aktion Mensch contributed significantly to improve living conditions of persons with disabilities: from “Problem Child” (German: “Sorgenkind”) to confident participators, from compassion to respect. In concrete terms, the charity Aktion Mensch gives encouragement and enables many people with disability to live in small housing complexes in the heart of community. In projects supported by the charity Aktion Mensch, children and young people with and without disability experience how enriching it is to be creative together, to get exercise as well as to enjoy themselves. In the last five decades, the charity Aktion Mensch has passed more than 3.5 billion euros for social projects. This was only possible, because approximately 4.6 million people play the social lottery of Aktion Mensch on a regular basis. Simply everyone can contribute to improve the life of people with disabilities and implement inclusion. Thanks to the support of the charity Aktion Mensch, the association Deutsche Schwerhörigenbund can consistently plan and execute projects. Thus the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund would like to thank the charity Aktion Mensch most sincerely for the generous support of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing congress from 10th till 12th April 2015 in Essen, Germany. So that togetherness wins… P a g e 13 7 Congress Schedule Since the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: EFHOH) congress 2013 took place in Prague and 2014 in Jerusalem the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund (abbreviation: DSB) was pleased to welcome in April 2015 hearing impaired people, experts for hearing impairment as well as market-leading companies in Essen, Germany. The congress was held in German and English. Translations in both languages were ensured by simultaneous interpreters and speech-to-text interpreters throughout the entire congress. Topic of the congress was: “The UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Implementation for Hard of Hearing People in the European Member States”. On the 10th of April 2015, Reinhard Paß, Lord Mayor from the City of Essen and Renate Welter, Vice President from the association DSB spoke words of welcome. Marcel Bobeldijk (President of the EFHOH), Dr. Harald Seidler (President of the association DSB) and Ruth Warick (President of the International Federation Hard of Hearing People) opened the “Market of Opportunities”, where ambitious and market-leading companies presented products and offered (further) education possibilities in a sector centred on hearing. At dinner, the exchange of experiences regarding the “Market of Opportunities” could be continued. Following key topics were determined for the conference on Saturday, 11th of April 2015: 1 The Health Care System and the German Patient Involvement 2 Communication and Assistance 3 Accessibility 4 Development of an Inclusive Labour Market The association DSB could attract Verena Bentele, Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Relating to Disabled People, as patron of the event. Verena Bentele addressed welcome words to the EFHOH attendees. P a g e 14 Experts for hearing deficiency gave lectures on the topics listed above. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hase introduced the EFHOH attendees to the theme of congress, “The UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Implementation for Hard of Hearing People in the European Member States”. Dr. Martin Danner discussed patient participation in the German health care system. Jakob Stephan Baschab informed about the education of hearing aid acousticians in Germany. Dr. Hannes Seidler presented accessibility as key to inclusion. Renate Welter provided information about the education as speech-to-text interpreter. And Silvester Popescu-Willigmann illustrated routes to an inclusive job market. Workshops referring to the topics followed on statements from Members of the European Parliament. The results and expertise of the EFHOH congress were incorporated into the declaration of 2015 adopted in German and English. The evening ended with a gala dinner. On the 12th of April 2015 the city tour with exit at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex (respectively German Zeche Zollverein) provided international guests insights into the City of Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany P a g e 15 8 Programme Friday, Apr. 10th 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch 13:00 – 13:30 Registration 13:30 – 14:00 Welcome by the Mayor of the City, Reinhard Paß and Renate Welter, Vice President DSB 14:00 – 18:00 EFHOH Annual General Meeting 2015 (open to all participants of the conference) 15:30 – 16:00 Opening of the exhibition "Market of Opportunities" by Ruth Warick (President IFHOH) Marcel Bobeldijk (President EFHOH) and Dr. Harald Seidler (President DSB) 16:00 – 18:00 Transfer of knowledge and experience in the "Market of Opportunities" 19:00 Dinner Saturday, Apr. 11 th 09:30 – 10:00 Welcoming Speeches: Verena Bentele (Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Disabled Persons) Marcel Bobeldijk (President EFHOH) Dr. Harald Seidler (President DSB) 10:00 – 10:30 Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities And Its Meaning To People With Hearing Impairment (Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hase) 10:30 – 11:00 Participation Of Patients In The Public Health System (Dr. Martin Danner) 11:00 – 11:20 Coffee break 11:20 – 11:30 Education of hearing aid acousticians in Germany (Jakob Stephan Baschab) 11:30 – 12:00 Accessibility – Key positions towards inclusion (Dr. Hannes Seidler) 12:00 – 12:30 Vocational training of Speech-to-Text Interpreters (Renate Welter) P a g e 16 12:30 – 13:00 En route to an inclusive job market (Silvester PopescuWilligmann) 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch 14:00 – 14:30 Statements made by political representatives: Ms Manuela Grochiowak-Schmieding (Speaker of Bündnis 90/ The Greens in social political affairs, Germany) Ms Dr. Renate Sommer (Member of the European Parlament, CDU, Germany) 14:30 – 16:00 Experience with implementation in the several EFHOH associations: Workshop 1 Health system (with Dr. Harald Seidler, moderation: Lidia Smolarek-Best) Workshop 2 Accessibility (with Dr. Hannes Seidler, moderation: Jaana Linna) Workshop 3 Job market (with Silvester Popescu-Willigmann, moderation: Jan Lamby) 16:00 – 16:30 Coffee break 16:30 – 17:30 Presentation of the Essen Declaration (Marcel Bobeldijk) Discussion and signing of the declaration 17:30 – 18:00 Closing remarks on the conference, Marcel Bobeldijk (President EFHOH) 19:00 Gala dinner Sunday, April 12th 09:30 – 12:00 Guided tour through Essen with a stop at Zeche Zollverein (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 13:00 – 14:00 Snack at the Hotel 14:30 Departure, Transfer to Düsseldorf airport (after registering) P a g e 17 9 Lectures The Implementation of the UN-Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and its Significance for Hard of Hearing and Deafened People by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hase In the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Deutsche Gesellschaft (abbreviation: DG) is with regard to the needs and concerns of hearing impaired as well as deaf people aware of the following four principles, which override interests of individual associations, groups and persons. These principles are: The Perspective of Human Rights emphasis that disability has to be a matter of human rights and no longer a matter of welfare, care and charity. People with disabilities should stand equally alongside to people without disabilities. No longer, the human being should be considered (especially from a medical perspective) as means of deficits, but as a human being with dignity and thus holder of equal rights. The new dynamic term of disability defines what should be understood as disability. In accordance with Article 1 of the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a human being is regarded as to be disabled, when it is – in interaction with various barriers – hindered to participate fully, effectively and equally in society. States that have signed the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities are now bound by the obligation to act. Primarily, the obligation to act is based on four instruments. These four instruments are laid down firstly in the preamble g (disability mainstream), secondly in Article 2 (universal design), thirdly in action plans implementing the UN-Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and fourthly in Article 4 (participation of people with disabilities). P a g e 18 While integration means individual disadvantage compensation respectively support of people with disability for enabling community life with reference to aspects of appropriateness and necessity, inclusion refers to the action of political and social actors. According to the principle of causal responsibility the political and social actors are basically obliged to keep the interests of people with disabilities in mind and to make so-called appropriate arrangements, so that people with disabilities are able to participate self-responsible in society. The UN-Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities says that withholding the appropriate provision constitutes disadvantage respectively discrimination. Thus, the individual aspect of integration is clearly to differentiate from the systematically oriented aspect of inclusion. Inclusion doesn't supersede integration. Both will still remain important. Regulations concerning directly the interests of hard of hearing people are described in Article 2, 9, 21 and 24 of the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Apart from the mentioned universal design, Article 2 defines also “communication” with the instruments language, text display as well as the complementary and alternative forms. Article 9 accents the accessibility of information and communication for the purpose of participation in society. Article 21 refers to expression and freedom of speech and Article 24 has recourse to education. In some respects, the implementation of the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has to be revised from the perspective of associations. Based on the large amount of measures the programme is inconsistent, among others. As a result, accessibility is not implemented strictly enough. Some measures also fail due to conflicts of competence between government and countries. The definitions are not comprehensive. Neither the definition for deaf nor for hardness of hearing is termed explicitly, for instance. With regard to academic inclusion, special needs of hard of hearing people are not taken into consideration. Plans of implementing the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are represented in the national action plan of the Federal Government, addressing the accessibility of information or the accessibility of communication aids. P a g e 19 The state report determining suitable general conditions in working life exists. These general conditions include interpreting services. In the shadow report, barriers of access are listed. In addition, the accessibility of further education and work are acclaimed. In this year's state audit in Geneva, many topics were raised for implementing the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Germany, such as migration and disability, the differing implementations of the UNConvention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the federal states, the accommodation of considerably disabled people in separated structures, or such as violence against people with disability. Particular care should be taken to ensure accessible media for hard of hearing people, emergency call systems without complications, barrier-free access to Universities and accessible communication in health care or trial. But in all, the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities deals hardly or little differentiated with the topic of hearing impairment. Regarding the inclusion of hard of hearing people, special challenges have to be considered even more than before. The beginning has been made, it remains to monitor carefully the further developments and to participate actively in this field. You will find the presentation on the internet at the URL: schwerhoerigen-netz.de/EFHOH/Hase P a g e 20 From earliest childhood, Prof. Dr. Hase is to a high degree aurally handicapped. Besides his personal background with hearing deficiency, Prof. Dr. Hase gained several experiences in rehabilitating and educating hearing impaired persons. Almost thirty years, Prof. Dr. Hase is actively in leading position of the Hard of Hearing Self-Help. Since 1999, he is chairman of the German incorporated society of Hard of Hearing Self-Help and German professional associations, called Deutsche Gesellschaft. The German professional associations, consist of ten national associations of hearing impaired persons fourteen federal professional associations as well as two regional umbrella organisations. The graduate lawyer and therapist for hearing impaired had lectures in the fields of pedagogy, linguistics and sign language at various universities. Currently, Prof. Dr. Hase is honorary professor for the department of social work at Kiel University of Applied Sciences. Furthermore, he serves as State Commissioner for people with disabilities at the “Landtag” respectively state parliament of Schleswig-Holstein. At the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People congress 2015 in Essen, he introduced the attendees to the topic of the conference and commented the implementation of “The UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Implementation for Hard of Hearing People in the European Member States”. P a g e 21 Patient Participation in the German Health Care System by Dr. Martin Danner The German health care system is considered one of the best in the world. Physicians, dentists, psychotherapists, hospitals and health insurance funds are united in a joint self-government. Its highest decision-making body – the Federal Joint Committee (abbreviation: G-BA) – is determining the benefits catalogue of the health care system for persons insured (abbreviation: SHI). It defines the healthcare services offered to persons insured under SHI in Germany, and sets quality assurance standards for inpatient and outpatient care. Patient organisations and self-help organisations play a key role in the representation and implementation of interests and rights of disabled and ill people. In brief: patient organisations understand themselves as political and professional contact persons and representatives of interests for the counselling of patients. In the patient investment regulation from the 19th December 2003, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Security fixed criteria which have to be fulfilled by “relevant organisations protecting the interests of patients on a federal level as well as the self-help for chronically ill and disabled persons” in order to represent the interests of patients in healthcare committees. Representatives sit in decision-making committees of the G-BA and in other important committees. For the expansion of the statutory health insurance benefits catalogue, they can co-advice and file in own applications. For those persons mentioned in the patient investment regulation the BAG SELFHELP coordinates to send patient representatives, as the vast majority of patient representatives at the Federal Joint Committee comes from the ranks of the 120 member organisations of chronically ill and disabled people within the Federal Working Group SELFHELP (BAG SELFHELP). The German Council of People with Disabilities is formally recognized as relevant patient organisation though. P a g e 22 In 1999, the major social organisations in Germany, emerging from organisations of war-disabled people, the BAG SELFHELP, as well as the independent organisations of people with disabilities, founded the German Council of People with Disabilities. As umbrella organisation, the German Council of People with Disabilities has itself no representation mandate for matters relating to disabled and chronically ill people. As action alliance, its consideration is the exchange of knowledge for affiliated (member) organisations. The association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund has a seat in the so-called Working Committee of the German Council of People with Disabilities. As member of the German Council of People with Disabilities the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund has participated in opinions on the regulation of fixed price regulations of the health insurance funds and on the health care reform. Further patient organisations recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health are the Federal Working Group of Patient Offices (abbreviation: DAG SHG for Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaften der Patientenstellen), the German Working Group of Support for Help Groups and the Federation of German Consumer Organisations, for instance. United in the Coordination Committee, representatives are delegated into the Federal Joint Committee. According to the German Social Act Five, representatives from member organisations appointed by determined criteria of the Federal Joint Committee have the right to submit petitions and to participate in discussions, but are not eligible to vote. The decision-making body consists of thirteen members: three impartial persons (including the chairman of the plenum), five representatives from the central federal Association of Health Insurance Funds and five care provider representatives (such as physicians, dentists or representatives from the German Hospital Federation). Furthermore, five patient representatives are authorised to participate in discussions. The plenum sets up competent subcommittees and Working Groups to prepare for its decisions. The subcommittee is responsible for ordered services, such as – for the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund – important issue Aid. P a g e 23 In terms of organisation and content, patient representatives and patient organisations are supported by the Patient Involvement Specialist Team. The Patient Involvement Specialist Team organises coordination meetings and numerous training sessions on topics such as pharmaceutical assessment, for example. In the patient rights law of 26th February 2003 the rights and obligations of patients are strengthened. It distinguishes individual and collective patient rights. Individual, every patient has the right on the provision of high-quality care. Integrated in collective contexts, the individual cannot always receive high-quality care to the necessary degree. Demands are being made on the state and society by the citizen and insured person. The underfinancing of healthcare for instance, resulted in creeping rationing, so that the margin was narrow for the individual patient. You will find the presentation on the internet at the URL: schwerhoerigen-netz.de/EFHOH/Danner P a g e 24 Following graduation at Heidelberg, Dr. Martin Danner practiced as lawyer with specialisation in health legislation. Subsequently, the attorney assumed leadership of the health policy department as well as of the self-help promotion Federal SelfHelp Association from People with Disability and Chronically Illness and their Relatives (abbreviation: BAGS for Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Selbsthilfe von Menschen mit Behinderung und chronischer Erkrankung und ihren Angehörigen e. V.). Currently, he is executive director of BAGS that represents two and a half million people affected by disability and chronic illness. BAGS endeavours to reduce discrimination continually. It represents interests national and international across all member organisations. At the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People congress 2015, Dr. Danner, responsible for the coordination of the patient representation in Germany, discussed the aspects of individual and collective patient participation in the German health care system. P a g e 25 The Education of Hearing Aid Acousticians in Germany by Jakob Stephan Baschab Good employment opportunities expect the hearing aid acoustician statistically. Circumstances, such as demographic developments or rising noise levels induce an increasing demand for hearing aids. Empirical, 1.2 million hearing aid devices were required in 2014. In the year 2002 it was about the half. In 1966 the market volume amounted 5.5% with 66,000 hearing instruments. Initiated by the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (abbreviation: biha), the Academy of Hearing Aid Acoustics in Lübeck, Germany meets the growing demand with training and further education for client-oriented quality assurance. The educational institution in Lübeck, emblematic for bundling and representing the interests of the hearingcare-professional-craft on the part of biha, amalgamates the learning co-operations Academy of Hearing Aid Acoustics (abbreviation: AHA), the German Hearing System Institute (abbreviation: DHI), the University Medical Centre SchleswigHolstein (abbreviation: UKSH), the University of Applied Sciences Lübeck and the National Vocational School for Hearing Aid Acousticians. In the dual education system of Hearing Aid Acousticians, the industry-wide, practice-based training at the academy in Lübeck is supplemented by the professional experience in specialised companies. The integrated vocational training programme comprises learning audiometry, loudness-scaling, real ear measurements, otoplasty, service techniques and it instructs in the range of assistive devices. Industry experts support the industry-wide training to acquaint the apprentices with various hearing aid systems, for instance. At the National Vocational School in Lübeck, particularly theoretical knowledge is intended to convey. Supplementary courses and work groups prepare for the exam, with which the profession education is completed. In cooperation with the University of Applied Science Lübeck (abbreviation: FH Lübeck) a Bachelor degree in Hearing Aid Acoustics can be attained. A Master degree in Craftsman can be made in weekend courses extra-occupational to parttime employment or in a full-time course within one year. For further education one can assign to pediatric acoustic and tinnitus courses as well as to implant specialist and audiotherapist. P a g e 26 To the scope of services count trainer symposiums, the international summer academy and seminars on the fitting of hearing systems. For education and advanced training forty measuring and fitting rooms, specially designed for the audiology of children (pediatric acoustic), for research and for the equipment of various manufacturers exist. Three hearing aid banks with 1,500 hearing instruments of thirteen different manufacturers enable an overview. The campus provides otoplasty labs, service technique labs, rooms for electric and acoustic measurements, computer rooms, class and seminar rooms with multimedia equipment and finally one lecture room including an enhancement system. For creating optimum conditions five boarding houses, internet centres, a sports ground and a cafeteria are available for the reconciliation of education, advanced training and private life. You will find the presentation on the internet at the URL: schwerhoerigen-netz.de/EFHOH/Baschab Jakob Stephan Baschab, bundles the interest of the hearing-care-professionalcraft as managing director of the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (abbreviation: biha). Baschab represents as managing director of biha, which is a cooperation under public law, the profession towards ministries, public authorities, industries, organisations, health funds and towards the community. The guild ensures the (further) education of hearing aid acousticians with the Academy in Lübeck, founded in 1973. By now, the Academy of Hearing Aid Acoustics, situated in Lübeck is considered to be the biggest vocational training centre of a health trade profession worldwide. The German central association supports voluntary members in the practice of their profession. At the European Federation of Heard of Hearing People congress 2015, Baschab's expertise focused on the education of the hearing aid acousticians in Germany. P a g e 27 Accessibility – Key Positions Towards Inclusion by Dr. Hannes Seidler Targets Accessibility, as defined by the German law, requires accessibility and availability of constructions, of transportation means, of technical equipment, of communication devices and of systems for information processing. With regard to the Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons Act (abbreviation: BGG for Bundesbehindertengleichstellungsgesetz) the above-mentioned requirements should be available without particular difficulties as well as unaided for disabled people. But in comparison with the international accepted term of “Universal Design”, the important duty poses a considerable restriction. At first glance the requirements formulated in the BGG intend to help disabled people, but fail to meet the needs of all users on closer examination. Targets for achieving aural accessibility: Information in an emergency Presentation understanding Easy comprehension under difficult conditions Less noise during communication Take part in discussions Less energy for listening more energy for understanding Natural and respectful interaction of those who hear well and hard of hearing The following sections give an outline of four key positions for solution. P a g e 28 Multi-Sensory Multi-sensory is complied when important information is perceptible through two of three main human sensory organs, comprising vision – sound – touch. The German standard DIN 18040-1 drafts two measures: 1 Rooms in which hearing impaired people can be alone (such as WC or dressing rooms) have to provide visual perceptibility in addition to an acoustic alarm. 2 Communication systems such as doorbell or intercom systems should be designed barrier-free in public transport as well as in elevators. Besides, further areas of life employ multi-sensory. When giving lectures for instance, it is quite usual to emphasise the spoken word by a written or visual presentation. Exhibits are gradually displayed visible-perceptible or visible-audible, too. Noise Reduction For communication purposes, increased attention should be given to the noise reduction of buildings. Generally, any kind of reverberation that worsens speech intelligibility is perceived as interference by hard of hearing people. Architectural acoustics, room acoustics as well as noise protection are addressing this topic. Since 1968 the relevant standard DIN 18041 describes almost unmodified the foundations and measures of targeted sound control and sound absorption within a room. The DIN-standard differentiates into two types of rooms. The first type of room focuses on the comprehension over long distances (lesson, seminar, lecture). The second type of room emphasis on the comprehension over short distances by silencing (cafeteria, corridor, office). In Austria, the DIN-standard 18041 serves as example for comparable standardisations. The compliance with health protection limits of building acoustics is – both at work and at home – relevant for hearing impaired people. P a g e 29 Assistive Listening Devices In public places, three wireless transmission systems are used: Audio Induction Loop System (magnetic field), Infrared System (infrared light), FM System (radio frequencies). According DIN 18041 Appendix C the dis-/advantages of the systems are: Systems Advantages Disadvantages Audio Induction Loop high speech intelligibility own hearing aid with personal fitting good receipt relations low investment costs low operating costs Infrared/ FM multichannel transmission usable for well hearing people tap-proof (only infrared) retrofit with low additional work one-channel transfer interferences by three-phase net crosstalk to neighbouring rooms (with phased arrays remediable) individual receiver special receiver (extra service) no individual fitting necessary briefing high investment costs and high operating costs possible disturbances by the sun, switching supplies The standard DIN 18041 demands: 1 On service counters with closed glazing and intercom systems, one service counter has to be equipped with an audio induction loop system. 2 Meeting, training or lecture rooms with sound system have to provide an assistive listening device for the audience area. In addition to perimeters with amplifiers, radiators are applicable when an induction loop system is in use. Radiators for generating magnetic noise and for compensating metal loss in the floor are especially utilised for auditoriums, cinemas, congress centres and meeting places. P a g e 30 Therefore assistive listening devices need technical planning and finally acoustic tuning on commissioning. The following scheme might help to make a choice: Knowledge In everyday life, the barriers in people's minds form a major obstacle. Thus many organisations have drafted basic rules for mutual behaviour: elbsivoc f nwo(attention, lighting, glare) do not cover the mouth with the hand speak slowly, clearly and with good accentuation use simple sentences and avoid foreign words avoid long-time conversations, because listening needs energy only one speaker at the same time If we succeed to take the mentioned minimum standards into account and to implement these minimum requirements, we will progress in taking a step forward towards inclusion. You will find the presentation on the internet at the URL: schwerhoerigen-netz.de/EFHOH/Seidler P a g e 31 Dr. Hannes Seidler is holding a degree in electrical engineering and information technology. In addition to works on building acoustics, room acoustics, audiological acoustics and regenerative energy systems, Dr. Seidler develops in his engineering office Hör- und Umweltakustik Dresden (English translation: Hearing and Environmental Acoustics Dresden) audio-frequency induction loops for hard of hearing people, since 2003. At the university hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Dresden University of Technology, Dr. Seidler dedicates himself – as assistant professor of the research laboratory Hearing – to cochlear implants, middle ear microphones/ implants and audiological technology. Both, at the department “Design for All” of the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund, and in cooperation with the architectural association of Saxonia, he is turning his attention to accessibility. At the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People congress 2015, Dr. Seidler's discourse concerned “Accessibility – Key Positions Towards Inclusion”. P a g e 32 Communication and Assistance for Hard of Hearing People Vocational Training of Speech-to-Text Interpreters in Germany by Renate Welter Profoundly hearing impaired and deaf people benefit from the barrier-free transfer and exchange of information by speech-to-text interpretation. Because speech-totext interpretation ensures participation in society. With the commitment of the association Deutscher (abbreviation: DSB), speech-to-text interpretation evolved Schwerhörigenbund to an acknowledged occupational profile throughout Germany. From 2003 till 2004 the DSB implemented first training measures as pilot project, for establishing the profession of speech-to-text interpretation. In 2005 the training facility launched uniform quality standards. In 2006 the voluntary union DSB developed examination regulations. With the nationwide examination and certification in 2007, the profession as speech-to-text interpreter was established, so that the DSB could conclude agreements with health insurance funds and integration offices. Thus the DSB is granted the permission to perform training according to the third Social Security Code in Germany (abbreviation: SGB III). 2010 the genesis of a new training curriculum and in 2011 the training in Austria and Slovakia followed. In 2012 the new curriculum came into force. 2013 the DSB obtained in compliance with the Accreditation and License Regulation (abbreviation: AZAV) the certification for the speech-to-text interpretation education as well as advanced training. Pivotal, the speech-to-text interpreter training contains to detect people with hearing loss and to understand disability-related behaviour. Consequently, fifty nonpaid hours of internship have to be performed as admission requirement for the speech-to-text interpreter examination. Thereof, twenty hours have to be completed at various associations of the DSB or support groups, and the remaining thirty hours at commercial enterprises or with hearing impaired persons. In the second step, techniques, methods and speech-to-text interpretation skills are imparted. In the third step, the control of application and workstation engineering is rehearsed. In the fourth step, legal and business management basics are approached. P a g e 33 Six weekend modules are accompanied by online units (e-tutoring). The e-tutoring clarifies remaining questions, supervises typewriting, coaches the speech-to-text interpreter and finally prepares for the examination. Part of the examination is the submission of the final thesis and four additional examination units. Thematically, the thesis focuses on speech-to-text interpretation and verifies acquired basic knowledge. For the thesis, each examinee is assigned to a mentor. Concretely, a mentor is a member of the examination board. The examination board consists of Renate Welter (Vice President of the DSB and Head of the Educational Institution), Marcel Karthäuser (transSCRIPT trainer and lecturer), Mario Kaul (transSCRIPT lecturer and speech-to-text interpreter), Norbert Merschieve (member of the working group Communication Assistance) and Monica Widners (speech-to-text interpreter). The mentor supports and grades the thesis. The four examination units are composed of setting up technical equipment, a twenty minute live-transcriptionrecord by the speech-to-text interpreter, the preparation of a minutes and a setting of a speech-to-text interpreter situation. After the successful conclusion, the examinee receives a certification as a speechto-text interpreter for three years. The labour market opportunities for speech-totext interpreters are favourable. Founded in national legal regulations and the UNConvention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities, a small number of well-trained speech-to-text interpreters are diametrically opposed to a high need. You will find the presentation on the internet at the URL: schwerhoerigen-netz.de / EFHOH/Welter P a g e 34 For more than twenty-five years, late-deafened Renate Welter commits herself to the best possible hearing aid provision without co-payment charges. Besides her working life as IT expert at the German electric utilities company RWE AG, Welter represented the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund (abbreviation: DSB e. V.) as social policy spokeswoman. As social policy spokeswoman, Welter initiated three legislative proposals. Firstly, the legislative proposal of the German social code SGB IX, for the Rehabilitation and Participation of Disabled Persons. Secondly, the German parliamentary bill for the Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons Act (abbreviation: BGG for Bundesbehindertengleichstellungsgesetz). Thirdly, Welter drafted the Communication Aid Regulation. Welter is Vice Chair of the Deutsche Gesellschaft, deputy member at the working committee of the German Council for the Disabled, and patient representative in the Joint Federal Committee of Doctors and Health Insurance. Already in 2003, Welter was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her achievements. At the European Federation for Hard of Hearing congress 2015, the Vice President of the association DSB explained the premises for the speech-to-text interpreter training in Germany. P a g e 35 En Route to an Inclusive Job Market by Silvester Popescu-Willigmann People who differ from the social construct of health, appear to those who conform to the construct of health as humans with a “disability”. This perception of otherness results in discrimination processes. As a consequence, less people with hearing loss participate on the job market and/ or laboriously achieve vocational progress, for instance. In a society where work remains central to self-esteem and standard of living, access to work is one main context of opportunity. How could be formed an inclusive job market? “Relative justice” would be premise for employment opportunities. Job position justice could be achieved, if each individual obtains equal respectively fair access to and development in a job position, regardless of origin, personal attributes, way of living, and not self-imposed limitations. Professional self-realisation would be a surplus. Professional self-realisation means to perform a professional activity that corresponds to ones' professional skills and potentials, and with which one can identify. How could this be achieved on the macro, meso and micro level? 1 On the macro level, a change of parameters could enable equal participation in society. As societal and political structures, macro parameters feature in general indirect or non-individual relations. On societal level, stakeholders of institutions and social networks, such as employers' associations, trade unions, lobby organisations, governments, social security systems or media, would need to assess collective interests in addition to burden and benefit balancing. On cultural/ social level, public education and information would result in solidarity with hearing impaired and between hard of hearing and “hearing” people. On normative level, lobbying and policy making could result in anti-discrimination legislation and jurisprudence, among others. P a g e 36 2 On the meso level, stakeholders such as local and regional self-help organisations, associations, social security branches, media or local governments implement macro level standards, consider costs and benefits in addition to collective and particular interests. For meso parameters, an indirect and non-individual interaction on part of institutions and organisations with civil societal actors successfully applies. Meso paramters could improve accessibility within the field of human resources and enable opportunities, procedures, and conditions. As company and organisational structures, meso parameters could bring about equal work related opportunities. 3 The micro parameters become apparent via direct and individual relations. Stakeholders such as managers, employee representatives, association secretaries/ -employees, volunteers, family members or peers implement meso (and macro) level standards and weigh particular (and collective) interests. Organisation structures and personal abilities that allow equal communication and inter-action in the work field would provide the basis on the micro level. Professional and work-relevant skills, competences, work experiences and successes would be the reference for the evaluation of the occupational aptitude – regardless of impairments such as hearing deficiency. On the micro level, both the recognition of the other as an equal other to one's self as well as the professional self-realisation would be the aim of inclusion. En route to an inclusive job market, the macro, meso and micro levels would be feasible by implementing the European Federation of Hard of Hearing (abbreviation: EFHOH) plan of action. As concerted plan of action, the road map to inclusion proposes the concentration of know-how by the national and regional EFHOH member institutions. For the expansion of the societal and political influence, a network extension is suggested on the macro level. On the meso level the collection and development of instruments, and recommendations for self-help organisations, employers and other stakeholders would be applicable besides opening up new financial resources with regard to research and development. On the micro level the recruitment of new (active) members and the provision of members with information, based on Europe-wide representative data and a broad experience base would promote inclusion. P a g e 37 You will find the presentation on the internet at the URL: schwerhoerigen-netz.de/EFHOH/P-W The graduated financial business administrator Silvester Popescu-Willigmann has (additionally) a degree in economic education and in public administration. The freelance researcher, publicist and science adviser thematically focuses on social economy, health management, social management and on social inequalities. Currently, the Executive Officer of the NGO Refugee Centre in Hamburg particularly addresses numerous social implications of fleeing, such as inclusivity respectively inclusiveness and of being an outcast. Popescu-Willigmann approaches the entire bandwidth from separation and exclusion to integration and inclusion in the country of origin as well as in the country of destination. At the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: EFHOH) congress in 2015, the member from the expert committee labour market policy of the Deutsche Gesellschaft discussed matters of managing social commitments in society, in policy, in companies, in social environments as well as direct social interactions, always taking professional self-fulfillment of people with hearing deficiency into consideration. Based on these levels, Popescu-Willigmann suggested a “Road Map to Inclusion” as concerted EFHOH plan of action. P a g e 38 10 The Declaration “Access to Hearing Aids is Access to Opportunities” All persons have a right to equal opportunity in the world. For 51 million hard of hearing people in the European Union this right can be best fulfilled through statefunded provision of hearing aids and the proliferation of assistive listening devices (abbreviation: ALD). For these many millions of people, including children and youth access to hearing aids is access to opportunity. On behalf of the 51 million Europeans with hearing loss 1, the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (abbreviation: EFHOH) Annual General Meeting in Essen, Germany is calling for all Member States to guarantee access to affordable, good quality, professionally approved hearing aids, ALD and the training and support standards to use them successfully. No one should be priced out of equal opportunity. Access to Education and Employment: Hearing aids together with compatible assistive listening devices (ALD) provide cost effective access to education and further education, and as such to improved employment prospects. This is crucial to lowering unemployment levels among hard of hearing people. Access to Rehabilitation: The use of hearing aids is also the most effective means of support provision for the majority of people who experience hearing loss. This is, however, reliant on certain standards being met. In its EU Standard (EN 15927) entitled ‘Services Offered by Hearing Aid Professionals’ 2, the European standardization authority ANEC recognises that the process of providing a hearing aid must include rehabilitation. If this standard is not met then the hearing aid will not be effective, and the state and healthcare providers will incur further costs. 1 European Federation of Hard of Hearing People, 2015 2 European Committee for Standardisation Services Offered By Hearing Aid Professionals, 2010 P a g e 39 Access to an Independent Life: All governments have an obligation under Arti- cle 5 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 3 (UNCRPD) to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to lead full and independent lives. Hearing aids improve quality of life in all areas: communication, so cialisation, education, employment, leisure, and ultimately inclusion in society. This combination of factors has proven implications for the positive wellbeing of those who experience a hearing loss. Rationale: Approximately 10% of the population of the European Union has some sort of hearing loss. Research suggests that those with hearing difficulties are at much greater risk of exclusion from the labour market. This has a negative effect on individual lives, but also on national economies. For example, underemployment in those with hearing loss cost the UK economy an estimated £25bn (approx. €33.5bn) in 20134. This vastly outweighs the cost of state-funded hearing aid provision. 3 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006 4 International Longevity Centre Commission on Hearing Loss : Final Report, July 2014 P a g e 40 The Signatories of the Declaration Ruth Warick, President of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People and Marcel Bobeldijk, President of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People Dr. Harald Seidler, President of the association Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund, signed for Germany P a g e 41 11 Evening Programme Friday evening, the local association of the Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund in Essen, arranged together with the group TonZeichen the entertainment programme. P a g e 42 TonZeichen Music by Hard of Hearing People TonZeichen, a group of hard of hearing persons, is simultaneously singing and using sign language to piano accompaniment. For TonZeichen is singing and signing on an equal footing. The group, founded in 2010, constantly broadens its repertory, currently ranging from Bach to Beatles. By open-singing sessions and musical co-creations of services, festivals and feasts, TonZeichen seeks to encourage people with hearing loss to sing with each other. Regularly, TonZeichen performs at international congresses and festivals. For example given the twenty-fifth anniversary of Music and Deaf in Birmingham, TonZeichen was invited to the gala concert. P a g e 43 The cultural Saturday evening programme organised Daniel Denecke alias Lucky Heart. P a g e 44 Lucky Heart Happily about new hearing technoligy, the musician & composer Daniel Denecke started a new singer and songwriter project: Lucky Heart. On his forthcoming gigs he keeps on to motivate other people with his selfwritten songs. During the last 15 years Daniel played numerous concerts and opened shows for Chris de Burgh, Whitney Houston, Joe Cocker, The Corrs, Barclay James Harvest, etc. In 2008, Daniels Song “Let's Stop the Rain” reached No 1 on a Radio Competition (Soundcheck, Radio NDR 2). In 2011, Daniel started the health prevention project EAR TO HEART. Since 2014 Lucky Heart is on tour with fresh songs and message. P a g e 45 12 Sightseeing Tour Essen Essen, in the heart of the Ruhr area, is the fourth-largest city of North-Rhine Westphalia and regarded as growing metropolis. As part of the final European Federation of Hard of Hearing programme, interested congress attendees could explore Essen, its region, its industrial culture, and go on a city tour with exit at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex (respectively German Zeche Zollverein). P a g e 46 At Zeche Zollverein In the once the largest coal mine of the world, more then 2,500 miners and coker units produced and processed till 1986 and 1993 daily 12,000 tons hard coal. Europe's former largest coking plant is declared to be the World Heritage by UNESCO, besides the Cologne Cathedral and the Tower of Pisa. With a size of more than 100 hectares, the site in the centre of the Ruhr area is location for culture, economy, leisure, and tourist attraction of the region. URL: zollverein.de P a g e 47 13 Exhibitors and Sponsors The organisers were glad to welcome many leading companies, clinics, and service providers in a sector centred on hearing and understanding. The “Market of Opportunities” offered all attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas on the topic, and to receive valuable advise. AHA Lübeck Akademie für Hörgeräte-Akustik Bessemerstr. 3 23562 Lübeck Phone: 0049 30 451 5029-0 Fax: 0049 30 451 5029-109 E-mail: info@aha-luebeck.de Website: aha-luebeck.de AudioVision gGmbH - Serviceleistungen Sophie-Charlotten-Str. 23a 14059 Berlin Phone: 0049 30 47 54 11 14 Mobile: 0049 151 41 46 07 99 E-mail: h.brotzmann@arcor.de beyerdynamic GmbH Co. KG Theresienstr. 8 74072 Heilbronn Phone: 0049 7131-617-400 Fax: 07131-617-199 Website: beyerdynamic.de/synexis Diakoniewerk Essen e.V. Bergerhauser Straße 17 45136 Essen Phone:0049 201 26 64 0 Fax: 0049 201 26 64 199 E-mail: info@diakoniewerk-essen.de Website: diakoniewerk-essen.de P a g e 48 ES II Reception Technology ESII–ZI Sud 2 rue de la Prade F-34880 Lavérune Phone: 0033 4 67 07 04 77 E-mail: info@esii.com Website: esii.com/de HELIOS Rehazentrum Bad Berleburg Baumrainklinik Lerchenweg 8 57319 Bad Berleburg Phone: 0049 2751 87 14 30 Fax: 0049 27 51 87 14 36 E-mail: info.baumrainklinik@helios-kliniken.de Website: helios-kliniken.de/baumrainklinik Humantechnik GmbH Im Wörth 25 79549 Weil am Rhein Phone:0049 7621 95 68 90 Fax: 0049 7621 95 68 97 0 Website: humantechnik.com MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte Gesellschaft m.b.H. Fürstenweg 77a 6020 Innsbruck Österreich Phone: 0043 512 28 88 89 Website: medel.com Paulinenpflege Winnenden Forststraße 4 71354 Winnenden Phone: 0049 7195 69 50 Fax:0049 7195 69 51 24 Website: paulinenpflege.de Phonak GmbH Postfach 1725 70707 Fellbach Phone: 0049 711 51 07 00 Fax: 0049 711 51 07 01 51 Website: phonak.de P a g e 49 Rayovac MicroPower Batteries VARTA Consumer Batteries GmbH & Co. KGaA Alfred-Krupp Str. 9 73479 Ellwangen Phone:0049 7961 83 782 Fax: 0049 7961 83 71 29 Website: emea.rayovac.com Reha-Technik & Kommunikationstechnik für Hörgeschädigte Schönbornstr. 1 D-54295 Trier Phone: 0049 651 99 45 680 Fax: 0049 651 99 45 681 E-mail: info@reha-com-tech.de Website: reha-com-tech.de Schriftdolmetscher NRW e.V. Susanne Lipka Haus-Gahlen-Str. 11a 46514 Schermbeck E-mail: s.lipka@schriftdolmetscher-nrw.de Website: schriftdolmetscher-nrw.de Tess - Sign & Script Relay-Dienste für hörgeschädigte Menschen GmbH Johannes-Wilhelm-Geiger-Weg 8 24768 Rendsburg Phone:0049 4331 58 9723 Fax:0049 4331 58 97 51 E-mail: info@tess-relay-dienste.de Website: relay-dienste.de P a g e 50 Advertisement P a g e 51 Published by: Deutscher Schwerhörigenbund e.V. Sophie-Charlotten-Str. 23a 14059 Berlin Phone: 0049 30 47 54 11 14 Fax: 0049 30 47 54 11 16 E-mail: dsb@schwerhoerigen-netz.de Website: schwerhoerigen-netz.de P a g e 52