Dr. S. R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing (Dr. SRCISH), Bangalore, is one of the leading clinical and academic Institutes in India. Dr. SRCISH was established in 1977, and since then has been dedicated to providing services to persons with communication disabilities, such as– patients with hearing impairment, voice disorders, stuttering, cleft lip, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disability, autism spectrum disorders, and post-stroke communication disorders. Dr. SRCISH, in addition to providing clinical services, has also undertaken the responsibility of manpower development, by training professionals in the area of speech, language and hearing sciences. The areas of Speech Language Pathology (SLP), Audiology (Aud), and Special Education are fast emerging as careers of choice for students looking for challenging and rewarding careers as Speech and Language Pathologist, Audiologist or Special Educator for children with HI.
Speech Language Pathology deals with disorders of communication, its assessment and treatment. A speech language pathologist is a health care and/or rehabilitation professional specialized in the evaluation and treatment of children and adults with speech and language disorders.
Audiology is the profession concerned with measurement of hearing sensitivity and management of hearing disorders. An audiologist is a health care/rehabilitation professional specialized in working with people with difficulties of hearing, balance and related functions.
The area of special education has gained importance because of the Government of India initiative of sarva siksha abhyaan or “education for all”, where all children have to be provided with basic education, including those with special needs. Special Educator/teacher is a rehabilitation professional specialized in teaching and educational management of children with hearing impairment.
The Bangalore Speech and Hearing Trust (BSHT) is a significant organization with a rich history of service to the community. Here’s a breakdown of its key components and activities:
- Formation and Leadership: Founded in 1978 as a not-for-profit organization by Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar, an eminent ENT surgeon, BSHT operates as a public trust (registration no. 101/78-79). Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar serves as both Chairman and Director of the trust.
- Trust Structure: The trust consists of honorary members, including prominent individuals from society who hold honorary membership. Regular meetings, held every two months, provide oversight and strategic planning for the organization’s activities.
- Management and Monitoring: Daily operations of the trust’s constituent units are overseen by a management committee comprising three members: the Chairman and (Hon.) Director, (Hon.) Treasurer, and (Hon.) Secretary. This committee makes decisions regarding the regular functioning of all four units.
- Service Offerings: BSHT focuses on the full integration of thousands of disabled individuals over the past four decades. It identifies disabilities, provides rehabilitation and education for the hearing impaired, and offers diagnostic services in speech-language pathology and audiology. Additionally, BSHT collaborates with government hospitals to ease the burden on public healthcare systems.
- Expansion and Impact: Over the years, BSHT has expanded its services and formed four units to fulfil its mission and objectives:
- Dr. S.R Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing
- Dr. S.R Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing College
- Sunaad School for the Hearing Impaired
- Dr. SRC BNG Research Center
- Recognition and Collaboration: BSHT’s diagnostic work is highly respected by medical professionals, including ENT specialists and neurologists. Collaborations with renowned medical professionals have led to significant initiatives, such as the first cochlear implant program in Bangalore in 1997.
- Social Responsibility: The organization demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility through initiatives like its well-functioning mobile unit, which conducts camps in remote areas to provide services to underserved populations.
- Oversight and Compliance: BSHT’s activities are regularly audited by various bodies, including the Women and Child Welfare department, University LIC, Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), and COM DEALL Trust. The governing council, comprising prominent members of society not directly connected to the institute, provides oversight and recommendations twice a year.
- Research and Development: The research centre operates under the supervision of a research advisory committee, research technical committee, and institutional ethical committee, reflecting BSHT’s dedication to advancing knowledge and improving services in the field.
Overall, the Bangalore Speech and Hearing Trust stands as a pillar of support for individuals with hearing impairments, providing essential services, advancing research, and demonstrating a strong commitment to social welfare.