Campus Hörakustik honoured for its commitment to inclusion

Campus Hörakustik has been awarded the Social Association of Germany Sozialverband Deutschland (SoVD) seal of approval for its outstanding commitment to inclusion. Through its Schleswig-Holstein regional association, the SoVD recognises the consistent and exemplary implementation of inclusive educational programmes at the national training centre for hearing care professionals in Lübeck.

From wheelchair-accessible rooms in all Boarding Houses, through to barrier-free access to classrooms, right through to assistive technology for students and teaching staff with hearing impairments – Campus Hörakustik has been setting the standard for many years when it comes to ensuring equal participation for people with disabilities and varying support needs.

“The Campus Hörakustik exemplifies how inclusive education can be achieved,” emphasises Mario Eggers, accessibility expert at SoVD Schleswig-Holstein. “Here, barriers are broken down, individual support is provided and equal opportunities are put into practice. This commitment deserves special recognition.” The SoVD has been campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities, chronic illnesses and social disadvantages since 1917. As a charitable organisation, the SoVD Schleswig-Holstein regional association represents over 180,000 members. The SoVD awards its seal of approval to institutions and organisations that not only promote inclusion but actively practise it.

“For us, inclusion is not an optional extra, but a fundamental part of our educational mission,” explains Marcus Nissen, Head of the Education Management at the Academy of Hearing Acoustics. “We create the conditions that give all trainees the best possible chance of successfully completing their vocational training – regardless of individual circumstances or limitations.”

Jens Rießen, Director of Studies at the Federal Open State Vocational School for Hearing Aid Professionals, emphasises: “Our commitment for the future is clear: we are constantly striving to develop further and become even better. We want to find new ways to make participation even more a matter of course and, as a campus, remain a beacon for inclusion in practice.”

Prof. Dr Ulrich Hase, former State Commissioner for the Interests of People with Disabilities and advisor on inclusion at the Campus Hörakustik, emphasises: “Hearing Aid Professionals and Hearing Acousticians across the country are committed to improving communication conditions for people with hearing impairments and act as ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility. In this regard, the Campus Hörakustik sets an exceptionally good example – through its ongoing action plan to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, through a wide range of measures to promote inclusion, and through the gradual implementation of accessibility. That is why the seal of approval from the Sozialverband Deutschland is well deserved and serves as an incentive to continue this commitment.”

Ambassadors for accessibility in education and the workplace

The award also recognises the socially important work carried out by hearing aid professionals. In their role as healthcare professionals, they support people with hearing impairments on their journey towards greater participation in social life. Through modern hearing aids, personalised advice and long-term support, hearing aid professionals make a significant contribution to breaking down communication barriers and sustainably improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss.

This role is becoming increasingly important, particularly against the backdrop of demographic change. Hearing aid professionals facilitate access to education, employment, social interaction and cultural life for people with hearing loss – key prerequisites for an inclusive society.

By awarding this seal of approval, SoVD Schleswig-Holstein is therefore recognising not only the inclusive educational work carried out at the Campus Hörakustik, but also the social contribution of a profession whose daily work enables people with hearing loss to participate fully in society.