Deaf group trying to get Queen’s Park to listen

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Deaf children and those who are hard of hearing do not have equal access to health care or learning support across Ontario, says a new coalition of more than 150 parents, students and professionals who will descend today on Queen’s Park to push for province-wide standards in services.

The coalition wants Ontario to pay for deaf children to have cochlear implants in both ears, instead of one, said James Borer, leader of the new Alliance for Children Who are Hard of Hearing and Deaf.

“Having just one implant is like giving a double amputee just one prosthetic leg, or giving someone eyeglasses for one eye — it’s the difference between just getting by and actually thriving,” said Borer, whose two children have cochlear implants in both ears.

Borer estimates the extra implants would cost Ontario taxpayers an extra $1 million per year.