The VConnect Foundation (VF) is a parent support group for children with hearing loss started by two parents of such children, the undersigned and Fatema Jagmaag. Both of us are professionals in the field. VF is a charitable organization founded in 2007 with the aim of enabling children to "listen and speak” so that they can become participating members of mainstream society.
The Foundation constantly endeavors to enable families to support children with hearing loss through a holistic approach. Its purpose is to support, educate, empower, provide hope and guidance to parents by creating platforms and networks, both real and virtual. These networks would connect parents to experts, device companies, agencies, centers, clinics and educational institutions, as well as provide forums for parents and children to interact with and draw support from. VF helps over 1,300 parents across 12 circles in seven cities in India and also has an international center in Kenya. The trust has a dedicated team of parents and professionals working for a common cause.
Given the lack of early detection facilities, VF has also set up a newborn hearing screening program that has screened over 7,500 babies. The initial resistance to early screening from hospitals and doctors was overcome through interaction and education.
The VF recently launched a Mainstream Guide (MG) to enable children with hearing loss to be successfully integrated into mainstream schools. MG provides parents, educators, principals, teachers, therapists with some fundamental guidelines keeping in mind the difficulties faced by them in the past.
Given the scope and scale of its activities, the VF is always grateful for any support and assistance. Our address is: VConnect Foundation, R-7, Cusrow Baug, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Bombay 400001, India; tel: +91 9820409019; website: www.vconnectfoundation.org Those wishing to make donations (we have 80G exemption and FCRS for foreign funds) or just want to reach out to us, please contact us by email at vconnect.foundation@gmail.com
VAHISHTAI J. DEBOO
Co-founder and managing trustee
VConnect Foundation