This year, for the first time, audiologic screening was offered as part of a Healthy Athlete Program at the BC Special Olympics. Besides the Healthy Hearing activities, the Healthy Athlete program offered Special Smiles, Fit Feet, Open Eyes, and Health Promotion services. These programs have been provided for several years by Special Olympics North America in the U.S., but Healthy Hearing made its Canadian debut at the BC Special Olympics in Abbotsford this July.
Audiology Instructor Sharon Adelman, graduate students Lauren Hulecki and Ning Hu, Clinical Assistant Professor Leslie Bennett and Clinical Educator Jason Schmiedge, all joined the team of American audiologists who attended to familiarize us with the organization and the Special Olympics Healthy Hearing protocol. Together they evaluated and discussed results with several hundred of the 1,100 athletes who were present at the Games.