Ministry of Labour and Social Security Provides $1.1M to Aid Family with Hearing Devices

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has made a substantial donation of $1,104,000 to assist in acquiring hearing aids for two members of a family in dire need of these devices.

Phillisia Graham and her daughter, Azaliah Walker, are the beneficiaries of the provision, the largest ever granted by the Ministry for this purpose.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles, presented a cheque in the sum to them during a brief handover ceremony at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston on March 27.

The recommended devices are the state-of-the-art Widex MRR4D Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aids. They were selected for their exceptional quality and effectiveness in assisting persons with profound hearing loss.

Ms. Graham, a devoted single mother, has faced insurmountable challenges raising her daughter, who attends the Lister Mair Gilby High School for the Deaf in Kingston.

Both have suffered from profound hearing loss, a condition they have silently endured since 2018 due to the malfunctioning of their previous hearing aids.

Ms. Graham shared that this has posed a serious safety risk for them, pointing out that “we have experienced several break-in attempts”.

“Without hearing aids, we cannot hear when someone is at the door, and that has put us in danger. Our lives felt like they were on hold,” she said.

However, the turning point came when Ms. Graham requested the Ministry’s assistance in acquiring new hearing aids.

“This is life-changing. Not only will we be able to hear again, but we will also regain our independence and sense of safety,” an emotional and grateful Ms. Graham declared.

She and Azaliah will work with a renowned audiologist to acquire the hearing aids and have them professionally fitted. They will thereafter undergo training to familiarise themselves with the new devices.

Minister Charles said this assistance represents not only a life-changing opportunity for Ms. Graham and Azaliah, but also a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable individuals through meaningful and impactful support.

The Ministry has committed to providing continuous support, including resources for vocational training and potential employment opportunities for Ms. Graham.

This extraordinary initiative highlights the Ministry’s dedication to creating a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities through the ‘I am Able’ Campaign, which was launched by Minister Charles in December 2024.

“We are proud to support Ms. Graham and Azaliah in their quest for a better quality of life. This award is not just about providing hearing aids; it’s about empowering families and protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” Mr. Charles underscored.