KLVL

3/2000

Translated: Eeva Tikka

THE PARENTS OF DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN HAVE AN ASSOCIATION OF THEIR OWN

The parent association for deaf and hard of hearing children, the KLVL, is a national organization. It has been founded in 1963 and has 15 local member associations. The children of our member families are either deaf or hard of hearing. Also grandparents and other family members as well as other persons who work with our children can join the association. We feel that it is rewarding to have members with different backgrounds because the information is given and received both directions. The amount of member families in our local associations is nearly 1100.

Each member family has an opportunity to influence the future of an hard of hearing or deaf child. Together we can work efficiently for the benefit of the our children both nation wide and locally.

There are different ways to solve the problems concerning the the care and rehabilitation of a deaf child. Every child is an individual. We do respect the indipendence of each family and we do not make any decicions on behalf of the family. KLVL provides its members and all those who are interested with diversified and up to date information on the subject. The families are given a file called Key-information and a magazine ?Nappi? which comes out six times a year. KLVL organizes different kind of courses such as family courses, summer camps for children and their siblings etc. We feel, that families also need rehabilitation along with their disabled child.

Parents can support each other by sharing mutual experiences. By meeting other families in conferences, summer events and in other activities both parents and their children are bound to obtain happy moments and golden memories. KLVL is also a societal pressure organization. It safequards the social and legal interests of our children for example by giving statements in individual cases and also in matters concerning e.g. day-care, schools or legislation. It also takes a position on a variety of issues and provides expert wiews as a contribution to the public debate.

We arrive at the best results by co-operation. That is why we co-operate with our health care system and other organizations in the field of hearing impairment.

THE ORGANIZATION OF KLVL

The association is based on the principle of associate membership and the families are members of local associations. Local associations are responsible for the activities of their own area. They also have mutual co-operation well as co-operation with local schools and day care centers.

The national association has two general meetings each year. The agendas of these meetings consist of issues such as financial matters, the strategies of the organization as well as the election of the Council of the association. In connection with the official meetings there are always lectures and discussions concerning questions of current interest.

The Council is responsible for the ay-to-day activities and routine business of the association. The period of office of the Council is one year and it consists of 10 – 16 members who all are parents of deaf or hard of hearing children and are representatives of local associations. The Council can also take a stand in topical questions. The Chairman of KLVL is also the chairman of the Council. The Council can set up committees such as executive and financial committees. The Council has at least five meetings per year.

The headquarters of KLVL are located in Helsinki and the staff consists of one clerk and occasionally additional help. The office staff takes care of the rutines of the association and assists the council in different tasks such as publishing our magazine and co-operation with local associations. A great deal of work is done by members on voluntary basis.

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

The KLVL consists of 15 local member associations located all around Finland. They all are independent. If you are interested to become a member you can join the local association simply by calling our office or by mailing us your application. The clerk will then forward the information to your local association.

The local associations organize all kinds of activities, for example excursions, parties, bazaars and outdoor activities where children can meet other deaf and hard of hearing children and get new friends. The parens can share their experiences and have a good and rewarding time together.

The local associations help the families and their children in many ways if they have problems with for example schools and day-care. Through their membership in local association the parents can influence local matters.

Finnish Association of Parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (the KLVL)

Address: Ilkantie 4, 00400 Helsinki, Finland
Mail address: Box 63, 00401 Helsinki, Finland

Phone: +358 9 5803 700
Fax: +358 9 5803 701
E-mail: klvl@klvl.org