1. PORA!
A new programme
for Russian Speaking
Therapists and
Parents ONLINE!
Cernobbio – June 10th, 2010
Dr. Dr. h.c. Monika Lehnhardt
Founder of Lehnhardt Academy and
Chairwoman of Prof. Ernst Lehnhardt-Foundation

2. „Believing in progress does not mean believing
that any progress has yet been made.“
Franz Kafka – 1883 - 1924
„The introduction and successful
implementation of NHS programs is the
sound basis for early intervention.
Advanced technology, applied in hearing
aids and cochlear implants, fundamentally
changed the perspectives for several
hearing impaired and deaf children.
Provided parents and therapists define the
right individual goals for very young
children and they know how to get there,
high expectations are fully justified.“
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

3. Scenario in Russian Speaking
Countries
‣ In most of these countries NHS is
not in place or in a start-up phase
‣ The majority of pediatric CI
recipients are relatively old
‣ Many therapists are not
experienced in working with very
young children
‣ Rehabilitation methods -
appropriate before the introduction
of new technology- are still applied
‣ Parents are deliberately not
empowered
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

4. PORA! - It‘s high time!
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

5. PORA! - The Aims
‣ Knowledge Exchange and Transfer
‣ Applying new methods like using web based social media
for Russian speaking therapists, teachers and other
professionals dealing with very young children who are
severely hearing impaired or deaf wearing hearing aids and /
or Cochlear Implants.
‣ Initialize and encourage networked learning and exchange
of experience amongst Russian speaking professionals.
‣ Networked learning means making use of web based social
media and social networks.
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

6. PORA! - The Motivation
‣ Eliminate problems related to remote locations
Parents and professionals do not have to travel long distances,
spending much more time traveling than in the therapy session
or meeting with other parents
‣ Overcome financial restrictions
Communication via Internet, Skype and in LiveOnline Rooms is
very low cost if not for free
‣ Enjoy the social impact
People who use the modern ways of web based
communication change their way of behavior, become more
active and self-confident and this will reflect positively on their
interaction with their child.
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

7. PORA! - The Content
‣ Contains translation of the learning material of the HICEN project
(www.hicen.eu) into Russian - making it accessible on the Internet for free
‣ Topic: „Hearing Impaired Children“ – Elementary needs in preschool care
and education
‣ Initiated by the Pädagogische Hochschule Heidelberg and the Lehnhardt
Academy in 2006, consisting of 9 modules, written by internationally
recognized authors, available in English, German, Spanish and in
Portuguese
‣ Publication of recorded audio Power Point Presentations (in writing
bilingual) of selected modules and other multi-media learning content -
Participants of the PORA! seminar can listen to these at any time.
‣ Platform for comments and questions
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

8. PORA! - The Content
Module 1 - Newborn hearing screening
Module 2 - Detection of hearing loss and the listening environment
Module 3 - Early provision of assistive hearing devices
Module 4 - Family and psycho-pedagogical support
Module 5 - Supporting language development in groups
Module 6 - Hearing-impaired children with multiple disabilities
Module 7 - Bilingualism in hearing-impaired children
Module 8 - Developmental milestones
Module 9 - Effective inclusion
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

9. PORA! - The Benefits
‣ A variety of CI content is already existing on the Web:
‣ 488.000 results for „cochlear implant“
‣ Quality makes the difference:
‣ Excellent scientific material – written
for parents and therapists
‣ PORA! helps therapists receiving a current
and accurate training and advice within an
easy-to-use online seminar environment
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

10. PORA! - Additional Features
‣ Free conference calls worldwide
‣ Web conferencing - live and
pre-recorded – share content from
computer to computer(s)
‣ Blogging - publish articles, leave
comments and ask questions
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

11. PORA! - Outlook into the future
‣ Offer PORA! to a bigger audience
‣ Adapt the project for English, Spanish, Turkish and Rumanian
speaking therapists
‣ Continuous quality improvement of the learning content
and mode of presentation / communication based on
learning by example
www.monika-lehnhardt.net

12. Now it is your turn!
Any ideas, comments, suggestions?
Please share them with us!
www.monika-lehnhardt.net
Thank you!
www.monika-lehnhardt.net