1. www.aids2014.org Assessing the Needs of Young People with Hearing Disabilities in Colombo on Accessing HIV Information: a Pilot Project - Sri Lanka Dakshitha Wickremarathne Sri Lanka

2. www.aids2014.org FINDING THE MISSING PIECE ……

3. www.aids2014.org OBJECTIVES  To determine the level of awareness on HIV among Young People with hearing disabilities in Sri Lanka  To address the SRHR issues of Young People with hearing disabilities by giving them by creating access to information.

4. www.aids2014.org Method o Pilot project of a national Campaign to raise awareness on HIV and SRHR o 70 Young People were selected from the Sri Lanka Association of Deaf People (SLADF) (47 males and 23 females) o Professional Interpreter was hired o Pre and Post tests were conducted o Informative session with activities

5. Out of the 70% 35 were males and 14 were females Only 11% knew about the correct ways of HIV transmission 42.85% knew where to buy condoms – Out of that 21 were males and 9 were females RESULTS What is HIV?

6. o After the informative session 97% knew how to use a condom properly. o Stigma in health services and buying condoms were highlighted throughout RESULTS Comprehensive Sexuality Education in School ?

7. www.aids2014.org RESULTS Barriers  Interpreter faced difficulties in finding proper terms for certain words Success  Interactive Workshop brought a success of 95% satisfaction.  93% gave correct answers to all the questions in the post test  A Positive Voice from the community. (Potential Peer Educators were Identified)

8. www.aids2014.org NEXT STEPS Low level of awareness on HIV among the Young people with hearing disabilities was observed Necessity of accurate information through barrier- free communication processes was highlighted Equipment and media should be used in providing information Trained professionals are required to provide information Sustainable Awareness projects should be implemented to create access to information and services

9. www.aids2014.org Let’s join hands to find the missing piece…. Dakshitha Wickremarathne dk.wick@hotmail.com dakki_16 (Twitter)