Liubov Wolowik
New Publication: Trailblazing early intervention method, by renowned Russian Teacher of the Deaf, Emilia Leongard
People who know her will tell you that Emilia Ivanovna Leongard is a truly extraordinary woman. A pioneering Russian Teacher of the Deaf, now in her nineties, Emilia was always convinced that profoundly deaf children could learn to speak, even before sophisticated hearing devices existed. This firm belief was necessary because, in the early years, most experts doubted her approach. In the end, her perseverance and patience bore fruit: she was able to demonstrate remarkable success and is now lauded as a trailblazer in her field.
Emilia’s methodology for supporting deaf children has not really changed over the decades but modern hearing aids, and especially cochlear implants, have made the process easier and quicker, particularly with the advent of newborn screening, enabling much earlier intervention.
Today, we are delighted to announce the publication of the English version of Emilia’s ground-breaking book, “Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss within the Family: The Leongard Method for teaching deaf children to speak using auditory- visual strategies”. This essential work outlines Emilia’s innovative approach to helping deaf children develop speech and integrate into society – all within the context of family life.
With only a few days to spare, the very first copy of Emilia’s book was
taken on a long journey, carefully hand-carried from Germany, via
Istanbul, and finally to St. Petersburg. Its arrival was perfectly timed for a
very special occasion: the premiere of a documentary film about Emilia’s
life and work, held in April to mark her 92nd birthday.
The event began with a heartfelt video greeting in both English and
Russian from Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany, who was instrumental in
bringing this project to life.
“We were inspired to embark on this project by your impressive performance with Susann Schmid Giovannini in our PORA! webinar more than a year ago. We are convinced that your method of teaching children with moderate to profound hearing loss to speak will gain wider recognition through this translation. We will do everything we can to make sure professionals around the world know that your book is now available in English and easily accessible.”
- Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany
Watch Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany’s video greeting in English and Russian
Following the video, Marina Gureva, speech therapist and longtime friend of Emilia, officially presented the book to her in an emotional and stirring moment:
“The meeting with Emilia Leongard was amazing and touching. She was very grateful to the Lehnhardt Foundation, especially to Monika, for the fantastic gift – her book in English! As Elena Nikitina observed, “This book is the first book by a Russian Teacher of the Deaf to be translated into English.”
It is like a new level, an important point in audiology and rehabilitation of the deaf, in Emilia’s life, I think.”
- Marina Gureva, speech therapist
Developed separately but in parallel with other evolving new approaches in the West, the Leongard Method has revolutionised the way deaf children are taught to speak in Russia, challenging outdated systems that once excluded them from full participation in family and society.
From the start, Emilia recognised what is now widely accepted by practitioners working with deaf children around the world: that proactive parental support is the single most important factor in teaching deaf children to speak, and enabling them to become full members of a hearing society.
“Initially, Emilia Ivanovna was hesitant about the idea of making a film about her. However, once the filmmakers began conducting interviews and documenting her teaching sessions, she recognised the importance of sharing her life’s work with a wider audience. Over the course of a year, the filmmakers delved into her life’s mission: the creation of “The Leongard Method”. This method revolutionised the approach to educating deaf children, particularly by challenging a system that once isolated these children from their families and communities. Emilia Ivanovna’s tireless advocacy for children and families who sought her help became central to her life’s work.”
- Sergej Kuzevalov, film producer
“Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss
within the Family” was published through an initiative of, and with financial support from, the Lehnhardt Foundation, with collaboration from individuals across the UK, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and Russia. A heartfelt thank you to all who made it possible! Special thanks to Nicole da Rocha for content adaptation and refinement, and to Tanya Saunders from AVID Language for editing and publication support. As Emilia Leongard has demonstrated throughout her remarkable career, with dedication, determination, patience and love, amazing results really are possible.
We hope that you – parents, students, professionals - will enjoy and gain valuable insights from her book.
“This insightful guide is packed with practical strategies, expert advice, and a wealth of knowledge that makes language learning accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a professional or a parent, this book is an invaluable resource that will inspire confidence and success in every reader. A must-have for anyone passionate about communication and growth!”
- Nicole da Rocha, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Audiologist
authors: Tanya Saunders, Liubov Wolowik
Conferences EURO-CIU & IPAC 2025
From April 4 to 6, two significant events took place in Istanbul, Türkiye: the International Pediatric Audiology Congress titled “Bridging Gaps in Pediatric Audiology”, and the 15th EURO-CIU International Symposium under the theme “Past, Present, and Future: The Journey of Hearing with Cochlear Implants.”
The conferences featured inspiring talks on topics such as medicine, audiology, and rehabilitation — even familiar subjects like architecture were explored from a fresh perspective in an inclusive setting. The Lehnhardt Foundation was proud to present its GIZ project — a professional training course for therapists working with children with cochlear implants.
A special highlight was the opportunity to exchange insights with EURO-CIU members, CIICA Coordinator Sue Archbold (UK), therapist and AB representative Nicole da Rocha (UK), and AVT therapist Eulalia Pastor (Spain).
On April 4, the EURO-CIU Annual General Assembly was also held, during which the new President and First Vice President were elected. Tobias Fischer from Austria was elected President, and Aylin Özgür from Türkiye was elected First Vice President.
We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers for creating a space for dialogue, collaboration, and growth!
Liubov Wolowik, Marina Gureva (members of the Lehnhardt Foundation)
Round Table “Inclusion for Children with Hearing Impairments” in Bishkek
EURO-CIU NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2025
In April 2024 the Lehnhardt Foundation, with support from German International Cooperation Society (GIZ), launched the project “Development of a sustainable support program for hard of hearing and deaf children in Kyrgyzstan.” This initiative aims to enhance the qualification of therapists in both urban and regional areas of the country. Following numerous practical training sessions and online meetings, a Round Table entitled “Inclusion for Children with Hearing Impairments” was organized on 19 February 2025 at the National Centre for Maternity and Childhood Care (NCMCC) in Bishkek.
The Round Table brought together representatives from the Ministries of Health, Education and Social Development, as well as local educational and healthcare organizations, NCMCC staff, delegates from the German Embassy and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), parent associations, public foundations and business partners of cochlear implant manufacturers. The timing of the event coincided with two significant dates: International Cochlear Implant Day on 25 February and World Hearing Day, celebrated under the World Health Organization’s slogan “Overcoming Stereotypes: Making Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!”
The primary goal of the Round Table was to discuss the progress made already, and to address pressing issues related to the inclusion of children with hearing impairments. Special attention was given to early detection of hearing impairments, diagnostic methods, cochlear implantation and the rehabilitation of affected children.
Key speakers included ENT doctors from NCMCC, the director of the rehabilitation centre and family support, the director of the International Association of Hearing Rehabilitation Specialists, the head and one therapist from the parents’ organization Slyshim Vmeste, the head of NGOs Uplift and Balanur, the head of the Department of Special Pedagogy at the Pedagogical University and a member of the Board of the Lehnhardt Foundation.
The event featured engaging discussions, culminating in the signing of a resolution that was forwarded to the Cabinet of Ministers. The director of NCMCC and the project partners expressed strong support for this initiative, hoping for rapid advancements in the field.
The next phase of the project involves training of 15 therapists under a “train the trainer” concept. These educators will consult and oversee 30 classes in mainstream schools and kindergartens, accommodating children with hearing impairments who are either currently enrolled or set to begin their studies in September 2025.
This initiative underscores the Lehnhardt Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusive education and to support children with hearing impairments in Kyrgyzstan.
Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany & Liubov Wolowik
Supporting Children with Hearing loss in Romania. Evelina’s case
Evelina, a beautiful girl aged 3 and a half, deaf, she became a bilateral CI user in January . Until now she was been wearing cochlear implant on her right ear and she has been attending therapy sessions together with her mother and grandmother at Koala NGO, based in Bucharest. Her parents are both deaf and communicate through sign language, but they wanted their child has access to sound and learn how to speak. Recently, her sister was born and their family routines are changing. One day, she was left unattended for a few moments and she threw her new processor in the toilet and flushed the water. The processor was gone and the family couldn’t afford a new one. Both of Evelina’s parents are deaf, the family income is provided only by the father and the family is struggling financially, with low-income. The family lives together with the maternal grandparents who have normal hearing.
Alice Popa, founder and therapist at Koala NGO, reached out to Lehnhardt Stiftung with the hope they might assist in securing second-hand processor for Evelina. Monika Lehnhardt and Liubov Wolowik were very receptive to our request and shortly after getting in contact, they sent a new processor for Evelina, who is now able to hear again with both her ears. It was very important for Evelina to regain access to sound again because she is very recently implanted on her second ear and the period after implant activation is crucial in order to ensure auditive-verbal rehabilitation through adequate auditive stimulation.
Families from Ukraine Living in Germany
We are deeply grateful to the Lehnhardt Foundation for being part of our journey! I would like to thank you for facilitating communication between Professor Just and us. We are truly thankful to the doctors and to Professor Just, and I keep believing in the best every day! Gordey understands everything and is very patient. Children can sense more than anyone else when people around them genuinely want to help.
We feel comfortable at KMG Güstrow. We will keep you updated on our story. We are very thankful to you!
With warm regards,
Dina, mother of Gordey, who has left-sided deafness
Dear members of the Lehnhardt Foundation,
I want to say a huge THANK YOU for your help and support! You always show up at just the right time – no need for long explanations, you simply understand and gently solve any issue. My child is always excited to attend speech therapy sessions — and that’s priceless. For families like ours, who fled the war and found themselves in a foreign country with a child with special needs, without knowing the language or the system… your presence means more than words can say.
Kind regards,
Mother of a child with HA and CI
Help Saim Jan Hear: A Christmas Miracle in the Making
Imagine a world without sound. This is the reality for two-year-old Saim Jan, a bright and curious little boy from Pakistan who was born completely deaf in both ears. For Saim Jan, a cochlear implant (CI) represents his only chance to hear the world around him and develop spoken language.Unfortunately, the cost of this life-changing surgery in Pakistan is $13,000, a sum far beyond the reach of Saim Jan’s family. Neither the state nor insurance covers these expenses, leaving his parents with the overwhelming task of raising the funds themselves.
The urgency is clear: for the cochlear implant to be most effective, time is of the essence. The family has courageously decided to share their story, hoping to raise awareness and gather support. With your help, we can make a difference and perhaps even create a Christmas miracle for Saim Jan.
How You Can Help
Support for Children with Hearing Impairments in Kenya
In Kenya, access to resources for children with hearing impairments is limited, and many face challenges with outdated equipment and insufficient educational support. Regular classrooms are often noisy, and there is a significant need for FM systems, therapy, and other accommodations. Our Newborn Hearing Screening Project serves a rural community with a population of over 10 million people, and we currently screen about 1,000 children per week. However, more than 200 children and adults in the region still need hearing assistive devices. Most rely on donations, as their families cannot afford to purchase hearing aids.
My son received a cochlear implant (CI) in 2015 at the age of 3. He is now in Grade 5 at a mainstream school, where his speech and language development is excellent. However, his current processor is outdated, and the model (Nucleus 6) has been phased out, making it difficult to find necessary accessories.
The Lehnhardt Foundation has been instrumental in supporting our efforts with donations of hearing aids, FM systems, and speech processors. This collaboration was formed after the CIICA conference.
The demand continues to exceed available resources. Programs like ours are vital in providing early intervention, and sustained support is essential to help children with hearing loss succeed in school and life. We are deeply grateful for any support to continue providing these life-changing resources to children in need.
Sincerely,
Stephen Kittur, Speech Language Pathologist
Director of Children’s Speech and Hearing Loss Organisation, Kenya
Wir schenken den ukrainischen Kindern Gehör!
Thanks to the Lehnhardt Foundation and generous donors, seven children from the Volyn region were able to get their “magic ears” tuned. Each child also received a small gift with school supplies. We are sincerely thankful to everyone who contributed!
Iryna Perets
Parent Organization “Snail in the Hand”, Lutsk
I want to say a big thank you for the batteries and other accessories for my cochlear implant.
— Maksym
I received the package. Thank you so much to you and your entire team for the help.
Your work is priceless ❤️
— Iryna, CI user
Thanks to this alarm clock, I can wake up without anyone’s help. It helps me get up for school on time. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
— Nastya, hearing aids user
Profile: Tobias Fischer
Tobias Fischer, MSc was the first child in Germany to receive a multichannel cochlear implant. The surgery was performed by Prof. Ernst Lehnhardt in 1988.
Tobias was born in 1984 in Wetzlar, Germany. At the age of three, he lost his hearing after contracting bacterial meningitis.
With the support of his parents, Dr Bodo Bertram and the early intervention center in Friedberg, he learned to hear and speak again.
With his cochlear implant, he was able to attend a regular school.
He then completed an apprenticeship as a communications electronics technician and studied at the University of Applied Sciences Gießen Friedberg.
He graduated with a B.Eng. in Microsystems Technology and Electronics.
In 2007, he received his second Cochlear Implant in Frankfurt a.M..
During his studies, he met his future wife and moved to Vienna in 2009 to live with her.
From 2011-2013 Tobias completed a part-time Master’s degree in Innovation and Technology Management with the title MSc.
Since 2009 he has been working for an aerospace company as a systems engineer.
In his spare time, he provides support to other CI users and hearing impaired people.