NextSense (formerly the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children or Taralye). FFV, and Lodges, have been supporting the organisation for more than 20 years. Today, the registered NDIS provider works with children, adults, and their families, supporting them through diagnostics, assessments, early intervention, and education.
In 2022, a Community Grant from FFV allowed NextSense to expand its Cochlear Implant (CI) services in Victoria. This program supports recipients of all ages, from pre-surgery assessments to lifelong mapping services. Early implantation in children significantly improves their language and communication skills, while for adults with significant hearing loss, CI can reduce the risk of dementia.
With the grant, NextSense acquired an Audiometer and two Real Ear Measurement (REM) machines, enabling them to offer CI suitability assessments, rehabilitation, and mapping services at their Blackburn and Moonee Ponds sites. This one-stop approach minimizes the need for patients to travel extensively for care.
“This ensures consistency and continuity of care that will involve our audiologists, ENT specialists, early intervention therapists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists forming a multi-disciplinary team of support around the children and their families.”
Furthermore, Canterbury Lodge, Clifton Hill Lodge, Lodge of Concentration, Malvern Waverley Mark Lodge, Melbourne Shrine Club and United Press Lodge all combined with FFV to contribute over $7,800 to support various initiatives at NextSense, including a mobile farm and magician for playgroup celebrations, equipment and fauna for the Blackburn clinic's aquarium, personalised teddy bears for children receiving Cochlear implants, professional development for staff, and grounds upkeep for their Blackburn property. These efforts ensure NextSense can maintain its vital services for the community.
