Devangi Dalal, an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and co-founder of the Josh Foundation, has been recognized for her outstanding work in providing free hearing aids to underprivileged children. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the American Academy of Audiology’s Humanitarian Award and the Women Influencers Award.
Dalal’s work with young children who have hearing impairments has gained public attention, and she has become a trailblazer in her field. Her achievements date back to the start of her professional career, where she served as the Maharashtra Speech & Hearing Association’s executive secretary and won the title of Best Pediatric Hearing Aid Center in India multiple times.
In addition to her impressive resume, Dalal has authored books, including ‘Chalo Badhirone Sambhalta Kariye’ in Gujarati and ‘Kuch Suna Aapne’ in Hindi, to help the hearing-impaired community. She has also directed a 17-minute telefilm to create awareness of hearing impairment.
Dalal’s dedication to helping underprivileged children has resulted in the distribution of over a thousand hearing aids to children, and 12 schools have been provided with 100 percent digital hearing aids. Through her foundation, she has organized and participated in events to spread awareness about hearing-impaired children and the challenges they face.
Her advocacy for hearing health has led to her appointment as the First Advocate for Hearing Health from India by the Coalition for Global Hearing Health (CGHH), working with WHO to promote public awareness about hearing health. Her efforts have resulted in the collection of funds to the tune of more than Rs 4.5 Crore so far to support hearing-impaired children.
Dalal’s passion for her work and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children have made her a role model in her field. She believes that creating a more inclusive society starts with supporting and helping those who are often overlooked.
