#Japan #Tokyo #cochlear implant #Deaf Sports #Hear for You

Beyond Sound Seminar: Promoting Inclusivity in Sports

On November 2025, Tokyo will host the 25th Summer Deaflympics, making it a significant occasion to reflect on the diversity of hearing and the concept of a more inclusive society through sports. In light of this, the Beyond Sound seminar was held, organized by the Shepherd Centre in Australia, in partnership with the Australian Embassy and the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce.

The seminar brought together deaf athletes and influential panelists, including Dr. Sho Yoshida, an ear, nose, and throat doctor and a former Deaflympics volleyball player, and John Lui, an Australian deaf tennis player participating in the 2025 Deaflympics. Their presentations and discussions focused on various facets of inclusivity in sports, particularly how athletes overcome challenges arising from hearing and language differences.

The event featured a blend of keynote speeches and panel discussions. Dr. Yoshida highlighted his invaluable experiences on the international stage and emphasized the importance of diverse support systems, which include family, coaches, medical professionals, and community organizations. Furthermore, John Lui shared insights about the “Hear for You” program, which aims to aid young individuals who use cochlear implants, discussing the potential coaching opportunities in deaf sports.

Panel Discussion Highlights

After the presentations, a dynamic panel discussion took place, moderated by Dr. Alisha Davis, CEO of the Shepherd Centre. This discussion provided a platform for lively debates on several topics, including:

• - Innovative communication methods during competition and overcoming cultural differences
• - The role of hearing technology and its potential impact
• - The essential support provided by families and coaches
• - The responsibilities of society and businesses in facilitating support initiatives

Participants experienced inclusive technology firsthand, such as sign language interpretation, live English-Japanese translation, and the trial operations of Auracast™ by Tokyo University of Technology. These technologies exemplified the commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

Presenters at a Glance

• - Dr. Sho Yoshida (Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Hospital): An ear, nose, and throat doctor and former Deaflympian, he spoke about the importance of diverse hearing support and aiding young people.
• - John Lui (Australian Deaf Tennis Player): He introduced the Hear for You national manager program and discussed coaching possibilities within deaf sports.

Conclusion

The Beyond Sound seminar sought to illuminate the inspiring journeys of athletes and how teams, technologies, and communities can work together towards a more inclusive society. Supported by the Shepherd Centre, the Australian Embassy, and various organizations, including Cochlear Limited and INPEX Corporation, the event underscored the potential for growth in deaf sports and hearing inclusivity around the globe.

This article serves not to promote specific products but to spread awareness about the issues relating to hearing impairments, offering readers insight into the world of deaf sports and the importance of inclusivity in achieving shared success.

For more information about deaf accessibility and support initiatives, visit the official websites of the Shepherd Centre, Cochlear Limited, and partner organizations.