Felix Declares Victory!
Thursday, 15th August 2024 at 2:54pm
FELIX SHAW IS MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
"I am happy to declare Victory!" says a very proud and determined young man, Felix Shaw, as his fight for making a positive change for the hearing impaired receives funding.
What started as a classroom assignment for Green Bay High School student Felix Shaw (Year 12) has now grown in interest, spreading across the nation, raising awareness of his petition of the hearing-impaired plight to have the cost of hearing aid batteries fully funded for adults. His story was picked up by the NZ Herald earlier this year, leading to a meeting with independent disability advocate Jane Carrigan.
Felix's petition reached over 3000 signatures. Initially hoping to take his petition to Parliament, Felix understood there were a few more steps involved and was pleased to be introduced to Jane, who helped him raise awareness and gain the momentum he needed to move the fight for funding forward.
"After a very long process we finally managed to secure funding and met with Taikura Trust, to develop a plan," says Felix, adding that people who are born deaf will now no longer have to pay for Hearing Aid Batteries once they turn 18.
With ongoing support from Jane, Taikura Trust, and Lifewise, Felix has written a Step-by-Step Guide for others to follow, to make it easier for people who are advocating for positive change.
"My hope is that this Guide will make the whole funding system a whole lot easier for others!"
Felix now has the passion to pursue his goals in either advocacy or politics.
Background information
After delivering a poignant speech to his class last year, Felix was encouraged by his English teacher, Theresa Stucki, to think about taking his points of view further, to raise awareness and help improve the lives of many!
Speaking from his own life experiences - having to go through several hearing aid devices to find the right fit, and the cost of day-to-day battery changes that enable him to hear, Felix is determined to go before Parliament with a petition to have the cost of hearing aid batteries fully funded for adults. Hearing aid batteries are an essential item which needs to be changed daily. Presently Felix’s batteries are funded by the government, however, time is running out! When Felix reaches the age of 18 the funding for his Osia Cochlear implant batteries will cease and Felix will need to cover the cost! Felix has done the math – which works out at approximately $400 a year.
NZ Herald Interview – click HERE to read all about it!
