Special masks for people with hearing impairment from Moldova, with the support of the European Union

Protective masks cause some discomfort. In case of people with hearing impairment, these become a real problem, because when these persons communicate through gestures body language, they need to see the lips of their interlocutor. A special mask for these people was created in the Republic of Moldova by the local company EduJoc. The Euronews portal reported on this creative initiative in September 2020 (https://bit.ly/2Uf4QMy).

The masks are made of textile fabric with a transparent plastic part treated against sweating. Due to this, any person with hearing impairment could see the mimicry of their interlocutors and communicate. EduJoc – is the company that produces these masks – specialized mainly in manufacturing/ producing educational toys for children. About four years ago, the company managed to grow thanks to a grant from the European Union’s “Confidence Building Measures” Programme, implemented by UNDP. In the spring of this year, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, the EduJoc changed its production line. The company used the equipment bought with the financial support of the European Union to produce visors - protective screens for doctors, police, and other workers on the front line in the fight against COVID. Overall, the EduJoc, using the EU funding has managed to produce 5100 special masks for people with hearing impairment.