This year marked my final trip to Bad Ischl, Austria, for the FCEI Conference. Since attending my first conference in 2012, each one has been a truly life-changing experience. I have had the privilege of meeting so many remarkable people—parents, researchers and professionals—who have inspired me, challenged my thinking and become lifelong friends and mentors.
Most importantly, the FCEI Conference has provided the Global Coalition of Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GPODHH) with the opportunity to grow. Every two years, FCEI has supported parent leaders to come together face-to-face, strengthening relationships and building a truly global community of parents committed to improving outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This year was especially significant with the inaugural GPODHH Parent Leadership Symposium, held before the main conference. It was wonderful to bring together passionate parent leaders from around the world for a day and a half of sharing knowledge, developing leadership skills and learning from one another. Some were parents I have worked alongside for many years, while others were joining GPODHH for the first time and will help lead the organisation into the future. Watching new friendships form and seeing the enthusiasm and commitment in the room was an unforgettable experience.
While my time as Co-chair continues, I feel incredibly proud of what GPODHH has achieved. For almost 20 years, parent leaders have volunteered their time, expertise and passion to create change for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families around the world. Despite having limited resources, our collective voice has grown stronger every year.
One of the highlights of the week for me, and for many others attending the conference, was the GPODHH Keynote Parent Panel. Seeing parent leaders from around the world sharing their lived experience and expertise on the international stage was a powerful reminder of how far we have come and the impact that parents can have when we work together.
Ann Porter
CEO – Aussie Deaf Kids
Co-chair – GPODHH
