Sounds & Signs October 2024
The October 2024 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – October 2024 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Lifetime achievement award from Hearing Australia
We are proud to announce that our CEO and Founder, Ann Porter AM, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hearing Australia last week for her contributions to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the NDIS and Government Services presented the 2024 […]
Preparing for hearing tests and maximising cooperation
Hearing tests can be a new or difficult experience for your child, but with some preparation, you can help make it a positive one. Audiologists use various tests depending on your child’s age, cognitive development, and the type of hearing loss they are evaluating. While the specifics of each test are explained in the links […]
How to frame success for your child
As parents, we often use rewards to help our children reach their goals. But if we want to raise lifelong learners who are self-motivated and emotionally resilient, research suggests there are healthier ways to approach success. For children with hearing loss, focusing on effort and the process is especially important as they navigate their unique […]
Research participation – Raising a child with cochlear implants is a complex responsibility
Dilshan Delgama, a PhD Student, is conducting a research study exploring the challenges, considerations, support needs, and digital preferences of parents/caregivers of young children with cochlear implants. This project is sponsored by The University of Melbourne. If you care for a child with a cochlear implant who was implanted under 3 years of age, they […]
Sounds & Signs September 2024
The September 2024 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – September 2024 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
How and where can I learn Auslan – new page
Click here to check out our new website page that will hopefully guide parents who want to know how and where to learn Auslan, for their child and/or themselves.
Using assistive technology at home
For parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, creating a supportive home is key. There are many assistive listening devices designed to help your child navigate daily life more easily. Some you might know from school, but they are just as helpful at home. Here are a few devices that can make […]
Deaf-friendly family activities
Here are some engaging and inclusive games and activities for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. These activities promote communication, social interaction, and fun for everyone involved. Remember to choose activities that include visual cues and other adjustments, such as good lighting, sitting in a circle and minimising background noise. 1. […]
Sounds & Signs August 2024
The August 2024 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – August 2024 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Making your home deaf-friendly
As parents, we are constantly advocating for our child who is deaf or hard of hearing. We want our children to have equal access at daycare, in the classroom, and in public spaces. But what about in our own homes? Here are some tips for making your home more deaf-friendly, including some if you are […]
Using visual cues with infants
Whether your little one is learning spoken language, sign language, or both, VISUAL cues are invaluable. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing rely on their eyes to take in information around them. By incorporating visual cues such as facial expressions, sign language, and gestures, into everyday interactions and activities, you can create an […]
Help Shape the Future of Online Hearing Health Services
Deafness Forum Australia are excited to announce an innovative study in collaboration with Macquarie University, Cochlear, and Google. This new study aims to improve access to online hearing health information and resources for adults with hearing loss. Deafness Forum are inviting people to join the Consumer and Community Involvement Panel where they can play a […]
Sounds & Signs July 2024
The July 2024 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – July 2024 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Sounds & Signs June 2024
The June 2024 edition of Sounds & Signs – the official newsletter of Aussie Deaf Kids – is now available. Read it online: Sounds & Signs – June 2024 Subscribe to Sounds & Signs
Feeling blessed – Arthur’s story
I remember that feeling when I first saw the positive pregnancy test in May 2022—you know when everything stops, and you are flooded with emotions—the excitement, the nerves, the love and magic. I quickly started imagining what our new baby would look like: their first words, their first day of school, their first date, their […]
ANSD – Oliver’s story
Auditory Neuropathy is such a devastating condition and nothing is ever black or white… What I would suggest to any parent is to do every test possible, weigh up all your options, research your child’s condition, speak to adults with this condition, speak to adults that have been implanted, do a list of Pros and […]
Does your child wish to study Auslan for year 11 and 12?
Expressions of interest for this course must be submitted by the school. PSP20218 Certificate II in Auslan is the VET (vocational education & training) course offered by various approved providers in Australia. So, if your child is interested in learning sign language, or improving their Auslan, make sure you get in touch with their school […]
Dealing with people who stare
Responding to people who stare at your child who is deaf or wears hearing aids or cochlear implants can be challenging. Here are some practical tips on how to handle such situations gracefully: Stay calm and positive: Keep your own emotions in check and model a calm, positive attitude. Children often take cues from their […]
Fill in the gaps
When children are deaf or hard of hearing, they can miss out on information around them. Imagine your child is having a great time playing with blocks. There is a light knock on the door, and you get up to answer it. It can help to anticipate that your child probably did not hear the […]
