Getting your deaf child’s attention
One of the everyday challenges families face is getting the attention of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Simply calling their name may not work, especially in busy or noisy environments. Here are some tips: Tap gently: If you’re close, softly tap your child on the shoulder or arm to get their […]
Helping your child build social and emotional confidence
Social and emotional skills – like recognising feelings, managing behaviour, and understanding others – are essential for all children. For deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, building these skills takes early access to language and lots of opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. Some DHH children may feel shy or unsure in […]
Creating a sign language booklet
Make a simple booklet of the Auslan signs your child uses most often. This is a great tool for family and friends who may not be confident signing yet. For example, grandparents can refer to the booklet and communicate more effectively with their grandchild when babysitting, or practice their signing at home. If you’re considering […]
Asking to join in
Making friends and joining in games can be tricky for any child. The good news is, with a bit of practice and support, children can learn simple ways to ask to be included. Here are some tips for helping your child join in: Teach simple phrases or signs: Help your child practice saying or signing […]
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 […]
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 […]
Is this a deaf thing?
Is my child misbehaving because of their personality, or is it because there is a breakdown in communication or understanding? Is it a Deaf Thing? Check out the link to the article on the Hands & Voices website… Download the Real Life Tips infographic. More information: Is this a deaf thing? | Hands & Voices […]
Terminology
There are various terms for describing people with varying degrees or kinds of deafness. The most important and common terms are shown above. It can be a matter of personal preference, a cultural thing, and/or a language choice. So, to avoid offending someone, it is best to ask what term/s they prefer. For definitions and […]
How to explain a genetic condition to your child
Children can start asking why they have a hearing loss from a young age. It is not an easy discussion, and there are no hard and fast rules. Genetics is a complex topic, and the amount of information they need will depend on their age. Young children benefit from small amounts of information. They can […]
How youth can develop social capital
Social capital refers to the value and benefits that arise from an individual’s relationships, connections, and networks with others in a community or society. For most young people, having social capital is beneficial in transitioning to postsecondary education and employment. For adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), social capital can help them […]
When you change routine
When planning activities like holidays that are not part of your family’s regular routine, take the time to share the information with your child who is deaf or hard of hearing. They are unlikely to learn what’s happening from overhearing your conversations. Download the Real Life Tips infographic. More information: Building a routine | NDCS […]
Fun pragmatics
Pragmatics is the way in which we use language in different social situations. It’s important for taking part in conversations and interactions in socially acceptable ways. Most children develop pragmatics skills during their early years by being exposed to language around them and engaging socially with others. However, it can be more challenging for our […]
Don’t say “Don’t worry”
As parents, we can be guilty of saying, “Don’t worry”, when our kids with hearing loss say, “Pardon?”. We may say it because we are actually talking to someone else or we have answered our own question by the time our child responds. You may not realise it, but our kids get this a lot, […]
Deafness is NOT a learning disability
Some people have the misconception that deafness is a learning disability. It is not! However, without the right support, children who are deaf or hard of hearing can fall behind their hearing peers. That is why early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to giving your child timely access to language, whether signing, spoken or both! […]
Conversational skills
Communication and connection with family and friends are key goals for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. We usually learn how these interactions work through watching and overhearing people chatting with each other. Children with hearing loss can miss out on this learning experience. You can help them develop their conversational skills by […]
Accessibility
Accessibility means making products, services, devices, or places that everyone can use easily, including our children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Some apps and functionalities can make information more accessible to people who are DHH and allow them to stay informed and connected. Microsoft and Apple are improving accessibility with tools such […]