Choosing and starting childcare
A quality childcare or preschool experience supports children’s learning, social skills, confidence, and wellbeing. It also gives parents valuable time for work, appointments, and self-care. What to look for Look for services where your child will feel safe, happy, respected, and valued. When choosing a service, consider the physical environment, staff, and approach to inclusion, including: […]
Cheerleaders, not taskmasters!
Early intervention making you feel exhausted and guilty? It’s a common and understandable experience, but it’s not how family-centred early intervention should feel. Professionals should NOT make you feel guilty Professionals should NOT be judging your parenting Professionals should work WITH you Professionals should be your cheerleaders! “Parenting is hard, and parents have enough obligations and […]
NAPLAN adjustments & right to sit test
Did you know your child can have adjustments during NAPLAN to make the tests more accessible? These adjustments help students with disability — including those who are deaf or hard of hearing — have an equivalent learner experience and encourage maximum participation. What Parents Need to Know: Your child has the right to sit NAPLAN. […]
Turning 18
As your child who is deaf or hard of hearing approaches adulthood, important actions may need to be taken to assist them in moving forward as an independent adult. Individual Transition Plan – for school leavers is a tool used in some states to assist students with disabilities and additional learning needs in preparing for […]
Transition to post-school education and employment
Young people who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) can face challenges when leaving school. They will need knowledge and skills to overcome the barriers they may encounter in training, at TAFE or university, and at work. Learning skills such as self-advocacy and developing social capital before they leave school can assist in the […]
Successfully navigating Individual Education Plans
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a written statement that outlines the goals, strategies, and adjustments needed to meet a student’s unique educational needs. The IEP is important in helping students reach their full potential! The plan is developed collaboratively by a team of people who are invested in the […]
Sharing information with teachers and classmates
Here are some tips on how to share information with teachers and classmates. Give a short presentation: This could be in person or on PowerPoint. Explain what it means to have a hearing loss and the type of adjustments needed to maximise your child’s learning. You could involve your child to help with demonstrations. Click […]
Options if special provisions for year 12 exams are denied
It’s NOT too late! If your child is in year 12 and the school’s application for special provisions for year 12 final exams has been denied, there are options. 1. Appeal the decision. Work with your child’s school to submit an appeal to the particular authority in your State or Territory. This may mean obtaining […]
Creating information sheets for your child’s teacher/carer
There are different ways of sharing information about your child with their teachers. This is a guide for the type of information you can include. Remember, no list will replace the important skill of self-advocacy that both you and the teacher can encourage your child to develop! General information about your child: Name DOB Your […]
Classroom adjustments
Adjustments in the classroom can make a big difference to your child’s learning. They are crucial in giving your child equal access to education. However, adjustments need to be reasonable and not negatively impact other students or be unaffordable. Adjustments should be negotiated with the school and support staff each year or more often as […]
Classroom acoustics
Australia has acoustic standards and recommendations for primary school teaching spaces or single classrooms but these are not legislated or regulated. The recommended Australian Standards for typically developing children are: – Unoccupied noise levels: < 35 dBA – Occupied sound levels of <50 dBA There are a number of free apps available for iOS and […]
Choosing schools
Choosing a school, where your child will be happy and have the best chances to learn and develop, is very important. There are many things that you can do to help you choose a school. Our ADK website has an abundance of information that can help with this decision making process. Transition to school Types […]
Assistive devices in the classroom
Several technological devices can assist a child’s learning in the classroom. Their use and benefits will depend on the child’s level of hearing loss, the type of hearing aid or cochlear implant they wear, and the child’s age. REMOTE MICROPHONE TECHNOLOGY or FM SYSTEMS These devices usually consist of a microphone (transmitter) and a receiver. […]
Advocacy in school
Advocacy is acting on behalf of a disadvantaged person to promote, protect and defend their welfare and justice. We are the best advocates for our children as we understand their needs and want the best for them. Advocacy involves speaking on behalf of your child to negotiate for services and supports that meet their needs […]
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! […]