Finding service providers
Parents in our community are often looking for professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists (OTs), early intervention services, paediatricians, or other specialists in their local area. This can be even harder for families in regional or rural areas, where there may be fewer services and longer waiting lists. Finding the right support for your […]
Deaf-friendly morning routines
Mornings can be busy. Visual cues, simple signs and predictable routines help deaf children feel calm, informed and ready for the day. Here are some tips to make mornings run more smoothly: Create a visual morning checklist: Use photos or symbols for each step, such as getting dressed, breakfast, brushing teeth and packing the school […]
Mild hearing loss – next steps
Mild hearing loss means it might be harder for your child to hear soft sounds and understand speech in noisy environments. Voices may sound unclear, and some children may take longer to develop speech and language skills. Here are some helpful steps you can take: Talk with your audiologist: They’ll explain what your child’s hearing […]
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 […]
Hearing aids are not the same as glasses
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not like glasses because they do not simply “correct” hearing in the way glasses correct vision. Here’s why… They don’t restore normal hearing: Glasses adjust the focus of light entering the eye, restoring clear vision for most people. Hearing aids and cochlear implants, however, amplify or process sound but […]
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 […]
Teens dealing with social isolation
It is quite normal for our teens who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel isolated at times. However, if they are experiencing persistent feelings of loneliness, it’s important to seek solutions. There are things your teen can do to feel less isolated: 1. Talk Encourage them to reach out to you (parent/carer) or […]
Social model of disability
As parents of children with hearing loss, we want to protect our kids from discrimination and ensure they have equal access in society. Deafness and hearing loss are complex issues that affect each child differently. A social model of disability accepts their individual differences and removes barriers so they can participate in their community and […]
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 […]
Teaching your DHH Teen to Drive
Learning to drive can be a stressful time for both parent and student, especially if they are deaf or hard of hearing. However, don’t let this deter you as they are just as safe on the road as hearing drivers. If applicable, insist they wear their hearing aids or cochlear implant while driving. Ensure they […]
Making informed decisions
There are four steps to making informed decisions: STEP 1: What decision do I need to make? How long do I have to make this decision? What is my role in this process? STEP 2: What are my options? What are the possible benefits and risks of each option? How would this decision affect my […]
Decisions – it’s okay to change them
As parents, we want to make the best decisions for our children. We gather information from various sources and then make our educated choices. When it comes to young children who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are big decisions to be made – method of communication, whether to aid or implant, choosing a […]
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 […]
Self-advocacy
Self-advocacy means looking out for yourself, knowing what you need, and communicating your needs effectively to others. Self-advocacy is a skill that your child can learn from an early age with help and practice. Self-advocacy will provide your child with an important skill that supports lifelong success. There are three key elements to teach your […]
Multilingualism – family language strategy
Multilingualism is a SUPERPOWER! Don’t be discouraged from teaching your child a second or third language just because they are deaf or hard of hearing. There are strategies families can use to help their children with hearing loss to be successful multilingual learners. These include planning and goal setting, developing family language strategies and keeping […]