News | Aussie Deaf Kids

Hearing Services arrangements from 1 July 2020

03 May, 2020 Ann Porter Parents

The Government has announced its arrangements for NDIS funded hearing services to commence on 1 July 2020. Before this announcement, advocates were concerned that consumers would not be given adequate time to prepare for changes, should they be introduced. A Government taskforce announced these arrangements after consultations with Deafness Forum, Aussie Deaf Kids, Parents of Deaf Children, UsherKids and other organisations. CHILDREN 0-26 YEARS There is no change to the way that infants, children and young adults aged 0 to 26 years access hearing services. Hearing and communication programs including device fitting and maintenance will be provided through the Community...

Crisis looms in children’s hearing care

01 April, 2020 Ann Porter Parents

Key organisations in the hearing health sector do not believe that the NDIS and the sector is ready move to new funding arrangements and to a contestable market for the delivery of hearing services to children on 1 July 2020, particularly during this major health crisis. It is clear that there is still much to be done to ensure children are able to access quality hearing services under the new arrangements, and it is highly unlikely that the work can be achieved in the time remaining, particularly in the current environment. This decision must be reversed. The Government must not...

Connecting to computers for home schooling

27 March, 2020 Ann Porter Parents

Thanks to Hearing Australia for compiling this list for families stuck at home with the kids over the next while. Many of the wireless accessories that our aided children use can connect to a computer or iPad, so that the children can get a better or more consistent sound quality than just listening via the speaker on their device. In some cases the transmitter needs to be connected via an audiocable, in others the connection can be via blue-tooth. Some of the products allow you to mute the hearing device’s microphones so that the only sound heard is via the...

Work for Aussie Deaf Kids

24 March, 2020 Ann Porter Parents

Do you want to work in an organisation that promotes informed choice and the provision of independent, balanced and unbiased information to families whose children have a hearing loss? You will have an opportunity to grow a leading parent support community and use your skills, knowledge and experience to support and inform families across Australia. Program Coordinator Parent Support and Social Media To apply, please address the key selection criteria, included in the position description, demonstrating your experience and alignment to each and forward with your resume and cover letter to Ann Porter ann.porter@aussiedeafkids.org.au Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 14...

New measures to support NDIS participants and providers through COVID-19

21 March, 2020 Ann Porter Parents

Following discussions of the COAG Disability Reform Council DRC) last week, the Commonwealth has today announced new measures for NDIS participants service providers to help support them amid the outbreak of COVID-19. Some other measures announced today include: NDIS plans to be extended by up to 24 months, ensuring continuity of support and increasing capacity of NDIA staff to focus on urgent and required changes to plans. Face to face planning shifted to telephone meetings where possible. Action plan to ensure NDIS participants and their families continue to receive the essential disability supports they need. Proactive outreach to high-risk participants...