Children who are deaf or hard of hearing can access specialist early intervention services provided by some state governments or NDIS provider organisations specialising in early intervention services for children with hearing loss and their families.
The Australian Government funds the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which offers support to children with hearing loss younger than 9 years old and their families.
At your first appointment with Hearing Australia, the audiologist will discuss the NDIS with you and inform you about the NDIS early childhood partner in your local area. Your NDIS early childhood partner will support you in applying for the NDIS on your child’s behalf. Your child with permanent hearing loss can access the supports they need earlier through the NDIS Pathway Hearing Stream.
The information provided in the table below lists the organisations who provide specialist early intervention services for children with hearing loss and their families.
| DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT | |
| Contact details | Early Childhood Intervention Services Call 1800 783 783 and ask for Specialist Children's Services in your region Barwon South Western Region Phone: 1800 354 605 Grampians Region Phone: 03 5330 8608 or 03 5330 8613 Loddon-Mallee Region Phone: 1300 363 514 Eastern Metropolitan Region Phone: 1300 662 655 Northern Metropolitan Region Phone: 03 9304 0775 Southern Metropolitan Region Phone: 1300 720 151 Western Metropolitan Region Phone: 03 9275 7500 Hume Region Phone: 1800 627 391 Gippsland Region Phone: 1800 33 60 10 |
| Services provided | ECIS provide a range of specialist services for children with disabilities and their families Services depend on the needs of the child and family |
| AURORA SCHOOL | |
| Contact details | 96 Holland Road South Blackburn South VIC 3130 Phone: 03 8878 9878 Website: Click here. |
| Services provided | Centre-based and community-based services Individualised program Early learning groups - play groups Language Enrichment Group - three year old Bilingual Kindergarten. Parent support and education |
| Communication options | Bilingual program - children are encouraged to acquire early communication and language skills by being exposed to both spoken and signed languages. The development of listening skills is encouraged so that all children can make the best use of their residual hearing. |
| Location of services | Early intervention programs are available to families living anywhere in Victoria |
| NEXTSENSE | |
| Contact details | Early Intervention Services and Kindergarten Phone: 1300 211 123 Website: Click here. |
| Services provided | Centre-based Individual therapy sessions Early learning groups Preschool support Kindergarten Parent education Cochlear implant and mapping services (bulk billing and funding options available) |
| Communication options | Auditory-verbal Auditory-oral Auslan Alternative communication |
| Location of services | Blackburn 37 Blackburn Rd Blackburn VIC 3130 Phone: 1800 211 123 Brighton East 2 Francis Street Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1800 211 123 Moonee Ponds 5 Chester St Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 Phone: 1800 211 123 Connected Services (Australia-wide) Phone: 1300 581 391 Website: Click here. |
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Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is not intended as a substitute for independent professional advice.
