Overview
When you discover your child has a hearing loss, you can feel isolated and alone. But that’s not the case. There are many families in your situation.
The good thing is that early intervention can empower you and help your child develop the necessary skills to thrive in their pre-school years.
Our research highlights that what parents need is not more information on the topic of hearing loss but what is relevant for their child as they develop through different stages of life.
A Bilingual Approach To Early Intervention
Research has shown that a bilingual approach to early intervention that includes exposure to both Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and English can have significant benefits for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, improving their language development, literacy skills, and overall academic achievement.
In this resource, we explore the importance of a bilingual approach to early intervention and provide information about resources and services available to families and healthcare professionals in promoting bilingualism.
Download Resource Here
Lorcan's Story
First time parents, Caitriona and Jason talk about their bi-lingual and bi-cultural journey after discovering their son Lorcan is deaf from a condition called Microtia Atresia.
Watch this film for their tips to parents who are navigating language development through hearing aids and sign language.
Insights from Teachers of the Deaf
For profound insights into how to navigate this journey, watch our film of interviews with leading Teachers of the Deaf: Leonie Jackson, Breda Carty and Lou De Beuzeville.
You will get valuable insights and tips so you can empower your child’s communication journey, identity and sense of belonging.
Community Support
If you’ve just found out that your newborn has a hearing loss, it could feel like your world has been turned upside down.
In reality, you’ve just become part of a vibrant community of families with deaf and hard of hearing children who share common experiences and offer each other incredible support.
There are parent groups, play groups, story times and many activities for you and your child to be part of. Developing your community will not only give you support and confidence, it will provide rich social and linguistic experiences for your child.
Watch our film about assembling the village of supports around your child – Pip’s Story.
