Stories of Impact

Deaf Children Australia

2022 Grant: $21,000
Purpose: Parent Mentor Program - Regional Victoria
Beneficiaries: Deaf Children
Total Grants to date:    $185,150
Area: Supporting Victorians in Need

Early intervention ensures deaf and hard of hearing children have an equal opportunity to attain their full potential.

DCA was seeking funding to expand their Parent Mentor Program, which offers early intervention to ensure deaf and hard of hearing children have an equal opportunity to attain their full potential, and to be included in both their Deaf and mainstream communities as desired. Around 95% of deaf and hard of hearing children are born to hearing parents with no experience of hearing loss or the Deaf culture. Parents have said that they prefer to have contact with other parents 24 hours within the diagnosis being made (Santelli, B, et al., 1995.). Parents are faced with tough decisions about using sign language, fitting a hearing aid or the child having a cochlear implant and are often given medical but not social and cultural advice. The Parent Mentor Program supports parents with newly diagnosed deaf and hard of hearing children by providing access to unbiased information on the choices available to them.

The program provides peer support from a parent of a child with a hearing loss. By sharing their lived experience and knowledge, Parent Mentors are able to assist families in understanding information and advice, support them to make the best decisions on communication mode and language preferences for their child - sharing information about early, family-based language development (including bilingual English/Auslan approaches) so parents can choose the best options for their child, helping them meet developmental milestones before school. Parent Mentors also provide opportunities for families to connect with each other, the Deaf community and deaf-friendly events.

For more information about Deaf Children Australia go to https://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/ 

OTHER STORIES OF IMPACT IN THIS AREA OF SUPPORT:
The Kids' Cancer Project

One in five Australians knows a kid with cancer, the number one cause of death by disease for little Aussies. Funding pioneering medical research into childhood cancer is critical in increasing kids’ survival rates as well as in finding kinder

The Kids' Cancer Project
Dhiiyaan

Our True Fella Transition workers have had a busy but rewarding year. Their focus is with young people (12-25yo) who are, have or may come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

Dhiiyaan
Prison Fellowship Network

National volunteer recruitment for prison ministry

Prison Fellowship Network
Alpha Australia

Alpha is designed to build community and social connections while facilitating genuine dialogue and conversations about faith.

Alpha Australia
Melbourne Anglican Foundation

Support and equip ordained and lay leaders and Anglican communities to respond and prevent violence against women

Melbourne Anglican Foundation
Melbourne City Mission

MCM’s Parenting Support (PS) Program, an integral part of MCM's Youth Refugees and Intensive Child and Family Services Program

Melbourne City Mission