Aussie Deaf Kids

Aussie Deaf Kids Online support and information for families raising a child with a hearing loss.

Aussie Deaf Kids is a not-for-profit organisation providing online information and support to parents raising a child who is deaf or heard of hearing in Australia. Aussie Deaf Kids provides:
• Relevant and meaningful online information on all aspects of raising a deaf or hard of hearing child from diagnosis to the post-school period.
• Online parent-to-parent support groups - a supportive community where families can share information, ideas and life’s ups and downs.

Keeping with the theme of the National Child Protection week 2026 we thought we would share this infographic on Child Sa...
11/09/2026

Keeping with the theme of the National Child Protection week 2026 we thought we would share this infographic on Child Safeguarding - 7 Positive Childhood Experiences. Identifying positive childhood experiences that shape mental health in adults.

Research demonstrates that both positive and adverse experiences shape brain development and health across the life span. Studies on child development show that Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) lay a foundation for optimal childhood development and flourishing adult mental and social connectedness despite co-occurring adversities. The 2019 study at Johns Hopkins University identified 7 Positive Childhood Experiences. Providing a loving and supportive home environment for children sets them on a healthy path to adulthood.

Read the journal article above from Johns Hopkins University: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2749336

Deaf teens dealing with social isolationIt is quite normal for our teens who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel isolate...
09/09/2026

Deaf 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 another trusted adult, such as a family member, teacher, doctor or counsellor. It is important that we acknowledge their feelings of loneliness or isolation as being valid. Talking to their trusted friends can help too.

2. Join a deaf teen community
Urge your child to join a deaf teen community for understanding and shared coping strategies.

3. Engage in positive activities
Doing something they love, such as a hobby, is a good way to distract themselves.

4. Encourage healthy habits
Habits such as staying active, eating well, practicing self-care, and maintaining good sleeping routines.

Social isolation is something that thrives in a vacuum; the less your child talks about it, the more powerful it will feel. Reaching out for help is always the right first step.

https://hearforyou.com.au/social-isolation-deaf-teenagers/
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/information-for-deaf-young-people/information-for-under-18s/wellbeing-and-safety/mental-health/
https://www.acd.org.au/finding-mental-health-support-for-your-child/

National Child Protection Week 2026 - Theme: Every conversation matters, shifting conversation to actionThis year Nation...
06/09/2026

National Child Protection Week 2026 - Theme: Every conversation matters, shifting conversation to action

This year National Child Protection Week is driving a stronger national focus
on shifting conversations into meaningful action.

Conversations can spark ideas, build understanding and encourage reflection. But meaningful change happens when those conversations lead to practical action that strengthens support for children and families.
National Child Protection Week helps turn conversation into action by bringing people across Australia together to share ideas, strengthen communities and prevent harm before it occurs. While the Week creates an important national moment, the campaign continues throughout the year, encouraging all of us to take steps that help children feel heard, valued, safe and supported.
By shifting conversation to action, we can help build communities where every child experiences real safety, care and protection.

Want to get involved or learn more about NCPW:
https://www.napcan.org.au/ncpw-2/

How to frame success for your childAs parents, we often use rewards to help our children reach their goals. But if we wa...
02/09/2026

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 unique challenges.

Read more here:
https://theconversation.com/should-you-reward-kids-for-success-or-is-there-a-better-way-to-talk-about-achievement-237972

30/08/2026

Help shape the future of Aussie Deaf Kids by completing a short survey.

At Aussie Deaf Kids, we're committed to providing trusted, evidence-informed information and support for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. To help us continue improving our resources and services, we're asking for your feedback.

We've created a Professional & Stakeholder Survey – for professionals and others who use or recommend the Aussie Deaf Kids website, social media or resources.
Your feedback will help us understand what we're doing well, identify areas for improvement, and guide the development of future resources and services.

The survey takes just 5–7 minutes to complete and are anonymous. As a thank you for your time, you can choose to enter a prize draw to win a $50 Amazon gift voucher. Entry details will be provided after you submit your survey.

Whether you've been part of the Aussie Deaf Kids community for years or have only recently discovered us, we'd love to hear from you.

Complete the survey Professional & Stakeholder survey here: https://forms.gle/t3uYzi3sDUN884Zh9

Join our Board of DirectorsAussie Deaf Kids is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors...
28/08/2026

Join our Board of Directors

Aussie Deaf Kids is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors.

As Australia's leading online support organisation for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, we are looking for people who share our commitment to ensuring every family has access to trusted information, connection and support.

We welcome expressions of interest from people with a range of professional skills and experiences, including governance, law, health, education, marketing, digital technology and not-for-profit leadership. We also strongly encourage applications from parents and carers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and from people who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves.

This voluntary role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a respected national charity and help shape its future direction. Directors serve a three-year term, with Board meetings held online four times a year, making the role accessible from anywhere in Australia.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you are passionate about making a difference for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families, we would love to hear from you.

If interested, complete the Expression of Interest form - Closing date for applications is Monday, 7th September 2026:
https://adk-form.fillout.com/directoreoi2026

ADK Webinar SpotlightOur website is home to a growing library of webinars designed to support families and professionals...
28/08/2026

ADK Webinar Spotlight
Our website is home to a growing library of webinars designed to support families and professionals.
This month we’re revisiting Karen Strohm’s webinar:
Supporting siblings of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Kate Strohm, Founder and CEO of Siblings Australia, discusses the challenges and needs of siblings of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
She explores:
Why siblings?
What siblings need
The role of parents in supporting siblings
Other avenues of support.

Watch the recording anytime:
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/learn/supporting-siblings-of-children-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/

Preparing for hearing tests and maximising cooperationHearing tests can be a new or difficult experience for your child,...
26/08/2026

Preparing for hearing tests and maximising cooperation

Hearing tests can be a new or difficult experience for your child, but with some preparation, you can help make it a positive one. Audiologists use various tests depending on your child's age, cognitive development, and the type of hearing loss they are evaluating. While the specifics of each test are explained in the links provided, here are some practical tips to help your child cooperate during the appointment:
- Choose the right time
- Communicate with the audiologist
- Offer reassurance
- Explain the process.
- Prepare yourself
- Dress comfortably
- Consider alternatives
- Reward cooperation.

https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/about-hearing-loss/hearing-loss/how-audiologists-test-hearing/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpxIM1Ou_q4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580492/

Deaf Festival 2026 - SydneySaturday 29 August10am to 4pmCathy Freeman Park | Sydney Olympic ParkPerformances, workshops,...
24/08/2026

Deaf Festival 2026 - Sydney

Saturday 29 August
10am to 4pm
Cathy Freeman Park | Sydney Olympic Park

Performances, workshops, stalls, fun and activities for children, meet Deaf-led businesses, delicious food, competitions and much more!

https://deaffestivalsyd.org.au/festival-information/

20/08/2026

Help shape the future of Aussie Deaf Kids by completing a short survey.

At Aussie Deaf Kids, we're committed to providing trusted, evidence-informed information and support for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. To help us continue improving our resources and services, we're asking for your feedback.

Our parent survey is for parents and carers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Your feedback will help us understand what we're doing well, identify areas for improvement, and guide the development of future resources and services.

The survey takes just 5–7 minutes to complete and is anonymous. As a thank you for your time, you can choose to enter a prize draw to win a $50 Amazon gift voucher. Entry details will be provided after you submit your survey.

Whether you've been part of the Aussie Deaf Kids community for years or have only recently discovered us, we'd love to hear from you.

Complete the survey here:
Parent survey - https://forms.gle/AsToKoiDELVjNegv6

Address

PO Box 231
Brunswick Heads, NSW
2483

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