Aussie Deaf Kids

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Brunswick Heads, NSW
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.

29/12/2025

New to the hearing loss journey?

Hearing Australia is funded by the Australian Government Hearing Services Program to provide a comprehensive range of hearing services and devices to Australian citizens or permanent residents under 26 years of age who have a permanent or long-term hearing loss.

Our website has more information about Hearing Australia and the services they provide for children and young adults, including a link to their valuable Choices booklet.

https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/after-diagnosis/about-hearing-australia/

Hearing Australia website:
https://www.hearing.com.au/children-young-adult-services/hearing-loss/

Choices booklet:
https://www.hearing.com.au/children-young-adult-services/choices-resource/

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from the Aussie Deaf Kids team

We wish our families a safe and wonderful festive season!

24/12/2025

How youth can develop social capital

Social capital refers to the value and benefits that arise from an individual's relationships, connections, and networks with others in a community or society. For most young people, having social capital is beneficial in transitioning to postsecondary education and employment. For adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), social capital can help them deal with the challenges they will likely encounter after high school.

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/868290
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/894082
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/learn/social-capital-social-communication-and-identity/

22/12/2025

Getting ready for school

You’ll find lots of practical, parent-friendly information on our website to help you prepare your deaf or hard of hearing child for starting school.

https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/support-services/education/transition-to-school/

https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/support-services/education/starting-school/preparing-your-child-for-school/

19/12/2025

Carer vs Companion Cards

If you live in Victoria or Queensland, you may be eligible for a CARER CARD.
Parents of children with a disability who receive the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance can apply for this card. It offers a range of benefits and discounts at many businesses, including public transport and school holiday activities.

Check out these links for how to apply and the available discounts:

https://www.carercard.vic.gov.au/
https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/discount-directory
https://acd.org.au/save-money-with-a-carer-card/
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/support-for-carers/carer-card/applying-carer-card
https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-finance-concessions/seniors-card/search-for-discounts

In other Australian states and territories, the main option currently available is the COMPANION CARD. This card is issued to people with a significant, permanent disability who usually require lifelong attendant care. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing on their own are generally not eligible, unless they have additional disabilities that require ongoing attendant support.

Note: Victoria and Queensland also offer Companion Cards.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/companion-card

17/12/2025

Deaf-friendly morning routines

Mornings can be busy. Visual cues, simple signs and predictable routines help deaf children feel calm, informed and ready for the day.

15/12/2025

What type of hearing aid or coloured mould does your child wear?

It would be great for our kids and others to see all the varieties.

Tips for taking photo of your child’s aid or mould:
Take photo from side or behind to avoid showing child’s face
Move hair out of the way where possible
Zoom in so the ear and device take up approx. ¾ of the image
You can also take photos of devices that are not being worn by your child - for example, if they are old colourful devices that your child has outgrown.
You can include hearing aids that have been decorated with stickers and bling!

Use of photos: photos will be anonymous and will be used on our website, our social media pages and printed publications.

Approval must be given by each parent to post their photos - so, please click on the following link to download and sign the permission form:
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/site/user-assets/docs/aussie-deaf-kids-consent-form-1.pdf

Please email photos and approval form to info@aussiedeafkids.org.au

THANKS, can’t wait to see all the different types of aids!!

12/12/2025

Australian Shakespeare Company are doing a production of The Wind in the Willows in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

After receiving interest in their production from people within the community, they have decided to schedule an Auslan interpreted performance.

Auslan performance:
When - 10:30am on Saturday 17th January, 2026
Where - Royal Botanic Gardens MELBOURNE - Oak Lawn Gate

To purchase tickets:
https://tickets.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/sales/performances/family-theatre/willows-melbourne/january-2026/saturday-17-jan-2026-1030am

For more information:
https://www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/shows/the-wind-in-the-willows

10/12/2025

Reading an Audiogram

It can be a stressful time when having your baby or child's hearing tested. You may not take in everything the audiologist tells you at the time of the appointment, or understand what this might mean for your child.

https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/about-hearing-loss/hearing-loss/audiograms/
https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/about-hearing-loss/hearing-loss/how-audiologists-test-hearing/
https://www.hearing.com.au/HearingAustralia/media/assets/Documents/NSO_1467-Choices-Publication_digital_200121.pdf (Choices Booklet - pages 14 & 15)

08/12/2025

Sign language is important for our deaf and hard of hearing kids!

Aussie Deaf Kids knows that communication and language are vital for every child’s development. For deaf and hard of hearing children, early access to a complete language supports thinking, learning, and connection. Auslan - Australian Sign Language - is a rich visual language with its own grammar and culture. It gives deaf children, including those with hearing aids or cochlear implants, a clear and confident way to communicate. Here’s why Auslan matters, even for kids with some hearing.

When devices are not working or are taken off (for sleep, bathing, swimming, or discomfort), children still have a reliable way to communicate.
Hearing devices don’t capture every sound or word
clearly, especially in noisy environments.
Using Auslan reduces listening fatigue - focusing on lipreading or processing amplified speech can be exhausting.
Early bilingual language access (visual and spoken) supports stronger cognitive and emotional development.
It prevents language deprivation and strengthens brain development, particularly during critical early years.
It builds confidence, self-expression, and social inclusion from a young age.
Learning Auslan supports a child’s identity and connection to both Deaf culture and the wider community.
Families and peers can share communication equally, enriching relationships and understanding.
Auslan enhances memory, motion processing, and academic readiness through visual learning pathways.

05/12/2025

New Free Support Group for Young Adults with Hearing Loss (18 - 35 years)

03/12/2025

Making Christmas deaf friendly

Christmas is an exciting time for children, but for deaf and hard of hearing kids, it can also be very stressful and tiring due to being surrounded by more people and more noise. Here are some of the adjustments you can do to make Christmas deaf friendly.

Address

PO Box 231
Brunswick Heads, NSW
2483

Website

http://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/

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