If your baby has just been diagnosed with a hearing loss the chances are you have a million questions running through your head. Will my child get married? How will my child make friends? What school will my child go to? Will my child be able to drive? Will my child have their own children?

Connecting and talking to other parents who have asked themselves similar questions can be reassuring.

 

For many families this isn’t what you expected for your child. 90% of deaf and hard of hearing children are born to hearing families who have little or no experience of deafness. We understand that you may need information and support.

 

Within Victoria there are a number of Early Intervention Programs. All offer services which only you and your family can assess as to how they will fit with your family’s needs. We provide unbiased information about early intervention and we can support you in accessing these programs.

 

Deaf Children Australia has trained a number of parent mentors who have a child with a hearing loss to be one of your supports. The mentors have been in a similar situation to you, and asked themselves similar questions and many more. We can offer you a number of visits with one of our mentors to help you through the initial phase after diagnosis.

 

Has your baby just been diagnosed with a bilateral, sensori-neural hearing loss? Would you like to share this with a parent who has been in a similar situation? Get connected now by contacting Deaf Children Australia or speak to your VIHSP Coordinator for a referral to the Beacon Program.

 

Contact the Deaf Children Australia Helpline on 1800 645 916 or email helpline@deafchildren.org.au who will then refer your request to the most appropriate staff member. Please click the link below for a printable brochure, or for individuals with a visual impairment this brochure is available in large print format. Please contact the Helpline to request a copy.