Simple ways to make your club or group more inclusive for deaf children and young people
Inclusion does not need to be complicated. Small changes in communication, coaching and club culture can help deaf and hard of hearing children feel welcome and confident. When your club builds inclusive habits, every family benefits and your community becomes stronger.
This section of the Flying Colours online resource brings together practical tools that show you how to communicate clearly, work well with interpreters, support families and create a club environment where every child can take part.
Just click on any one of the subjects listed below to take you to more information.
Communication tips
Learn simple, effective ways to communicate clearly with deaf and hard of hearing members during training. games and group activities.
Tips for Communicating With a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child
Creating a Good Listening Environment
Working with interpreters and support staff
Confidently include interpreters and support staff in your club activities. These guides help your team understand their role and how to work together.
Working with an Auslan Interpreter
Supporting families and building club culture
Inclusion grows when families feel welcomed and supported. These resources help your club create a positive culture that values every member.
Encouraging participation and engagement
Help children feel confident to try new activities and stay involved. These tips are great for coaches, volunteers and parent helpers.
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- Young Football Players Kicking Ball on Soccer Field. Soccer Horizontal Background. Youth Junior Athletes in Red and Blue Soccer Shirts
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- Sports, women and basketball competition at outdoor basketball court for training, exercise and match. Fitness, basketball player and team compete for ball in game, workout and physical performance
Be an Inclusion Champion! A Blueprint for Clubs and Community Groups.
These resources been developed specifically for clubs and recreational organisations and groups – providing a carefully developed range of inspirational videos of lived experiences and over 100 sports-specific Auslan signs on video. In a recent DCA survey, parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children expressed concerns about their children’s capacity to integrate into everyday sporting and recreational activities. Parents could see the benefit of their child being involved with sports, music and other recreational activities, providing a pathway to make friends.
The Bluerpint set of resources aim to promote inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children and young people in mainstream recreational and sporting clubs.
The resources are free and accessible to anyone. Blueprint has been fully funded through the ILC program supported by the Department of Social Services.
