Deaf Children Australia has recently launched a free online course to help schools better support deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Experiencing a normal school life can be tough enough for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) kids, but a recent survey by Deaf Children Australia (DCA) has shown the challenge in rural and regional schools is even greater, with many saying their schools lack the skills, resources and support to give these kids an even break.
The survey of hundreds of parents, carers and school staff, primarily in rural and regional areas, found that over 60% of respondents believe their mainstream school needs greater deaf awareness, while over 40% reported their schools have limited skills in effectively communicating with deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children. This is despite 83% of DHH students in Australia attending mainstream schools.
Remote areas face even greater challenges, as nine out of 10 young Indigenous children in remote communities have some form of ear disease, and one in six has burst eardrum(s). This can lead to long-term hearing loss and is linked to educational disadvantage and behavioural problems.
The DCA survey also found that 80% of respondents felt their school community would benefit from skills and resources to support DHH kids better.
DCA recently launched Building Bridges, a free Australian-first online course designed to help school communities give DHH kids the quality education and support they deserve.
Building Bridges is evidence-based, built on years of research, and designed to be practical and flexible for any school setting and individual need. It includes:
- Deaf awareness, communication tips and guidance
- Access to a video library of 200+ school-friendly Auslan signs
- Downloadable resources with practical information about inclusion, Auslan and classroom activities
- FREE Auslan Resource Pack with posters, activity sheets, plus two large-format Platypus Playhouse storytime books with key Auslan signs and translations that gently introduce Auslan to DHH kids and families
Building Bridges is based on the principle that DHH students deserve the same level of support and inclusion provided to students of other abilities.
DCA spokesperson Sarah Brennan, Project Lead, said Building Bridges will help school communities understand the different types of deafness, how to recognise and respond to them, and the unique challenges faced by the DHH when it comes to inclusion and participation.
“All students, regardless of their abilities, have the right to communicate with, and be understood by their teachers, school staff and peers,” Brennan said. “Building Bridges is a highly practical, flexible way to embed inclusive practices across your school, at no cost.”
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Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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