PARENTS of Deaf Children (PODC) is embarking on a Regional Roadshow in June to support families who are bringing up children with hearing loss.
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The aim of the roadshow is to share and build the unique connections that only parents can offer to other parents. It will include workshops for parents/carers of children with hearing loss, drop-in information sessions, and provide opportunities to gather information and skills, meet new families and share personal experiences.
The workshop titled 'Making Good Choices - Information is Power' will include information on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), what the federal budget means to your child, how to better advocate for your child, building resilience, and making well informed choices.
Drop-in information sessions will provide the latest information on a range of topics including FM systems, Betterstart funding, school readiness and parent mentoring, just to name a few.
Leonie Jackson, president of PODC and a mother who is also deaf, believes that being able to connect parents of deaf children with other parents is essential for support and information sharing.
"About one in one thousand babies are born deaf or hard of hearing in Australia. The majority of parents of these children are hearing and have no previous experience of deafness. There is so much to learn and understand about their child and what services are available to assist," Ms Jackson explained.
"Talking to people who have already travelled the same path is often one of the best forms of support. Knowing that others have been through similar experiences and are in a position to offer advice is extremely beneficial to parents who are searching for answers."
Kate Kennedy, co-ordinator of information and advocacy for PODC will be travelling with Ms Jackson. Kate is a mother of three children, two of them with hearing loss and has a wealth of knowledge and will be presenting in each regional centre.
The roadshow will begin in Taree on June 25 with a drop-in information session from 4pm to 6pm. There will also be a parent workshop from 7pm to 9pm.