Content Finder
There is a great deal of information available on the internet about deafness. We have collected a range of the key subjects parents told us were important to them - and you can check these out right here. Just use the drop-down filters to help focus on what interests you and we will feed in the relevant content.
Early childhood development - building foundations...
A child’s early years are a critical period for communication, language, and social-emotional development and lay crucial foundations for future learning and forming of identity.
Discover more about Auslan
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is central to a bimodal bilingual approach for your child. Find out more about Auslan below plus links to Auslan providers. You can find links to Auslan tutors on the 'Service Finder' page.
Early Childhood intervention can make a difference
Early intervention aims to give your child the best possible start in life by supporting them to develop vital communication skills. It should start as soon as possible after your child has been diagnosed with a hearing issue.
Early signing. Hints, links and more
Within weeks of birth, babies start discovering the patterns and rules of the language used around them. This is true whether that language is spoken or signed.
Communication in the family - some tips to help...
From the moment they’re born, every child is wired to explore their world and build relationships with people. To do this effectively, children need skills in language and communications.
The Importance of Rich Childhood Experiences.
When families and communities collaborate in positive ways, a deaf child's capacity to achieve their learning potential is significantly enhanced.
Virtual- based learning: A new way of learning literacy?
In this study, research-based videos supplemented with research-based classroom activities and materials may help young deaf and hard of hearing children develop key literacy and language skills.
Education of the Deaf in Australia and Norway: A Comparative Study.
Greater use of sign language combined with social interaction strategies are could benefit deaf and hard of hearing students feel included.
Acquiring Auslan as a First Language.
At around four to seven months of age, in the same way hearing babies begin to babble vocally, babies acquiring sign language begin to babble on their hands.
Rethinking Literacy: Broadening opportunities for Visual Learners.
Literacy is not just reading, but includes the skills and knowledge needed for thinking, comprehending and communicating. Taking a broader approach to literacy opens the way for building on deaf and hard of hearing children’s strengths and potential as visual learners.
Enhancing Early Communication through Infant Sign Language.
With the right methods, it's possible to teach a baby as young as six months old to use a simple sign.
American Sign Language and Literacy: Exploring New Relationships.
Recent literature is suggesting that having a strong foundation in sign language will help in the development of English literacy skills.
Advantages of Early Visual Language.
It's a myth that sign language will hold back a deaf or hard of hearing child from developing spoken language. It has been shown that spoken language skills and English literacy actually increase as children learn more gestures and signs.
Signing with Babies and Children: A summary of findings.
For infants and toddlers, signing can help develop language skills, expand vocabulary and improve reading skills.
Impact of Learning Environment on Children with a Cochlear Implant.
For children who have difficulty with interpreting and understanding speech, the listening environment could be improved to support their needs.
Australian Aboriginal Deaf People and Aboriginal Sign Language.
Supporting local signed languages in important for community communication.
Common Questions and Informed Evidence-based Answers.
Learning sign language together can be one of the strongest bonding experiences that the family and a deaf or hard of hearing child have.
Support for parents of deaf children.
Common Questions and Informed, Evidence- Based Answers.
Deafness and Attention in Deaf Children
Mothers play an integral role in the early years of their child's development.
