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June 2022
Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well.

Feedback from the families and individuals we support is vital to us. It helps guide and inform what we need to do to make sure you are receiving the support you need. As a result of the national survey we ran last year, Flying Colours, we launched a national resource to connect families to local services, research, resources, the experiences of other families, and so much more at flyingcolours.org.au

As a result of the findings from the survey, we also launched Platypus Playhouse; Auslan, and English fun-based learning resources to help families build language and connections with their deaf or hard-hearing child.  We have also launched Blueprint, a project focused on creating inclusive community clubs and groups, because parents told us they find it difficult to get their child into a local club.  

We would now like to deepen our understanding of access to swimming lessons at local swim schools for deaf and hard of hearing children. Read on to find out more.

We are excited to announce we are launching Round 2 of the Pen Pals Project with our UK friends at the National Deaf Children's Society. We hope all taking part in the current project are enjoying the experience as they learn what life is like in the UK through their Pen Pal. One parent has commented their child is thrilled to be communicating with someone that is like them. 


Our Youth Grants program has also been extended until the 12th of July. Click here to find out more about our Youth Grants. We want more young people to enjoy new experiences and to realise their potential.  

For young people who want to help create change and make a difference, we are seeking expressions of interest for our Youth Action Group. You can find out more about Youth Action Group on our website

 Enjoy this edition of Flying Kites, and do communicate with us, we value your feedback.


Best Wishes,


David Wilson
CEO, Deaf Children Australia

News and Updates
 
Youth Grants
Our Youth Grants program has been extended until the 12th of July!

Youth Grants are an opportunity for young people to develop their skills, undertake new experiences, and build their self-confidence. If you know a deaf or hard of hearing young person aged between 15 to 23 that is working to reach a goal or undertake a project, let them know about Youth Grants. Find out more, click here!
Swimming Survey  
Swimming is a vital skill in Australia and many families have told us it is difficult to access local swimming lessons that support their child's communication needs. We are inviting you to tell us about your experience with our survey. We promise it won't take long, grab a brew and start sharing here

Your feedback will let us know what you need, where the gaps are, and what we can do to make swimming more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing children. We thank you in advance.
Platypus Playhouse 
We're excited to announce we will be launching the full Auslan translation of our "Pip and Annie Go to the Country" storybook on the 5th of July! The video will engage your child with Pip and Annie's adventures, as they build language and connections with you. This is something the whole family can enjoy together. You can watch the trailer here.

Remember you can access the Auslan videos via the QR Code in the book. So if you already have the book, you can enjoy the video on the 5th of July. Head to the shop now to get your copy!
Help young people learn to swim
"Just because Davie can’t hear, doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be able to swim."

8-year-old Davie loves going to the beach in the summer holidays. But he was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that means if he goes in the water, he can’t hear anything his mum says to keep himself safe. 

Sadly, Davie’s not alone. While some deaf or hard of hearing children can wear implants and aids to enable them to hear in the water, many cannot. Just because Davie can’t hear doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be able to swim safely in the water.

You can help change this. Right now, you can help us develop a course for swim teachers to learn to teach swimming in a deaf-friendly way.

Click Here to Donate Today!

Our Art Competition
Submissions to our "Heroes and Leaders" Art Competition are now open!

We are accepting submissions across three age categories; 8 to 11 (new category), 12 to 17, and 18 to 23 years. Young artists can win up to $1000!

This Art Competition will be judged by Deaf artists Sue Jo Wright, Angie Goto, and Irene Holub. Entries close on the 23rd of January, 2023. Stay updated on our Art Competition by clicking here!
Youth Action Group
We are still seeking Expressions of Interest for our Youth Action Group! 

Do you know someone who would like to be a part of a group of young deaf and hard of hearing people. This group will meet to discuss what events, activities, and programs they want to support them at different stages of their life.  We will take this feedback and work in partnership with the group to bring their ideas to life.  Being part of the group will also build self-advocacy and leadership skills - while connecting with like-minded people. 

Do you know a deaf or hard of hearing young person, aged 12-20, who would want to be a part of our Youth Action Group? Contact us by clicking here.

Events and Projects
 
Pen Pals
The first round of the Pen Pals Project has been a huge success., so we're excited to announce Round 2  is now open for registrations. There are so many benefits to this project, learning about life in another country, getting kids to express themselves through letter writing, encouraging creativity, connecting with someone from another country, and so much more.

Registrations close on the 17th of July, so make sure to register before then! You can sign up for Round 2 by filling out the form at deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/pen-pals.
Blueprint
As part of our Blueprint project, we are finding out what local clubs need to help create more inclusive environments for deaf and hard of hearing children and young people. We will then create and deliver resources to support building inclusion. Is there a club near you that could benefit from deaf-friendly resources? We'd love them to complete our survey!

You can find out more about Blueprint and access the survey on our website, at deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/blueprint.

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DEAF CHILDREN AUSTRALIA
597 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3004. PO BOX 6466, Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Helpline 1800 645 916 (free call) ACN 108 025 207 ABN 57 108 025 207
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Deaf Children Australia · 597 St Kilda Road · Melbourne, Victoria 3004 · Australia