Deaf Children Australia (DCA) is a national not-for-profit organization that supports

deaf Deafness has varying definitions in cultural and medical contexts. In medical contexts, the meaning of deafness is hearing loss that precludes a person from understanding spoken language, an Audiology, audiological condition. In this context it ...

and

hard-of-hearing Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear. Hearing loss may be present at birth or acquired at any time afterwards. Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears. In children, hearing problems can affect the ability to acquire spoken l ...

children and young people and their families in

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

. Deaf Children Australia was established in 1862 in response to the needs of a deaf children and their families. The Bluestone Building was built in 1866 and is currently in operation by Deaf Children Australia. The head office is located in the Victorian capital of

Melbourne Melbourne ( ; Boonwurrung/Woiwurrung: ''Narrm'' or ''Naarm'') is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Its name generally refers to a met ...

History

Deaf Children Australia was established in 1862 in response to the needs of a deaf child and her family. On 14 February 1859, Mrs. Sarah Lewis wrote a letter to the Melbourne ''Argus'' newspaper stating that if there were no education options for her deaf daughter, she would have no choice but to risk the voyage to have her daughter educated in England. In response to the letter, a deaf man,

Frederick J Rose Frederick John Rose (21 September 1831 – 1 December 1920) was the Headmaster-Superintendent of Victorian School for Deaf Children (formerly the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution) from 1860 to 1891. Biography Born in England in 1831, Ros ...

opened the School for the Deaf and Dumb in Peel Street Prahran on 12 November 1860. Over time the number of pupils increased which resulted in the need for a permanent building with accommodation. In October 1866, the Bluestone Building at 597 St Kilda road was opened. In January 1949, the name of the institution was changed from Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution to Victorian School for Deaf Children. In February 2003 in response to the growing need for national services, a decision was made to establish Deaf Children Australia as a national entity to advocate for all deaf and hard-of-hearing children across Australia.

Current day services

Helpline

Should families require help with their children, Deaf Children Australia's helpline assists families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The helpline is a free, anonymous, and confidential service available to families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and young adults. The helpline can also answer questions from professionals, students, and the public on deafness and hearing impairment. The helpline provides: * Access to services provided by Deaf Children Australia * Information and contact details for specialized services that families may need * Information on deafness and hearing impairment for families, students, professionals, and the public * Connect parents to support groups Ph: 1800 645 916
TTY: 1800 508 523

Services

DCA provides an information service that produces publications and resources as well as a community development service that provides deaf awareness training. DCA also provides family support workers to help navigate services for parents with a deaf or hard-of-hearing child. Each semester DCA provides

Auslan Auslan () is the majority sign language of the Australian Deaf community. The term ''Auslan'' is a portmanteau of "Australian Sign Language", coined by Trevor Johnston in the 1980s, although the language itself is much older. Auslan is relate ...

for families to help them strengthen language learning. Other services include the organizing of recreation events for families and young deaf people.

NDIS Services

DCA is a registered NDIS service provider. Some of the NDIS services include support coordination,

tutoring, and Youth services for capacity building.

Parent-to-Parent Program

Members of our Parent Network are available to meet with Trained Support Parents over the phone or through home visits, at Early Intervention Centre playgroups, family POD group picnics, and other activities, as well as in your community. Support parents can provide group or one on one support. These services do not require a referral.

Grants

Every year DCA accepts submissions for grants from deaf and hearing-impaired people between the ages of 15 and 23. Grants up to $2500 are awarded to assist in implementing activities that improve the lives of deaf people and their families, as well as in recognition of the achievements of those who have overcome the challenges of deafness.

Sign for Work

DCA also operates Sign for Work, an agency that provides specialist services for not only those who are deaf or hearing impaired but also for those with other disabilities. Sign for Work assists in finding and applying for employment, as well as training, and referral, and allows free access to office facilities.

References

Charities and services for children with disabilities, as listed by the Australian Federal Governments Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous AffairsInfo Exchange Australia

External links

Official Website

Sign for Work
{{Authority control Organizations established in 1860 Health charities in Australia Non-profit organisations based in Victoria (state) Deafness organizations Children's charities based in Australia Deafness charities Deaf culture in Australia