Deaf Children Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation that supports deaf and hard of hearing children and young people and their families in Australia. Deaf Children Australia was established in 1862 in response to the needs of a deaf child and her family. The Bluestone Building was built in 1866 and has been the home of support for deaf children and youth ever since. DCA's mission is to inspire and empower deaf and hard of hearing children and young people to reach their full potential. The head office is located in the Victorian capital of Melbourne.
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 opened the School for the Deaf and Dumb in Peel Street Prahan 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. Deaf Children Australia offers tours of the building.
Current day services
Helpline
When families require help with their children from time to time, Deaf Children Australia's helpline assists families of deaf and hard of hearing children to make the best choices for their 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 specialised services that families may need
Information on deafness and hearing impairment for families, students, professionals and the public
DCA provides an information service which produces publications and resources as well as a community development service which 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 for families to help families to strengthen language learning – families can take their knowledge home and practice together. Other services include the organising 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 co-ordination, Auslan 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, or in your community. Support parents can provide group or one on one support. Anyone can access our services without the need for a referral.
Grants
Every year Deaf Children Australia accepts submissions for grants from deaf and hearing impaired people between the ages of 15 and 23. Grants as high as $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
Deaf Children Australia also operates Sign for Work, an agency which provides specialist services for not only those who are deaf or hearing impaired, but also for those with other disabilities. Sign for Work provides assistance in finding and applying for employment, as well as training, referral and allows free access to office facilities. http://signforwork.org.au/
