Steady guidance for families raising deaf children
Helping families move from overwhelm to connection through communication, language access and lived Deaf perspective.
If your child has just been diagnosed with hearing loss...
… this is quite possibly unexpected and overwhelming news. The life that you imagined has been turned on its head due to all the things that you now suddenly realise you don’t know.
The way forward feels uncertain and you’ve possibly already come across the conflicting information and opinions. You’re not always told about all the options available and you don’t know where to start to find out more information.
Or maybe you’re past the newly diagnosed stage and are now looking to embrace a bilingual communication pathway of sign and speech for your deaf child but are unsure how to do this.
Raising a deaf child is a journey, and it becomes much easier when communication and connection grow together.
Introducing Kellyanne
As a deaf person and a mum to two deaf kids, I know the feeling of uncertainty and overwhelm of the journey that we’re on.
Yes, I grew up with hearing loss but my mum took care of managing everything while I simply was a kid!
As I held my little girl in my arms after we were given her diagnosis, I realised that I had a lot of learning to do. I was now needing to become that strong and forthright person for my daughter (like my mum was for me), so that she can grow up being comfortable with her deafness and realise she can achieve anything.
With my husband by my side and a supportive team around us, we felt like we could take the steps forward as needed.
Introducing Growing Communicators
After personally experiencing limited support options for deaf children in the Canberra area, particularly in the bilingual pathway, I didn’t want other families to face the same struggles.
This led to starting Growing Communicators where I use my skills, knowledge and experiences to support deaf children and their families.
As a Deaf Communication Educator, I support your communication choices and build your Auslan skills through individualised sessions while sharing my knowledge and experiences.
My approach
I love working collaboratively with families to understand their goals and discuss how we can build your capacity and reach those goals together.
Sessions are individualised for each family and are based on my Support – Connect – Communicate framework which provides the foundation of all that I do with Growing Communicators.
Support
As you discover all the ins and outs of raising a deaf child, I am there with you, sharing my lived experience and providing support to your child, you (the parents) and your family.
Connect
It’s important that you connect with your child and see them for all that they are. Raising a deaf child can be isolating so I can help you make connections with other to create your own village.
Communicate
Learn how to communicate with your deaf child in ways that cater to their strengths – whichever modality (speech or sign) you choose.
You don't have to navigate this alone
If you’re looking for steady, structured guidance as you raise your deaf child, the next step is to book a connection call. We’ll talk about where you are, what you need and what pathway feels right.
Let’s walk it together.