The Deaf Society recognises that the needs of young people who are deaf or hard of hearing are different to those of hearing young people. Youth is a time of rapid and significant change, providing an opportunity to develop greater independence and a sense of individuality as the separation from parents, families and carers takes place.

Deaf Society Community Workers and Community Access Workers provide support and access to age-appropriate information for young people. We work in partnership with other Deaf community organisations to run age-appropriate activities and events. To see what events are coming up, check out:

• Deaf Society Events
• Deaf Community Newsboard

Deaf Society staff also support Deaf young people by giving them the opportunity to participate and present their perspectives in youth and Deaf community forums. They also provide advocacy support, if requested.

The Deaf Society liaises with schools to encourage a greater understanding of Deafness and to promote events appropriate for Deaf young people. Schools are encouraged to organise student excursions to the Deaf Society head office to learn more about Deafness and the services offered by the Deaf Society. The Deaf Society’s Open Day are ideal opportunities for students (and the general public) to visit because extra displays and Deaf community information are available.

The Deaf Society Employment Service also works with schools to develop employment and education pathways for Deaf young people leaving high school. To find out more about the Deaf Society Employment Service, click here.

Family Day (held each May) and Deafair (each October) are also good opportunities for young people to socialise with other Deaf people and collect information from different Deaf community groups. Both events are organised by the Deaf Society and details are put on the Deaf Society Events page of this website.

Programs for deaf children
For information about services and activities provided by the Deaf Society for deaf children, click here.

Programs for parents
For information about services and activities provided by the Deaf Society for parents, click here.

Contact the Deaf Society
To find out more about services for deaf children by contacting a Deaf Society worker, click here.