How we help
There are around 1,000 deaf children living in the Auckland area, including some with additional physical and learning difficulties. 90% of deaf children are born into hearing families, and the majority attend mainstream school, where they may be the only deaf child.
Deaf children face very real challenges associated with being in a world designed for hearing people. Communication difficulties and isolation are common experiences, which are also profoundly felt by families and whānau.
Most deaf children are the only ones in their school and family, and as a result they have significant issues in terms of social isolation. Frustrations are also felt at home as parents try desperately to develop communication within the family. We are a powerful mechanism of connection for these families, as we help present and bring together all of the resources that are available for them in one place, while connecting families with each other.
When deaf children, youth, and their families connect, things look very different.
APODC offers any new family or whānau the opportunity to attend a FREE introductory family event. This gives parents, caregivers, the deaf child, and their siblings the chance to try us out, and to consider membership. Please see the upcoming calendar of events below, and let us know what you would like to book in for.
Family Social Events
PARENT EDUCATION & RESOURCE LIBRARY
We use our networks to plan information sessions each year, where parents and caregivers can find out about topics that are important to them. Resources our catalogued on the online library so that families can find the information that they need, when they need to find it…
APODC runs a program for youth aged 10 years and up, providing opportunities to develop confidence and explore identity. Youth enjoy building relationships with peers, and older role models. APODC also runs regular coffee groups for those with young deaf children…
We partner with lots of other organisations including, Advisors on Deaf Children, Kelston Deaf Education Centre, and Auckland Deaf Society, so that parents and caregivers can access other supports, without having to hunt!…
APODC offers a one-off scholarship to full members, attending secondary school to help them achieve something important to them. We can also link you to funding via Deaf Children New Zealand, and other sources….
