Definition of Deaf and hard of hearing

Children who are Deaf or hard of hearing have long term or permanent hearing loss. This could be in 1 or both ears and includes auditory neuropathy disorder. We can provide support from identification of hearing loss until the end of school.

Identifying a need for support

Hearing screening checks are available to all newborn babies to identify hearing loss early. If your child didn't have a newborn hearing check and you are concerned about their hearing, talk to your doctor. We work with families to provide supports once a need is identified.

Well Child Tamariki Ora checks are free for all children from 6 weeks up to 5 years of age.

Health services for young children

For older children, talk to your child's doctor or healthcare provider to access support.

Supporting your child if they need extra help with their learning

Available support

Support works across the system to tailor an approach depending on the needs of the child.

Advisers on Deaf children

We employ advisers on Deaf children (AoDC). They work alongside children identified as Deaf or hard of hearing and their whānau | families from birth until year 3 of school. They can also work with older children.

AoDC work together with families and educators to find the best ways to support your child. They provide ongoing advice and guidance on communication, language development and learning through early childhood and into school.

Once your child is enrolled in early learning, the AoDC may also request support from Ko Taku Reo | Deaf Education New Zealand. Ko Taku Reo provide education and specialist services for children who are Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). Services include:

• Resource Teachers of the Deaf
• New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Tutors
• Specialist schools.

AoDC work together with a range of other agencies including:

• Deaf Aotearoa First Signs
• Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
• Cochlear Implant Programmes.

How to get support

To request support for your child, phone or email your regional office.

Regional offices

Resources

He pukapuka āwhina mā ngā whānau

NZSL learning website