Your donation this Christmas ensures that deaf and hard-of-hearing Children can grow up proud, confident and connected.
Meet Kyra, eight years old, who was born prematurely with bilateral moderate hearing loss. Growing up in a hearing family, Kyra didn’t have any deaf or hard-of-hearing friends at school.
But this year, everything changed when Kyra attended one of Deaf Children Australia’s camps in Queensland.
For the first time, she was surrounded by children who truly understood her world. Kids who also wore hearing aids, communicated in Auslan, and shared similar experiences.
Every gift makes a difference. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
The camp was filled with laughter, games, and learning, giving Kyra the chance to feel included, build confidence, and explore who she is in a safe, supportive environment.
Her mum, Jodie, says the experience made a huge difference. “The best part was seeing Kyra connect with another deaf child. The camp is one of the few places where she gets to meet kids like her. It’s also a space where she feels seen and understood, which is incredibly valuable as she becomes more aware of her hearing aids and how they appear to others.”
When asked what her favourite activity was, Kyra said the flying fox, not just because it was fun, but because that’s where she made a new friend who also has hearing loss. That moment of connection meant so much to her.
Decades ago, David, also found a place where he finally felt understood.
As a young boy, David attended the Victorian School for Deaf Children, now known as Deaf Children Australia. Before that, life had been challenging. No one realised David was deaf. He was often misunderstood and even labelled “insolent” for things beyond his control.
Everything changed when he walked through our doors.
David was surrounded by teachers and classmates who communicated in ways that made sense to him. He learned, laughed, and built valuable friendships.
That sense of belonging stayed with David. After finishing school, David came back to DCA, this time to work. He spent 18 years helping others and still volunteers today.
From David’s school days to Kyra’s camp experience, the faces may have changed but the heart of Deaf Children Australia remains the same. It’s about connection, understanding, and the belief that every deaf and hard-of-hearing child deserves to grow up proud and confident in who they are.
This Christmas, your donation helps continue that legacy, creating opportunities for children like Kyra to find friendship and belonging, just as David once did.
Together, we can ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing children grow up knowing they are never alone. Not then, not now, and not ever.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps make these moments possible.
