Get Inspired
“Regardless of if I’m hearing impaired, I can still do wonders. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.” Nick Layton, competitive swimmer.
What is DCA’s Blueprint?
Blueprint is an online resource that supports and promotes the inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children and young people in mainstream recreational and sporting clubs.
DCA’s Blueprint is fully funded, so it’s free and accessible to anyone who is keen to become an inclusion champion!
Why Blueprint?
We’re passionate about inclusion for people like 14-year-old EJ, who is profoundly deaf and plays tennis in a mainstream club. “My mum let my coaches know how to speak when they’re teaching me – to turn and face me so I can read their lips and to speak a little louder,” EJ says. “But apart from that, just not treating me differently from others.”
As her mum says, “A great coach will change their style to get the best out of any kid.” EJ’s coach says giving lots of demonstrations is really helpful. “And I bring EJ up to the net and ask her what’s going on if she’s not understanding something,” he adds. “If clubs promote that they’re inclusive for everybody, that will make a big difference.”
EJ says having a supportive family, teachers and coaches has enabled her to thrive. “I’m surrounded by people who are willing to help me throughout my journey as a deaf person.”
At the heart of DCA’s Blueprint program is a series of 12 short videos, sharing the lived experiences from the perspective of a DHH child, parents, coaches and clubs including EJ, swimmer Nicholas Layton and dancer Amelia Kroehnert.
Who is Blueprint for?
Clubs and community organisations
We know many clubs, organisation and recreational groups would like to be more inclusive. Blueprint can help them kick goals! From swim clubs to chess clubs and footy teams to dance troupes, the Blueprint resources are designed to help clubs gain the confidence to support DHH children and young people in their programs.
Coaches, teachers or instructors will learn key things to remember when a DHH child joins their organisation. They will have free access to tools, tips and tactics for being more inclusive.
“My coach understands where I’m coming from and makes sure I’m in front of the group every training session.” Tom, 20, AFL player
Families with a DHH child or young person
At Deaf Children Australia, we know what it takes to raise an engaged, resilient and connected young Australian. Blueprint can help families support their DHH child or young person to follow their dreams.
We have developed resources to help children prepare to join a mainstream sport or activity and to share with their club, coach, teacher or organisation.
“You worry for them, but you need to do the best for them – make them feel a part of their community, help them to thrive.” Debbie, Tom’s mum
What’s different about Blueprint?
As the first program of its kind in Australia, the idea for Blueprint came from research which showed over 50% of parents worry about their DHH child taking part in local community clubs. Blueprint exists to drop-kick that figure to zero!
Blueprint is the next step towards our vision of a future where DHH children have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
“It doesn’t matter what disability you have. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through. You can still achieve anything you want to.” Amelia, 12, dancer
What’s on offer?
Free webinars for clubs and parents – understand tactics for being inclusive, learn ways to communicate and include a DHH child, and become a champion for inclusion in their local community.
Blueprint website – packed full of relevant and helpful tips, ideas and resources such as posters, flashcards, information sheets, window decals and link to videos of over 100 Auslan signs across 10 recreational activities.
Free resource packs – the Blueprint Toolkit – we’ll be providing interested clubs and groups with free resources to give them confidence to include DHH children and young people in their programs. They will have access to Auslan flash cards, fingerspelling posters, decals, useful fliers for display, Auslan signing videos and more.
Check it out now! Go to: https://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/blueprint/
