For the first 3½ years of her life, 5-year-old Emily struggled to hear conversations and understand the world around her. This heartbreaking reality led to feelings of isolation and resulted in Emily’s delayed speech.

Emily was diagnosed with mild to moderate bilateral hearing loss and while her new hearing aids and speech therapy helped, her parents, Penny and Ben, felt overwhelmed navigating their daughter's future.

Discovering Deaf Children Australia’s Parent Mentor Program was life-changing. Through their mentor, Emma, they gained the guidance and confidence to support Emily's unique needs. "Being able to talk to someone who had already walked this path was profoundly important," Penny shared.

Emily and her family recently attended our two-day Family Camp, where Emily connected with other deaf and hard of hearing children, forging friendships and experiencing a sense of belonging for the first time.

Right now, there are many families like Emily’s — parents searching for guidance and children longing for a sense of belonging

Your gift can help families like Emily's access vital support and resources, ensuring that deaf children can thrive and reach their full potential.