Renowned for championing the growth and social inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and young people, Deaf Children Australia (DCA) is helping break down further barriers with their latest initiative. Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Telematics, DCA will soon launch innovative eLearning resources designed to engage and support deaf and hard-of-hearing students as they look to gain ever-important work experience.
Utilising the latest in groundbreaking e-learning technology, these first-of-their-kind resources will be engaging, accessible and adapted to the needs of students, teachers and host employers alike. Telematics is proud to support an initiative that will build the confidence and independence of young deaf people, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge they need to successfully transition to meaningful employment and further training opportunities.
Educating toward employment
As it stands, deaf and hard of hearing students are too often left behind in their pursuit of employment due to a careers education curriculum that can be tough to navigate for those with additional communication needs. This can lead to higher long-term unemployment rates, limited access to a wider range of occupations and lower earning potential for these students when compared to their hearing peers.
Through DCA’s eLearning resources, more students will be equipped to undertake meaningful work experience in a field that interests them, while simultaneously improving their future employability. The broader community will also benefit through the support and development of lasting and inclusive learning practices.
Utilising Technology for Inclusive Engagement
DCA’s holistic approach of engaging with teachers, host employers and students means that the online courses will be purpose-built, combining easily scalable LMS and online resource technology with specialised learning materials and training. With Telematics' contribution, DCA can also expand the project’s scope to ensure the delivery of top-notch design, engaging videography, and compelling graphic elements. By using technology as the foundation of this initiative, DCA can also be certain that deaf and hard of hearing students will have the same access to its benefits no matter where they are located.
It’s a note that Ele Raimondi, DCA’s Innovation and Projects Manager, is also keen to highlight:
“We’re delighted to have the support of the Telematics Trust to develop high-quality learning resources to help Careers Teachers and Host Workplaces across Victoria provide meaningful work experience placements for deaf and hard of hearing secondary students. The Telematics Trust shares our belief that technology can help ensure deaf children can access the same opportunities as their hearing peers, regardless of where they live, and the resources this grant is helping us to produce will bridge a current gap, and ultimately improve the employment prospects for deaf and hard of hearing young people when they finish school.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
While this initiative marks an exciting new step, it is just the latest for DCA, who have 160 years of experience in providing services to deaf and hard of hearing children, young people and their families. With the support of Telematics Trust, DCA is not only a little closer to achieving their vision of a world where all children and young people have every opportunity to reach their full potential, but have also created a shining example that is illustrative of technology’s capacity for good.
For more information on Deaf Children Australia, click here.
