Cork Deaf Association Launches Parent Connect Support Programme for Families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Cork Deaf Association has launched a new free support programme for parents and guardians of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, aiming to ensure no family has to navigate the journey alone.

Parent Connect will provide information and encouragement while giving parents and guardians the chance to meet others going through a similar experience. Around 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, and CDA says the support is needed because many families find themselves entering a world they know very little about, often without knowing anyone else who has had a similar experience.

The initiative runs as three free online sessions, held once a month, beginning on Monday, 28 September at 7pm.

Giuseppe Whelan, a peer support facilitator, will share his own experience at Parent Connect. He and his wife, Nuala, have two Deaf children, Gemma, 19, and Rebecca, 14, and the family understands the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territory.

Giuseppe says information is important after a hearing loss diagnosis, and that the right support for parents can have a huge impact on the life of the child and family:

"Like many parents, we felt shock, uncertainty and concern about what the future might hold. We had a lot of questions and very few answers. As we learned more, met other families and accessed the right support, our fears gradually turned into determination. We became focused on helping our daughter reach her potential and ensuring that hearing loss would never define what she could achieve.

"Focus on your child's strengths, celebrate every milestone and don't be afraid to seek support when you need it. Connect with other families, ask questions and advocate for your child but also remember to enjoy the journey. Deaf and Hard of Hearing children can thrive in education, sport, careers and every part of life."

Susan O'Callaghan, CDA Advocacy Officer, will also contribute to Parent Connect. She is a member of the Deaf Community, and her own lived experience drives her passion for the project. She said:

"It's about giving parents a space where they feel supported, informed and connected. We want our participants to learn from shared experiences and to feel positive about the future for their child."

Each Parent Connect session will begin with a themed talk followed by a parent-led discussion. At the first session, CDA social worker Terence Rea will speak about The Family Support Journey, exploring the road from diagnosis into adulthood and highlighting the supports available at different stages.

Parent Connect is funded through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth's Parent Peer Support Fund. Parents and guardians of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children of all ages are welcome to attend, and professionals are also welcome to attend the information section of the sessions.

Tickets are free and available on Eventbrite.

For further information, contact Cork Deaf Association at mail@corkdeaf.ie, call (021) 4505944, text (086) 853 5574, or visit www.corkdeaf.ie.

Cork Deaf Association is located at 5 MacCurtain Street and provides a wide range of support, including assistive technology advice, lip reading classes, and social meetings, empowering individuals to stay connected and thrive with hearing loss.