Deaf and hard of hearing mentors can positively influence and encourage deaf youth and late-deafened adults to build their confidence and identity.
Through sharing their own knowledge and experience, mentors can also help their mentees better identify their career and personal aspirations.
Several organisations and groups are committed to supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing youth and late-deafened adults. Mentorships provide opportunities to pick up new skills, connect and learn from deaf and hard of hearing professionals, and secure work experience. These types of relationships allow mentees to have fun while gaining useful knowledge.
Hear For You
Hear For You is founded and run by deaf people, for deaf teenagers.
deafConnectED
deafConnectED is committed to the inclusion and successful outcomes of students who are deaf and hard of hearing in the tertiary education sector. Their website provides a list of deaf mentors you can contact.
Parent-to-Parent Mentor Support Program
Parent-to-Parent Mentor Support Program is provided by the Deaf Society in partnership with Parents of Deaf Children (PoDC) in NSW, this program pairs new parents with more experienced parents of deaf children.
Sign Language Australia
Sign Language Australia offers customisable mentoring programs depending on the intended outcomes and goals.
Parents of Deaf (POD) Groups
Parents of Deaf (POD) Groups is a support network offered by Deaf Children Australia for families and carers of children who are deaf or diagnosed with hearing loss.
Youth Services
Youth Services is offered by Deaf Children Australia to assist youth to build self-esteem and overcome isolation. The service aims to encourage better educational outcomes and employment opportunities for youth who are deaf and hard of hearing.
