Welcome to APODC
There are around 1,000 deaf children living in the Auckland area, including some with additional physical and learning difficulties. 90% of deaf children are born into hearing families, and the majority attend mainstream school, where they may be the only deaf child.
Deaf children face very real challenges associated with being in a world designed for hearing people. Communication difficulties and isolation are common experiences, which are also profoundly felt by families and whānau.
When deaf children, youth, and their families connect, things look very different. APODC helps them connect and provides social activities, support, advice and parental education. Please help us reach more families of deaf children, so they too can receive our support.
Family Social Events
PARENT EDUCATION & RESOURCE LIBRARY
We use our networks to plan information sessions each year, where parents and caregivers can find out about topics that are important to them. Resources our catalogued on the online library so that families can find the information that they need, when they need to find it…
APODC runs a program for youth aged 12 years and up, providing opportunities to develop confidence and explore identity. Youth enjoy building relationships with peers, and older role models. APODC also runs regular coffee groups for those with young deaf children…
We partner with lots of other organisations including, Advisors on Deaf Children, Kelston Deaf Education Centre, and Auckland Deaf Society, so that parents and caregivers can access other supports, without having to hunt!…
SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
APODC offers a one-off scholarship to full members, attending secondary school to help them achieve something important to them. We can also link you to funding via Deaf Children New Zealand, and other sources….
What's On
Bringing families together to build positive nurturing relationships, with special activities just for them
Date: Saturday 27th July
Time: 10am until 12pm
Venue: Albany Mitre10 Mega
Have a coffee on us! Join us at this family friendly cafe to meet and mingle other parents of Deaf or Hard of Hearing children. The event will be hosted by our Secretary Lydia Cook whose little girl has profound bilateral hearing loss and is aided by cochlear implant.
COMING SOON…The second webinar in our series hosted by Clare Best, Raising Bilinguals
Topic: Parent Advocacy
Date: Wednesday 17th July
Time: 7pm – 8pm
As parents, we play a crucial role in championing our children’s well-being and ensuring they have access to the support and resources they require to thrive.
In this webinar, Clare will explore practical strategies and essential advocacy skills to empower parents to navigate the various phases and seasons of the journey with your deaf child. She will also provide valuable tips and resources to help in building knowledge, confidence and the skills you need to advocate for you child (without burning out!).
Check out our July newsletter for registration information, coming soon..
