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 12th April
TIME: 10am -12pm
VENUE: Crave Cafe, 6 Morningside Drive, 1025
- Meet parents who understand and relate
- Build meaningful connections
- Share your journeys
- Be part of a supportive community
Come together to create lasting connections with other parents who understand our unique parenting journey. Children are always welcome!
WEBINAR: Advocacy Without Burnout – Mindset & Action for Parents Raising Deaf Kids
DATE: Sunday 27th April
TIME: 7pm (45mins (plus 15min for Q&A)
Advocating for your Deaf or Hard of Hearing child can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. In this one-hour session, Clare Best (Teacher of the Deaf & parent of a bilingual deaf child) will share practical mindset shifts and easy-to-implement strategies to help parents become confident, calm, and consistent advocates for their child.
You’ll walk away with tools to:
– Navigate tricky conversations with clarity
– Set boundaries without guilt
– Build a sustainable advocacy plan that works for your family
This is for parents who want to support their child’s journey and take control of the advocacy space once and for all!
