Camp kicks huge goals
BEING a kid is not always easy and when you can’t hear what’s going on around you and none of the other kids know how to sign, it can be a bit lonely too.
But the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children is helping bring a bit more joy into the lives of hearing-impaired youngsters in the Top End, hosting its first ever sports camp in Darwin yesterday.
The sports carnival at Marrara Oval gave families and children learning to listen and speak with the aid of cochlear implants or hearing aids an opportunity to participate in interactive educational activities, boost their confidence and meet other families on a similar journey.
RIDBC teacher Liz Fisher said the day out was a chance for children and parents to mingle with families experiencing the same challenges.
“It’s great for the kids to get together to socialise, to meet others that have the same listening devices as them or use the same mode of communication,” she said.
“It’s great for the parents to network as well and to develop those social networks and support systems.”
Jabiru parents Mikaela and Stuart Mobsby were devastated when they found out their son Stanley was profoundly deaf after he failed his newborn hearing screening test when he was just five days old. But the Mobsbys were able to overcome the challenges of living remotely after RIDBC provided Stanley with support to be able to access sound and improve his speech and language.
“It’s amazing to be able to meet so many other families at the Top End camp, who have had to face similar challenges when it comes to hearing loss,” a delighted Ms Mobsby said.