We rarely think twice about the everyday sounds we hear in a day – a friend’s laughter, a favourite song, or even the ding of a text message. But for those in our deaf and hard of hearing community, these everyday moments are often experienced in silence or through different senses.
What many of us take for granted can present challenges to our deaf and hard of hearing community, reminding us that sound is not a universal experience, but a privilege.
Strathcona is proud to support a connected and inclusive deaf and hard of hearing community, strengthened by our dedicated Learning Enhancement team, led by our Hearing Support Coordinator, Julia Baker.
‘Hard of Hearing students are not disabled by their hearing loss itself, but by the barriers created by inaccessible buildings and learning environments,’ Julia says. ‘Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to create inclusive classrooms by meeting the diverse needs of all students.’
As part of the School’s commitment to using technology to support learning, Strathcona’s new Frontrow Elevate Soundfield System allows our deaf and hard of hearing students to stream audio directly to their hearing devices, as the system amplifies teachers’ voices through room speakers.
Julia adds that ‘by implementing Soundfield systems throughout our school, we strive to make this vision a reality, ensuring every student can access communication and engage with learning more effectively.’
For Year 9 student, Blair, being part of the deaf and hard of hearing community can come with its challenges, but also comes with an immense sense of pride, highlighting that hearing loss is experienced differently by everyone.
‘What’s important to remember is that everyone with hearing loss experiences it differently,’ says Blair. ‘Some use Auslan, Australian sign language. Some have cochlear implants. Some use hearing aids, like me. And some sit in a space between two worlds, not quite deaf, not quite hearing. That in-between space can be hard sometimes. It can feel like you don’t fully belong in either world.’
Blair draws attention to the issue of audism (discrimination of those who are deaf or hard of hearing) which has made her passionate about spreading awareness and promoting the deaf community. ‘Deaf culture is strong, proud, and beautiful,’ she says. ‘It has its own language, stories, history, and ways of being. Deaf people have fought for their rights to learn in their own language, to have interpreters, to be treated with respect.’
At Strathcona’s Deaf Awareness Week earlier this month, Julia says that, ‘It provided an opportunity for our deaf and hard of hearing students to share their daily experiences with the broader school community.’ ‘By listening and learning, we strengthen our commitment to creating a school where every student feels respected, supported, and empowered,’ she says.
Strathcona’s new hearing augmentation system has already proven several benefits to all students across the school, including our deaf and hard of hearing community. These include enhanced teacher-student communication, reduced listening fatigue, and reduced strain on teachers’ voices. By amplifying the voice of the speaker and minimising the need for listeners to strain to hear, the system has significantly helped to reduce listening fatigue. ‘It’s a reminder of the importance of removing barriers and fostering a learning environment where all students can thrive,’ says Julia.
The support that students like Blair receive ensures that every student at Strathcona feels like they belong, they have a voice, are included, and part of their own unstoppable journey.
We thank the Beth MacLaren Smallwood Foundation for their ongoing support of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scholarships. If you would like to learn more about the Beth MacLaren Smallwood Scholarship at Strathcona, please contact our Registrar at registrar@strathcona.vic.edu.au
#GirlsUnstoppable
