- Hearing
Leon has had cochlear implants in both ears since he was eight months old after being diagnosed with auditory neuropathy and permanent bilateral hearing loss. But due to his type of hearing loss, over time his listening skills improved with the introduction of Auslan – Australian Sign Language.
Leon’s family chose to introduce him to Auslan with the help of a Teacher of the Deaf – and he hasn’t looked back.
He has received early intervention and cochlear implant services through NextSense, as well as attending our Sign Bilingual Preschool, and now our school, where he participates in the sign bilingual program. Mum Jennifer has also valued the support from Leon’s early intervention specialist and one of our on-site psychologists.
— Jennifer, Leon's mumI did all my research and decided to go with NextSense because the team was amazing and I liked that Leon could have access to spoken language and Auslan.
Learning Auslan has actually helped Leon’s spoken language and he is soaking up his language-rich environment.
For some families, there is not just one way to develop language. Research indicates that children can learn both spoken and sign language given adequate exposure to each language.
Teacher of the Deaf Katie has supported Leon and his family since he was a toddler.
‘It’s been really exciting seeing what he has been able to do, and the outcomes Leon has achieved. Auslan input has really helped him with his spoken language—he’s made connections between signs and words,’ Katie says.
Jennifer says it has been amazing to watch Leon thrive and make friends at school.
‘The preschool was right there at NextSense, so Leon started there at two and a half until it was time to start school. Then I didn’t need to look any further, because NextSense has a school as well—how awesome!’
‘It's been amazing to watch him grow in that environment, I feel very lucky that I found NextSense.’
Leon and Jennifer see his key worker and Teacher of the Deaf Katie once a week and the family is learning Auslan at home.
‘Leon runs into our sessions,’ says Katie. ‘He has gone from knowing a single Auslan sign to putting sentences together. It’s very rewarding to watch his growth and development continue to go on the up and up.’
Give your child the best start in life
NextSense early intervention-
Helen Keller’s team approach still resonates 75 years on
- Vision
On Helen Keller's birthday, a NextSense vision expert says keeping braille on the agenda should remain a key priority, to advance literacy and develop a love of reading for those with vision loss.
-
Callum is six, has hearing loss, and a future with big possibilities
- Hearing
Callum is just six years old so he hasn’t quite worked out his future yet, but his mum Rachel has big dreams for him.
-
New tool for braille educators helps them showcase their skill
- Vision
There's now a way for educators worldwide who support children and young people who read using braille, to demonstrate their braille knowledge and skills.
-
NextSense AGM and how we’re building what’s next
- Vision
- Hearing
Our 162nd AGM celebrated what we achieved in 2022 to build what’s next for NextSense and the impact of early intervention and school support for children with hearing or vision loss.
