Deaf and hard of hearing means that the athlete is not able to hear as well as someone with typical hearing.
Pronounced def and haad uhv heeuh·ruhng
Deaf and hard of hearing athletes might:
Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound.
Athletes with mild, moderate or severe hearing loss are usually described as hard of hearing.
Athletes with profound hearing loss are usually described as D/deaf.
Have you ever wondered what cochlear implants and hearing aids sound like?
There are important considerations to reducing distractions from the environment and in offering a modification to the starter gun for running events. See the sensory page for more information.
Athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing may use supports to assist with communication and you may need to adjust your communication. This might include a communication device, Auslan sign language, gestures and/or pictures. Use visual supports and gestures at the same time as verbal interactions to help communicate more easily. Can you learn some athletics specific Auslan?
Athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing may have had fewer opportunities or less interest in games and sports which develop balance and coordination.
| Terms to use | Terms to avoid |
|---|---|
| Person with hearing impairment | deaf and dumb |
| Person who is deaf or hard of hearing | mute |
Language and the words we use are important to make all athletes and families feel welcome. This is especially true for how we refer to or describe other people.
Little Athletics Australia recognises that each person has their own preferences about how they would like to be described. We encourage you to listen and follow the lead of the athlete.
Aussie deaf kids has provided this explanation of deaf culture and identity.
Aussie Deaf Kids - https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/
Deaf Sports Australia https://deafsports.org.au/
Raising Children Network - https://raisingchildren.net.au/disability/guide-to-disabilities/assessment-diagnosis/hearing-impairment
Science Friday - https://www.sciencefriday.com/educational-resources/cochlear-implants-hearing-aids-sound-like/
World Health Organisation - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
Coles Little Athletics Australia acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we work, run, jump and throw throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging.
We are committed to a positive future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to honor their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country and recognize the role and value of culture.
