The West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children recognises Telethon Kids Institute, Telethon Speech and Hearing and School of Special Education Needs: Sensory for their work on the  Telethon Belong Project and production of the Belong Resources.

About Belong

Welcome to the Belong Resources. Going to school provides children with opportunities to build their social and emotional skills. Children who are Deaf or hard of hearing may experience difficulties at school with socialising or communicating with others due to their hearing loss which can affect their social and emotional learning.

The Belong Resources were developed with help from children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, their parents and caregivers, Teachers of the Deaf, school teachers and organisations who support children and families. Students, parents and teachers can use the profile, information and handy tips on the website to help with some of the challenges faced by children who are Deaf or hard of hearing at school.

Belong is a three-year project being conducted by the Telethon Kids Institute with the support of the Ear Science Institute Australia, School of Special Education Needs: Sensory (SSEN: Sensory) and Telethon Speech & Hearing (TSH). The project is funded by Healthway.

Student Profile

This profile is for students and parents to share information with your classroom teacher. You can include things in the profile like your interests, strengths and things that work well for you in the classroom. Parents can share this profile with the classroom teacher either email or by printing it out.

Parent Portal

This portal has short articles and handy tips for parents about social and emotional development for children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

School Staff Portal

This portal has short articles and handy classroom tips for school staff about educational outcomes and social and emotional development for children who are Deaf and hard of hearing.