Mentoring program for deaf adolescents

29 July 2008

Hear For You (HFY) is a mentoring program, established in 2007, for deaf adolescents. HFY's mission is to equip them with lifestyle skills that can be used constructively and rewardingly in social and vocational environments. The founder of Hear For You is 28-year-old Olivia Gemmell who has a hearing impairment.

Her own real-life experience gives her the ability to understand the issues associated with deafness. It adds an extra dimension that makes Hear For You accessible to deaf adolescents.

HFY mentors believe that youth is a very unsettling period of change and transition. It is often extremely difficult for young deaf people who may not have developed the "life skills" to cope with the changes in their lives. Most of these adolescents feel isolated in mainstream schools being the only one or one of a few students in the school who has a hearing loss.

Hear For You through offering ongoing support aims to help these young people lead a relatively normal life, give mentoring when needed and provide a greater sense of belonging in society. It will, in effect, minimise the barriers that frequently stymie their potential and have a positive impact on their wellbeing.

If you know of someone who might benefit from having a hearing impaired mentor, have a look at the website, and forward on the link. www.hearforyou.com.au