International Perspective

One of the great strengths of the global hearing health community is its willingness to share knowledge, experiences and ideas.

During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, Deafness Forum Australia CEO Rhonda Locke spent time with the team at The Elizabeth Foundation, a specialist organisation that has been supporting deaf children and their families for more than 45 years.

The visit provided an opportunity to explore how families are supported through the early years of a child’s hearing journey and to exchange insights about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector in both Australia and the UK.

Hosted by Deputy CEO Karen Paine BEM, on behalf of Chief Executive Julie Hughes, Rhonda visited The Elizabeth Foundation’s Family Centre, where she met with staff and learned more about the organisation’s family-centred approach to early intervention.

A highlight of the visit was meeting Speech and Language Therapist Kirsty, who shared practical strategies used to help deaf children develop strong speech, language and communication skills. Their discussions also explored auditory implant services and the support available to children and families as they navigate diagnosis, intervention and ongoing care.

Rhonda said the visit reinforced the importance of ensuring families have access to information, support and services from the earliest possible stage.

While our systems may differ, there is so much we can learn from one another. Visits like this create valuable opportunities to share ideas, discuss challenges and reflect on what is working well for children and families.
— Rhonda Locke, CEO, Deafness Forum Australia

“Every child deserves the opportunity to develop strong communication skills and reach their full potential,” Rhonda said.

The conversation also touched on the realities of sustaining community organisations in an increasingly complex funding environment.

Karen shared reflections on The Elizabeth Foundation’s 45-year journey, including the successes achieved, the challenges encountered and the ongoing importance of fundraising to ensure high-quality services remain available to the families who rely on them.

For Deafness Forum Australia, opportunities to connect with organisations such as The Elizabeth Foundation provide valuable insights into international approaches to early intervention and family support.