Deaf parents and their children winging their way to a special conference

A number of Kiwi families from around New Zealand with deaf or hearing impaired parents will be able to participate in a special conference in Christchurch next year, made possible by a $30,000 grant from the Jetstar Flying Start Programme.

The second annual NZ Deaf and Hearing Impaired Parents Conference and Children’s Camp in January 2013 will give parents from an additional 20 families the opportunity to share the challenges they face raising hearing children and learn from expert speakers and educators. Children who have deaf parents will also be able to meet other kids who have shared their experiences and make new friends.

Previously the conference was funded by each family’s personal fundraising to pay the conference fee and travel costs, which can be a difficult task in a competitive fundraising environment. The grant of $15,000 cash and $15,000 in flights from the Jetstar Flying Start Programme will enable Deaf Aotearoa to cover the majority of costs for the camp and fully fund the 20 extra families free of charge.

David Hall, Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO, said that the work done by Deaf Aotearoa highlights a side of living with a hearing impairment that is not often considered.

“In reviewing the submission and learning more about the event, we gained a real insight into the challenges these families encounter and the important role the conference plays in enabling them to get together to learn from each other,” said Mr Hall.

“Awarding the Jetstar Flying Start Programme grant to fund this conference and the extra attendees will help these families enormously.

“Our ultimate goal is to connect families by allowing them to travel more often for less.  As part of the Flying Start Programme we are proud to be able to facilitate this by helping with travel and other costs to allow them to attend the NZ Deaf and Hearing Impaired Parents Conference.”

Deaf Aotearoa CEO Lachlan Keating says that without funding, attending the conference would simply not be possible for many families.

“The Deaf community tirelessly fundraised to get families to this conference,” Mr Keating said.
“We are thrilled to be able to support an additional 20 families to participate in the 2013 conference at no cost to them.

“The demand for gatherings like this by the Deaf community in New Zealand is growing all the time. All families who attend the conference and camp will contribute a great deal of wisdom and experience to the cause and in return will take away a wealth of information and new ideas.”

Jetstar Flying Start Programme judge and rugby league legend Steve Price is a father of three and says that he was inspired by the resilience of these families.

“I know first-hand that being a parent can be challenging at the best of times and this conference is just what these families need to tackle their own unique challenges. I can’t wait to meet the kids and their parents at the conference next year.”

Deaf Aotearoa’s $30,000 grant is the third awarded by the Jetstar Flying Start Programme this year. In total for 2012 the programme will award $120,000 in cash and travel support to New Zealand community groups. Previous recipients include Bellyful and Arthritis New Zealand. Applications for the fourth grant round close at 5.00pm (NZST) on 30 November 2012 and application details can be found at www.jetstar.com.