Above and beyond
Our support for families doesn’t stop at the services we provide.
This is a mantra that is at the heart of everything we do at Telethon Speech & Hearing. Our job is not done when a session is finished, or the school day is done, we look to support families as they navigate the maze of disjointed health, education, and disability systems we have in Western Australia.
I am very proud of the way our team works to support families in a variety of ways, including running parent workshops, hosting mums’ and dads’ nights, putting on movie nights for Outpost families, supporting access to the NDIS, connecting with mainstream schools, creating pathways to health practitioners, advocating with health systems (including Perth Children’s Hospital), and much more.
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We do these things because we recognise that our role is to support each child and family who access our services in whatever way they need. We are comfortable that this does not mean that we provide all the services they require, instead it means that we will avail families access to the contacts we have, work with them to address issues they face, support their advocacy for their child(ren), provide advice, and guide them in how to access services from providers who share our values and ethos. It is the same outlook we use when we are asked by communities, schools, and other organisations to work with them to support the children and families they support.
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Telethon Speech & Hearing CEO Mark Fitzpatrick
A Step Towards Reconciliation
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Recently, at Telethon Speech & Hearing, we launched our Reconciliation Action Plan. It was a significant moment for us. For the last 12 years we have been supporting Aboriginal children in the Pilbara, which has grown to supporting communities in the Pilbara, along with children in Wheatbelt, Kimberley, and in Perth. But our reconciliation journey is more than service delivery. It comes from a deep respect of Aboriginal culture and history, what it can tell us, and how it can inform the way we can create a better community for all.
A culture passed orally from generation to generation for thousands of years, Aboriginal culture has a strong sense of family. The role of “family” in Aboriginal culture is something that resonates strongly with the team at Telethon Speech & Hearing. Welcoming any member of their family who needs support, Aboriginal culture sees families embrace them for as long as they need, something we hope to do for the families who need our support across Western Australia.
At Wembley we are very fortunate to be located at Galup, the Aboriginal word for Lake Monger, meaning ‘place of fire’. Significant in its history for Whadjuk Noongar people as a source of food, it was also a meeting place and a place to learn. For us to build on that history by providing as place for families to connect, for children to learn, and for parents to get help in a way where communication is at the centre of what we do, is a privilege.
A New Service to Children
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We hope that all children obtain access to the services they need, but unfortunately too many do not. For some, this contributes to a trajectory in life that gets them into trouble.
This is the reason why we have recently started working with the Perth Children’s Court. As part of a specific court program, our staff will help the Court determine if the children appearing in it have any barriers to hearing and comprehension (we do know that hearing loss is very prevalent in adult prison populations).
If we highlight an issue, we will give the Court that information so they can order the necessary tests be completed and supports put in place. By doing so, we hope they can re-engage in their schooling, socialise more effectively, and change the path they are on.
Whilst in its infancy, this program illustrates the broad talents and passion of the Telethon Speech & Hearing Team. It will be another example of how we can show these families and children we care.
As we head towards the winter holidays, on behalf of the whole Telethon Speech & Hearing team, I hope that you have a safe and restful break. We look forward to seeing you back in July for Term 3.
Important Reminder: Update Your Details
The information that parents/guardians provide at enrolment is important in helping us to look after your child, and should be kept up to date. If not current, your family may miss important information from TSH.
Please Contact Us immediately if your family details have changed.
It is essential that you inform us in writing of any change to student details. In particular, we need to know:
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change of address
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change of telephone numbers (particularly mobile phone numbers)
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change of email address
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any new medical condition or allergies that your child may have.