AFL star Jason By Callan Date
A LOCAL mother teamed up with an AFL star on Tuesday to launch a booklet written to help families of newly diagnosed deaf and hearing-impaired children.
Joanna Fricot has worked tirelessly over the past two years interviewing, researching and writing Where Do We Go From Hear?, a compilation of real-life stories written by parents of children with hearing loss.
Western Bulldogs player Jason Akermanis, who is fluent in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and a supporter of the deaf community, was at the official launch in Melbourne and spoke glowingly of Ms Fricot’s work.
The Endeavour Hills mother of three was motivated to write the book after her daughter Estelle was diagnosed with a severe hearing impairment.
“I wanted to replace the showbag full of daunting medical terminology that was given to me when Estelle was diagnosed,” Ms Fricot said.
“This is a book which families will connect with. It’s very exciting for everyone involved.
“We have had a great response from the community and everyone who has been featured in the book.”
Ms Fricot said the book’s aim was to break down the barriers of deafness that existed in society and help families who were going through a similar situation to that which her family endured.
“The words deaf and dumb certainly don’t go together these days,” she said.
“They may be hard of hearing but they can still certainly be very intellectual.
“The book is about breaking down that loneliness barrier and the fear of coming out, that it is okay to be deaf or hearing impaired.
“It is about building the confidence of the whole family.
“Be proud of the fact that you know a second language (Auslan) and not be embarrassed to use it,” she said.
Deaf Children Australia CEO Damian Lacey was full of praise for Ms Fricot and the booklet. “This booklet will connect families in a unique and personal way,” he said.
“Our vision at Deaf Children Australia is that deafness is no barrier. Raising a deaf or hearing-impaired child can be a challenging experience, and parents of deaf children have to deal with many important issues.”
The Pearcedale Children’s Sign Choir also performed at the launch.
Ms Fricot said the booklet would have never become a reality if it hadn’t been for the help of several people.
“Everyone at the POSER (Parents of the South East Region) group has been a great help with the book,” she said.
Ms Fricot, who formed POSER in November 2004 with the help of Deaf Children Australia, said she had plans to write a second book.
“We are hoping to have second edition,” she said.
“It will be with different stories, but this time I’m looking to write about tertiary students and getting down their stories about their journey.”
