Hearing loss was a new beginning

By Callan Date
JOANNA Fricot didn’t know where to turn when her daughter was diagnosed with severe hearing loss only months before her second birthday.
The Endeavour Hills mother was in complete shock at the great unknown of raising a child with a hearing impairment.
But after overcoming the various challenges, Ms Fricot decided to write a book to help others in a similar situation.
‘Where Do We Go From Hear?’ is a book about real life stories of hearing loss and will be officially launched by Deaf Children Australia next month.
The inspiration for the booklet stemmed from Ms Fricot’s six-year-old daughter Estelle.
It has been written to both inspire and help families who face the challenges of living with someone who is hearing impaired.
“The booklet consists of children from the new born age, to primary school, secondary school and university and tells their different stories,” Ms Fricot said.
“It has been written to build self esteem, confidence and make people realise dreams are still achievable.”
Over 1000 books have been printed and will be distributed free of charge. Ms Fricot hopes people who want to know more about hearing loss will be interested in reading the compilation of stories.
“It gives tips on how to raise a child with a hearing impairment and shows that there are many different ways to cope.
“The booklet has also been written to educate people on the different types of hearing loss,” she said.
Ms Fricot said Deaf Children Australia had been great in supporting her ambition to get the book published.
“They have been my backbone through it all. They provided financial support and a friend of mine helped out with the photography.”
Ms Fricot said the majority of the stories were sourced from members of the Parents of the South Eastern Region (POSER) group which she established in November 2004.
“Everybody involved in putting the book together has been really supportive,” she said.
For more information about the book or to obtain a copy, call Deaf Children Australia on 1800 025 207.