Time to raid the wardrobe for your brightest, boldest outfit. Loud Shirt Day returns tomorrow, Friday 16 October, and it’s all about making noise for children with hearing loss and their families.
For more than 26 years, Loud Shirt Day has been raising funds and awareness across Australia and New Zealand. Here in South Australia, Can:Do 4Kids is leading the charge with a goal of raising $75,000 to support vital early intervention therapies.
Throughout October, workplaces, schools and communities across the state are bursting into a sea of colour, patterns and prints. Every dollar raised in SA goes directly to Can:Do 4Kids’ Tiny Tots weekly group program for babies and toddlers with hearing loss.
Why early intervention matters
In Australia, around one in every 1,000 babies is born with hearing loss. For every child born with hearing loss, a further two develop it before they start school. And for more than 90 per cent of families, their child is born into a family with no prior experience of hearing loss.
Without appropriate and timely support, hearing loss can affect speech and language development, literacy, confidence and social connection. But with the right support, including early access to hearing technology and specialist services, children with hearing loss can achieve remarkable outcomes.
Tiny Tots is a specialist early intervention program that helps develop speech and language skills, build social connections and supports families as they navigate their unique hearing journey.
Morgan’s story
When Morgan was diagnosed with hearing loss at just 13 months old, her family began a journey with Can:Do 4Kids that would open up a world of sound, communication and opportunity.
With the support of a cochlear implant and ongoing Listening and Spoken Language therapy, Morgan has worked hard to develop her communication skills and overcome the challenges that can come with hearing loss. One of her biggest challenges has been differentiating sounds, a skill that is essential for understanding speech and communicating with confidence.
“With regular therapy over the past eight years, my listening and pronunciation have really improved,” said Morgan.
Alongside individual therapy, Morgan has participated in Can:Do 4Kids group programs including Music Matters, Talking Buddies and Sound Hounds, helping to build her confidence, practise her listening and speaking skills and create new friendships.
“What I love most about Can:Do 4Kids is the way they have supported me through different programs and helped to improve my listening and speaking skills,” she said.
Recently, Morgan travelled to Canberra to present at Parliament House as part of the Power of Speech event. Her journey is a powerful example of the difference early intervention and ongoing support can make.
“Thank you to the donors who are giving us the gift of sound and connection,” said Morgan. “Your support changes lives every single day by ensuring no child is left out of the conversation.”
How you can help
Loud Shirt Day raises vital funds to ensure children and families can access Can:Do 4Kids’ Tiny Tots program at no cost. Can:Do 4Kids’ specialist Listening and Spoken Language program supports children to develop age-appropriate language skills and begin school ready to learn, connect and participate alongside their peers.
So dig out that Hawaiian shirt, those crazy leggings, or whatever loud gear you’ve got. Donate, dress up, and help make sure every child can be part of the conversation.
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter