Mum-of-two Carlee knows what it’s like to grow up with hearing loss – she was diagnosed at three, after struggling to be understood. She experienced delays, limited support, and at times bullying. Hearing loss runs through the maternal line of her family: her nan, her mum, her sister, her niece, and now her two daughters.
When her daughters Charlotte and Willow were both diagnosed with hearing loss, Carlee wanted to make sure that their experience would be different to hers. “I was very determined that my girls wouldn’t have the delays I had. I wanted them to have the best chance.”
Charlotte started at The Shepherd Centre at just three months old. The impact has been transformative. She’s now meeting all her language milestones, singing, reading, and thriving at daycare.
What’s made the difference? The wraparound care model. “Having everything in house is what I quite like,” Carlee explains. Speech therapy, audiology, messy play sessions, family counselling, and even daycare visits to support Charlotte’s educators. “They all work together. They already know what’s been going on before you get in the door.”
Her message to supporters? Thank you for allowing such an organisation to exist. It could have made such a big difference for me as a kid. Having this support means Charlotte, and soon Willow, can be with their peers and not be struggling or behind. We’re very appreciative.”. – Carlee
