Past Graduates

Taylor, aged 9

By Taylor’s mum Jenny

Taylor

Taylor was born profoundly deaf in both ears and also suffering from Hirschsprungs disease (disease of the bowel). Taylor has a Mondini abnormality to her cochlears (miniature version of a normal cochlear). Before anything could be done to assist Taylor with her deafness she had to undergo a colostomy at five weeks of age because of her bowel condition.

When she was well enough we sought information on what support was available, to help us understand what could be done to enable her to be part of the hearing world. There were various resources available for deaf children but The Shepherd Centre information was so encouraging that I felt that I had to attend the centre to see just what they did.

Taylor was six months of age when we visited the Wollongong Shepherd Centre to attend a playgroup and to meet other parents with hearing impaired children. We were absolutely amazed at how well these children were doing and how they were developing their speech and listening skills. The Shepherd Centre assists parents to teach their children to listen, speak and understand language. We were given hope that day that Taylor could be just like them.

Taylor underwent an evaluation period where she wore high powered hearing aids for a period of ten months and attended speech lessons at the centre. As the aids weren't helping she was given a cochlear implant at sixteen months of age. With the assistance of a Teacher of the Deaf at The Shepherd Centre, myself and my family, Taylor has developed beautiful speech and listening skills. She speaks naturally just like other hearing children. Taylor also attended The Shepherd Centre pre-school where they integrate hearing-impaired children with hearing children. This made her transition to a mainstream school so much easier. Taylor attended the centre for a period of four and a half years before graduating in 2004.

Since leaving the centre Taylor has continued to progress with her language skills. She has just completed Year 3 at her local primary school and received excellent results in all subjects. It makes me very proud when she receives school awards for outstanding performance, especially when the teacher writes "listens very well in class".

For any parent going through similar situations, and I know how it can overwhelm you; please remember that you are not alone. The Shepherd Centre is there to assist and advise you on how you can teach your child language. They do an absolutely amazing job and I know that Taylor's success was achieved through our combined efforts. There are also parents who can offer some advice if needed, the centre can put you in touch with them. With the technology available these days to assist our children to be part of the hearing world and The Shepherd Centre to provide us with the necessary skills to teach our children to learn there is no need to be concerned. Trust in yourself that your child is going to be ok.

I have written a book about Taylor's experience called Taylor’s Journey – A Mother’s Story, which has recently been published. Please contact The Shepherd Centre on 1800 020 030 or enquiries@shepherdcentre.com.au to order a copy.  All proceeds will go to The Shepherd Centre. 

Her story in my mind is truly inspirational due to all that she had to deal with. She has overcome many hurdles. She is a very happy, talkative young girl and I am a very proud mum indeed.

The Shepherd Centre relies heavily on donations to continue with their work so please, anyone who is considering donating to a worthy cause, remember The Shepherd Centre needs your help. All donations no matter how small are greatly appreciated and our children will be the ones to benefit. Every child has a voice so let our child's voice be heard by making a donation today. Thank you.