South Australia’s oldest charitable provider, Can:Do 4Kids, has provided support and services for children and young people  who are  deafor hard of hearing for decades. Can:Do 4Kids are now raising vital funds  so that they can continue to provide specialist early intervention programs that encourage listening and spoken language skills, as well as spreading awareness of hearing loss on Loud Shirt Day, Friday, 18th October 2019.

Established in 1998, Loud Shirt Day is an annual, community fundraising campaign which encourages people to ‘Get Loud’ by wearing their wackiest shirt or outfit to raise funds to support deaf and hard of hearing children.

People can get involved with Loud Shirt Day as an individual or through a workplace, school or community group by holding a fundraising morning tea or barbecue. As part of the national Loud Shirt Day campaign on Friday, 18th October, The Highway hotel will host a Loud Party featuring live entertainment, games and a best dressed competition.

The money raised from The Highway’s Loud Party will fund services and support provided by Can:Do 4Kids for South Australia kids and their families. These life-changing services help children to learn, listen, speak and participate in their communities. Tickets are $35 and include snacks, a drink token, stubby holder, LOUD cocktail and drink specials. It’s hoped through these efforts; South Australia will raise $60,000 in vital funds.

One in six Australians are affected by hearing loss, it is the most common disability diagnosed at birth, however, it is not ‘visible’ to everyday Australians.

“Most people who have a child that is deaf or hard of hearing have never had any experience with deafness before,” says Rachael Ward, Can:Do 4Kids Listening and Spoken Language Service Manager.

“They are often feeling overwhelmed by the diagnosis and are apprehensive about what may lay ahead. Can:Do 4Kids puts families at the centre of their intervention and gives families the support when they desperately need it. They allow families to build connections with others and through specialised guidance and coaching they are given the confidence and skills to help their child reach their potential and learn to talk.”

Early hearing loss detection leads to better language and speech, and South Australians are being encouraged to ‘Get Loud’ in a bid to help children to live lives to their fullest and loudest. For more information on how to get involved visit: https://www.loudshirtday.com.au.