Deaf & Hard of Hearing Support
At Positive Step, we are committed to providing respectful, accessible, and person-centred occupational therapy for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. We understand that communication is fundamental to independence, safety, and participation in everyday life, and we work alongside you to ensure your needs are understood and supported in a way that works for you.
Our focus is on building independence, reducing barriers, and supporting you to achieve your personal goals at home and in the community.
How we can support you
We provide practical, tailored occupational therapy services that focus on improving safety, access, and independence in your daily life. This includes:
- Home-based assessments completed in your own environment to understand your needs in context
- Assistive technology recommendations to support communication, safety, and daily routines
- Individualised goal setting focused on what matters most to you
- Functional strategies to support independence at home, work, and in the community
- Ongoing collaboration with your broader support team where needed
Assistive technology and communication support
We have strong knowledge of current assistive technology options for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This may include devices and solutions that support:
- Alerting and safety systems in the home
- Communication access and environmental awareness
- Independence in daily routines
- Community participation and engagement
We take the time to understand your environment and routines to ensure any recommendations are practical, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Communication access and inclusion
We recognise that communication barriers can significantly impact daily life. To support clear, consistent communication, we work closely with accredited Auslan interpreters and ensure appropriate communication supports are in place throughout the assessment and therapy process.
Positive Step is also a deaf-aware organisation and are actively building our Auslan skills to further improve accessibility and engagement with the Deaf community.
Why choose Positive Step OT
A person-centred approach
Your goals guide everything we do. We take the time to understand what independence means to you and work collaboratively to support your priorities—whether that is improving communication access, increasing safety at home, or participating more fully in your community.
You can expect:
- Respectful, inclusive, and accessible occupational therapy services
- Strong knowledge of assistive technology for deaf and hard of hearing individuals
- Commitment to clear communication through accredited Auslan interpreters
- Home-based, functional assessments focused on real-life outcomes
- Person-centred care that prioritises your goals and independence
Get in touch
If you would like to learn more about how Positive Step can support you or someone you care for, we welcome you to contact our team. We are here to support you to live safely, independently, and with confidence. Contact our team to discuss your needs, or submit a referral using our secure online forms.
