Your Stories

We have talked to some families and individuals about their experiences with Phoenix.

Finding help

The Phoenix has done so much for me since my son was diagnosed. Through the workshops I have found it so helpful to meet others like me and know that I am not alone. I have been able to talk about my fears, my worries about the future, and have found comfort in meeting parents of older deaf children who can show me that they are okay, and that their children are okay.

I have valued all the information, advice and practical suggestions by the two workshop leaders. They have helped me know how to talk to my child, how to encourage language and listening, how to use my voice and useful tips for getting more out of games and activities. I have loved the Storysacks that I have used…they are helpful and look really nice too. My son loves playing with the props and listening to the story.

I have found in the Phoenix Group that whatever I need to know, or are worried about, I can just ask…You will be given advice and support by people who really know and understand what it is all about, rather than having to read it in a book.

Heidi

Attending a Phoenix workshop

Both my daughters (one hearing, one deaf) have benefited from workshops run by the Phoenix Group. This is just a snapshot of one of the most recent workshops – which my deaf daughter thoroughly enjoyed!

The ‘Telephone skills’ workshop

This was a workshop that we found was a great deal of fun. There were about ten deaf children each with at least one parent. We were all there to find out how to help children learn to use the phone, whilst making it a positive and successful experience, despite their hearing loss.

We were given a Telephone Skills training pack that had both information and training manuals for us to share with our child. The workshop was practical and fun. My daughter loved trying out the phones and playing games on them with me. She also really enjoyed meeting other deaf children and making new friends.

It was a pleasure to see so many happy, smiling faces that day as our deaf children discovered that YES, they could use a phone. They were given both encouragement and knowledge of how to find the right position and how to use the “T” switch. Yes, there were some children who found it more difficult, but they tried and they had fun trying, and they succeeded!

The Phoenix Group gave us all a positive experience in trying something that is normally seen as being too difficult for our children. Having tried out the phone in the workshop my daughter has gained a lot more confidence in having a go herself in using the phone.

Together we now are working through the telephone training pack, and having lots of fun and success.

Ira

Why I like the Phoenix Group

I find the Phoenix Group interesting and fun. I find it helps me with my hearing aids. I also get to make new friends at the workshops. I find them really useful. It is easy to talk to other deaf children, and I like learning to sign. I also like going to workshops where the siblings come too.

Mitzi

Meeting other siblings

I had a great time on the siblings course. It was a great opportunity for me to meet people who also had deaf brothers and sisters. I also enjoyed all the fun games and got to know some really cool people.

Hannah