About

Photo of Dana (1 of 1)

To introduce myself

I am Dana Pitt. I am profoundly Deaf and communicate fluently in Auslan.

I am well qualified to support children and adults with a variety of disabilities having completed studies in Certificate III in Disability, Diploma of Disability and Certificate III in Education Support.

I want my customers to become confident, happy people; able to learn something new every day and become independent communicators in their family and community.

My experience

I have had a range of work experiences over the past 13 years.

I have worked as a Teacher Aide with children who are deaf, hard of hearing or with additional communication needs in schools.

I have taught Auslan classes and Auslan in playgroup settings.

I have been a Support Worker with adults who are Deaf with additional disabilities who are working to be independent in the home and community.

I was selected and have worked as a volunteer with deaf children and their families in Tajikistan (Central of Asia).

thumbnail_IMG_0485xy1600q85

My goal

My aim is to teach families with deaf children to communicate with each other. Together we can reduce frustration and communication barriers in the home.

I will do my best to assist you to enable your deaf child in developing their first language (Auslan) to an age-appropriate level before school. In school children will learn written English as their second language.

I accept that cochlear implant may be the choice of a deaf child’s parent. My aim is provide access to a visual language (Auslan) which can be complementary as a separate language to spoken English.

Our work together begins with learning the sign vocab you and the child require to cover basic needs and wants. Soon this will incorporate signs needed around the home and then signs need for outings. Later, signs preparing for childcare, Kindergarten and school.

This model encourages the parent to be their child’s natural teacher. The emphasis is on normal, natural, everyday family communication; the parent sharing their language knowledge with their child incidentally and age appropriately through storytelling and books, play and everyday activities.

Everyone learns differently and some deaf children will experience language delays. Together we can negotiate a program with me as Deaf mentor to suit the needs of you, your deaf child and your family.