Families
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Receive updates on events and other happenings at RIDBC.
What's New
RIDBC Teleschool features on 2SER radio
Melissa McCarthy, Director of the RIDBC Teleschool, was recently interviewed on Sydney’s 2SER radio about how the RIDBC Teleschool is using the latest technology to connect families across Australia with much needed education and support.
Guy and Susie lend their voices to RIDBC's Splash for Cash swimathon
Marathon swimmer Susie Maroney and Australian Iron Man Guy Leech recently voiced a series of radio announcements promoting the RIDBC's Splash for Cash swimathon. These announcements are airing regularly on stations across Sydney.
Listen to Susie's radio announcement and Guy's radio announcement.
A milestone to celebrate
The RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre is RIDBC's bustling paediatric audiology facility. Recently the Centre celebrated the testing of its 10,000th client since its opening in 2002.
RIDBC Host Carer Program available for deaf children in regional areas who use Auslan
A fully subsidised place at a specialist school in Sydney is available to rural children who are deaf and communicate using Australian Sign Language (Auslan) through the RIDBC Host Carer Program.
Parky goes in to bat for Australian charity
Sir Michael Parkinson will get behind a good cause as Ambassador for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
RIDBC Student comes second in Australia-wide poetry competition
Bettina, a Year Five student at the RIDBC Garfield Barwick School, recently came second in her category in the Australia-wide Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition. Congratulations Bettina!
Read Bettina’s award-winning poem
Find out more with RIDBC's new free e-learning resources
The RIDBC Renwick centre has produced three e-learning websites containing interactive lectures, video, quizzes, facts and more. To learn more about vision or hearing impairment, how to use and produce braille or the inventor of the braille code, Louis Braille, visit the RIDBC Renwick Centre's e-learning page.
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC), Australia’s premier provider of educational services to children with hearing and/or vision impairment.
RIDBC's 150th anniversary
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2010 marks RIDBC's 150th anniversary! (1860 - 2010)
In 1860, with the help of several prominent figures of the time, Thomas Pattison, a deaf migrant to Australia from Scotland, co-founded and became the first teacher at, what is now know as the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC).
Find out more about RIDBC's 150th anniversary
Splash for Cash
Register now for the 2010 Splash for Cash swimathon
Join marathon swimmer Susie Maroney OAM, Ironman Guy Leech and blind long-distance swimmer James Pittar on Sunday 11 April for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children’s Splash for Cash swimathon.
Find our more about the 2010 Splash for Cash swimathon.
For Parents
Does your child have a vision impairment?
Ask about joining the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register, a free information service for you and your child.
Be Informed
Advice and information for parents of a child with a hearing impairment, vision impairment, or both.
Educating Your children
Find out more about RIDBC's schools and services, how we work with parents, and RIDBC Teleschool.
Featuring
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RIDBC is the Springboard for Henry's success
Australia is a world leader at integrating children with vision impairment into mainstream schools.
Twenty-four-year-old Henry MacPhillamy is living proof of the value of integration and what the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) can do to help.
» Read Henry's story» How you can help students like Henry
RIDBC Auslan Tutor
RIDBC Auslan Tutor
The RIDBC Auslan Tutor is a portable video-based Australian Sign Language (Auslan) teaching resource developed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch.
It is designed for families of young deaf children to assist them to learn Auslan and promote early communication between parent and child. Over 500 signs are included. These signs were carefully chosen as those most needed by families in their interactions with, and teaching of, their young deaf children.
» Read the RIDBC Auslan Tutor press release
» RIDBC Auslan Tutor support page
RIDBC Teleschool
New service for regional and rural families
RIDBC is pleased to announce a new program known as RIDBC Teleschool, which combines the existing Remote Early Learning Programs for vision impairment and hearing impairment.
RIDBC Teleschool is also building on the success of these existing programs by now offering a school age service to children aged 6-18 with hearing impairment. The service is partially funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Invest to Grow initiative.
» Find out more about RIDBC Teleschool.
» Case study: Bella loves to talk!
How to Help
Volunteer
Be a volunteer, or join a fundraising committee.
Join the new Central Coast Lantern Club to make a difference in the lives of deaf children and blind children. For more information, download the Central Coast Lantern Club poster
Donate
Donate online now using our secure online facility, or donate through corporate giving, bequests, and more.
Events
Get involved in our events, or run your own, and join in the fun!
Buy an Entertainment™ Book
The 2009/2010 Entertainment™ Books are now sold out.
2010/2011 Entertainment™ Books will be available for pre-order through our Online Shop in March 2010.
