Deaf Children Australia

What Deaf Children Australia does

Deaf Children Australia (DCA) is a Melbourne-headquartered, ACNC-registered not-for-profit organization founded in 1862 that supports deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children, young people aged 0-25, and their families across Australia. Its core service portfolio centers on the nationally endorsed Puggles Swim learn-to-swim program (developed with AUSTSWIM and Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia), NDIS-registered services including Support Coordination, Youth Services, and School Leaver Employment Service, and a range of community programs such as Auslan Spelling Bee, Auslan Storytime, Art Competition, Parent Mentor Program, Youth Grants, and the Flying Colours resource hub. The organization also offers fee-for-service Deaf Awareness Training and Auslan tutoring to businesses, schools, and individuals. DCA employs Auslan-fluent staff with lived Deaf-community experience to deliver its bilingual-bicultural approach, and is governed as a Company Limited by Guarantee under a Board of Directors.

The organization is not a technology company; its "platform" is a community ecosystem rather than a software stack, and the Puggles Swim online course is delivered through a standard learning management system login rather than proprietary infrastructure. Strategic differentiation is built on 160+ years of heritage, F.J. Rose's pioneering legacy, the nationally endorsed Puggles Swim curriculum, ambassador relationships with Olympian Bronte Campbell and deaf swimming champion Nicholas Layton, and content assets such as the Flying Colours evidence-based family resource hub. Outcome evidence includes 1,400 swim teachers enrolled and 800+ actively delivering Puggles Swim across Australian pools since September 2022.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: donations and fundraising (regular giving via Champions of Equality, one-time donations, workplace giving, gifts in wills, and community fundraising events); NDIS-funded managed services delivered to eligible participants; and fee-for-service professional services including Deaf Awareness Training, Auslan tutoring, and Puggles Swim instructor accreditation. Distribution combines direct in-person service delivery, NDIS service registration, partner swim schools acting as resellers of the Puggles Swim curriculum, self-serve online programs, and enterprise-facing training. Marketing is multi-channel via the organizational website, bimonthly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, community events, and published real-stories testimonials.

Name

Deaf Children Australia

Legal name

Deaf Children Australia

Website

https://deafchildrenaustralia.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1862

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Deaf Children Australia is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit founded in 1862 that supports deaf and hard-of-hearing children, young people, and families across Australia through the Puggles Swim program, NDIS-funded services, Auslan education, and community programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Language Schools (611630), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hearing Impairment & Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Inclusive Childcare (HSAAAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.) (EDAMAFAM), Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI), Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Auslan language programs
• NDIS service provider
• Deaf children advocacy
• Inclusive swim programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Melbourne

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: DCA generates revenue through various donation mechanisms including regular giving programs (Champions of Equality), one-time donations, workplace giving, gifts in wills/bequests, and fundraising activities.
2. NDIS Services: DCA is a registered NDIS provider offering youth support services, support coordination, and other NDIS-funded supports to deaf and hard-of-hearing participants and their families.
3. Training and Programs: DCA provides fee-for-service programs including Deaf Awareness Training, Auslan tutoring, and the Puggles Swim program for swim instructors.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Deaf Children Australia is a not-for-profit organization delivering programs, services and resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, young people and their families across Australia. Offerings include the Puggles Swim learn-to-swim program (developed with AUSTSWIM and SCTA), NDIS-registered support services (support coordination, youth services, school leaver employment support), Auslan language tutoring, deaf awareness training, parent mentoring, community programs (Auslan Spelling Bee, Auslan Storytime, art competitions) and the Flying Colours resource hub.

Product overview

Deaf Children Australia offers a comprehensive suite of programs, services, and resources for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. The core offerings include the Puggles Swim program (with Course, Pro, and Open Water modules) - Australia's first nationally endorsed learn-to-swim program developed with AUSTSWIM - alongside educational and cultural programs such as Auslan Spelling Bee, Auslan Storytime, Art Competition, and Art Exhibition. The organization provides NDIS-funded services including Support Coordination, Youth Services (Access To Community, Buddy Up, Get Connected, Daily Living Skills, Travel Training), and School Leaver Employment Service. Additional services include Deaf Awareness Training, Auslan Tutoring, Parent Mentor Program, Flying Colours resource hub, and Production services. The portfolio operates as a multi-program service organization supporting the developmental, social, and practical needs of deaf children and young people across Australia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Flying Colours: A resource hub for parents and carers who have received a diagnosis that their child is deaf or hard of hearing, providing guides, resources and help.
• Puggles Swim
• Auslan Spelling Bee
• Auslan Storytime
• Art Competition
• Parent Mentor Program
• Champions of Equality

Products and services

• Puggles Swim Australia's first nationally endorsed learn-to-swim program supporting the communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing children aged 3-10 years. Developed in partnership with AUSTSWIM and Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia, delivered through accredited swim teachers at partner swim schools across Australia.
• Puggles Open Water Open water swimming training program for deaf and hard of hearing children, expanding swimming skills beyond pool environments.
• Puggles Pro Advanced swimming course for deaf and hard of hearing children who have completed foundational Puggles Swim training.
• NDIS Services National Disability Insurance Scheme support services including Support Coordination, Find and Keep a Job, and School Leaver Employment Service (SLES) for deaf and hard of hearing participants.
• Youth Services NDIS-funded supports including Access To Community, Buddy Up, Get Connected, Daily Living Skills, and Travel Training for deaf and hard of hearing young people.
• Support Coordination NDIS Support Coordination service helping participants and families understand and implement their NDIS plans.
• School Leaver Employment Service (SLES) Transition support service helping deaf and hard of hearing young people move from school to employment.
• Auslan Tutoring Individualised Auslan tuition to support, develop and enhance Auslan language skills at all levels for deaf and hard of hearing people and their families.
• Auslan Online Online Auslan (Australian Sign Language) tuition and learning resources.
• Deaf Awareness Training Training service helping organizations and individuals understand deaf culture and implement deaf-friendly communication strategies.
• Parent Mentor Program Lived experience support program connecting families of deaf and hard of hearing children with trained Parent Mentors who share practical information, emotional support and understanding.
• Flying Colours Comprehensive resource hub for parents and carers who have received a diagnosis that their child is deaf or hard of hearing, providing guides, information and support.
• Auslan Spelling Bee Fun and inclusive program for children, schools and community groups to learn the Auslan fingerspelling alphabet.
• Auslan Storytime Storytelling program that incorporates Auslan (Australian Sign Language) for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.
• Youth Grants Financial support program providing grants to deaf and hard of hearing young people to encourage exploration of new experiences and activities.
• Bluestone History Tours Historical tours of the Bluestone site, exploring Deaf history and heritage in Australia.
• Production Production services creating accessible content and materials for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% of parents worried about their child not being able to swim (Puggles Swim addresses this)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bronte Campbell (Olympian swimmer)minorOthers · 1 August 2023Olympic and gold medalist swimmer Bronte Campbell serves as ambassador for DCA's Puggles Swim program. She promotes inclusivity and accessibility in swimming for DHH children. Her brother Hamish has cerebral palsy and limited communication abilities, inspiring her advocacy.
• Nicholas Layton (Deaf swimming champion)minorOthers · 1 August 2023Nicholas Layton serves as ambassador for DCA and Puggles Swim. As a deaf swimming champion, he provides role model representation for DHH children in swimming.
• AUSTSWIMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022AUSTSWIM partnered with DCA to develop and endorse the Puggles Swim program, Australia's first nationally endorsed learn-to-swim program supporting DHH children aged 3-10 years. AUSTSWIM provides accreditation support for the program.
• Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SCTA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022SCTA collaborated with DCA to develop the Puggles Swim program curriculum and training materials for swim instructors. Together they ensure quality delivery of the program across Australia.
• Aurora (Early Intervention Service)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAurora Early Intervention Service is referenced as a partner supporting families with bilingual approaches to language acquisition for DHH children, introducing both English and Auslan.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Deaf Australia: Australian peak advocacy organization representing deaf and hard-of-hearing Australians, focused on rights, Auslan, and accessibility. Comparable as a sector peer with overlapping Auslan and deaf community focus but oriented to advocacy rather than direct service delivery to children.
• First Voice: Australian peak body representing member organizations providing early intervention services for children with hearing loss. Comparable as an adjacent sector-level organization rather than a direct competitor; provides industry advocacy, research, and standards that overlap with DCA's mission space.

Direct peers

• The Shepherd Centre: Australian not-for-profit providing early intervention and family support for children with hearing loss, including auditory-verbal therapy, cochlear implant support, and education programs for DHH children aged 0-18. Directly comparable as an Australian DHH-focused charity serving families and young people with similar NDIS-registered services.
• Hear and Say: Queensland-based not-for-profit supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing children through audiology, listening and spoken language therapy, and school-readiness programs. Directly comparable mission, Australian footprint, and DHH child focus with similar NDIS-aligned service delivery.
• Can:Do 4D: South Australian not-for-profit providing early childhood and family support for children with hearing or vision loss, including therapy and NDIS-funded services. Comparable as a regionally focused peer in the same DHH children charity category with similar NDIS-registered services.
• Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC): Major Australian not-for-profit delivering education, therapy, and NDIS services to children with hearing and vision loss across Australia. Comparable as a larger peer in the same DHH children support space with overlapping early intervention and educational program offerings.
• Expression Australia (formerly Expression Audiology): Australian not-for-profit providing Auslan interpreting, deaf community services, and DHH family support across Victoria and nationally. Comparable for its Auslan-focused programming, deaf community cultural services, and DHH family support that overlaps with DCA's Auslan tutoring and parent mentor work.
• Aurora Education Foundation: Australian charity supporting DHH children and young people through bilingual (Auslan and English) early intervention and family services. Directly comparable as a mission-aligned peer referenced by DCA as an Aurora Early Intervention partner with overlapping family-support programming.

Emerging players

• Hands & Voices: US-based non-profit providing parent-driven support, advocacy, and educational resources for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Comparable as a peer in the same DHH children/family support category but operating in a different geography with a grassroots parent-led model similar to DCA's Parent Mentor Program.

Regional players

• National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS): UK-based charity supporting deaf children and their families through information, advice, events, and campaigning. Comparable as the leading DHH-children-focused charity in another geography with a near-identical mission, programs, and parent support model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UChY4vrAMEXvYXcuXg50sc1Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/DeafChildrenAustralia
• LinkedInau.linkedin.com/company/deaf-children-australia
• Instagraminstagram.com/deafchildrenaustralia
• Xx.com/DeafChildrenAus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deaf Children Australia