Dimity Dornan

WIBA Brisbane Winner 2016-Dimity-Dornan

Dimity Dornan is an Australian speech pathologist and the founder of Hear and Say, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children with hearing loss to listen and speak. Dornan has been a pioneering figure in the field of auditory-verbal therapy in Australia, significantly contributing to the lives of many children and their families.

Early Life and Education

Dimity Dornan's early life and educational background laid the foundation for her career in speech pathology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued further qualifications in speech pathology, recognizing early on the impact of communication disorders on individuals and their families.

Career

Dornan's career began as a speech pathologist, where she quickly identified the need for specialized services for children with hearing loss. Her passion and dedication led to the establishment of Hear and Say in 1992. The organization started with just six children and has since grown to support thousands of children and families across Australia and internationally.

Hear and Say utilizes auditory-verbal therapy, a technique that focuses on teaching children with hearing loss to use their residual hearing to develop speech and language skills. This approach has been transformative, enabling children who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate fully in mainstream education and society.

Throughout her career, Dornan has been an advocate for early intervention and the use of advanced hearing technologies, such as cochlear implants, to improve outcomes for children with hearing loss. Her work has not only changed the lives of many children and families but has also influenced public policy and funding for hearing health services.

Awards and Recognition

Dimity Dornan's contributions to speech pathology and the deaf community have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including being named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the deaf and hard of hearing through pediatric hearing loss programs.

Legacy and Impact

Dornan's legacy is evident in the success of Hear and Say, which has become a model for auditory-verbal therapy programs worldwide. Her vision and leadership have paved the way for advancements in the treatment and support of children with hearing loss, ensuring that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

See Also

• Speech pathology
• Auditory-verbal therapy
• Cochlear implants
• Hearing loss in children