More prominence for snowsports among the hard of hearing

SSA is always looking to encourage more people to get involved with skiing and snowboarding, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing .

Winter sports are hugely enjoyable and beneficial for everyone, but for the deaf and hard of hearing, they can provide a new social experience, too.
 
Promoting Deaf Winter Sports
 
Connect Hearing recently included SSA in a blog article about why sport is so important for the deaf and hard of hearing. Taking part in sport can provide those with hearing loss vital connections to their local communities. This is extremely important, as many people with hearing loss may experience a feeling of social isolation.
 
As mentioned in the article, Don’t Let Hearing Loss Stop You From Being Active, winter sports are ideal because they don’t rely on the ability to hear. Skiers and snowboarders with perfect hearing may even choose to listen to music while they enjoy the slopes as a means of blocking out the intrusive sounds of other people around them.

Snow sports are mainly about individual technique and the chance to connect with yourself and your own body, as well as enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings.
 
Deaf and hard of hearing people can enjoy and excel at winter sports just the same as those who are able to hear. Building physical confidence by improving your fitness, balance and motor skills is a great boost to your self-esteem, which can, in turn, encourage you to become more social.
 
Get in Touch with Disabled Winter Sport Australia
 
SSA has close links with Disabled Winter Sport Australia who assist thousands of individuals with impairments to participate in winter sports every year. Their services provide include provision of adaptive equipment and instructors/guides to assist people in skiing and snowboarding.  This includes instructors who are trained to work with people with hearing impairments, using other visual cues to teach lessons on snow. 
 
Start Today!
 
Skiing and snowboarding are inclusive sports that can be enjoyed with friends and family or as a solitude activity. Like any physical activity, evidence suggests that skiing can positively influence self-esteem, physical self-worth, as well as improving fitness, balance, and motor skills among individuals, including those with any kind of disability.

If you want more information on how to get started get in touch with SSA or Disabled Winter Sport Australia today!