Katja Lenič Šalamun: Becoming a parent is a transformative experience
Short bio
I was born in Slovenia. I studied Translation Studies at the University of Graz and European Studies - European Project Management at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. I am a translator, project manager (pma/IPMA® certified) and explorer of people, cities, languages and cultures. I have lived in Maribor, Edinburgh and Brussels and have been back in Graz since 2013.
My story of Empowerment
Becoming a parent is a transformative experience, filled with expectations, joy and a host of challenges. For parents of deaf children, this journey is particularly complicated as they have to deal not only with the usual tasks of parenthood, but also with additional communication barriers, medical considerations and emotional issues. The SILENT project - Strengthening Language skills, communication competencies, and ENhancing resilience of hearing parenTs of deaf children - was developed in response to these challenges and aims to empower parents around the world by providing them with support and resources. The development of SILENT was a deeply personal experience that grew out of my own situation as a parent of a deaf child. The first few months after my child's diagnosis were a whirlwind of emotions as I tried to understand and adapt to this new reality. Despite my ability to find information and resources, the journey was emotionally draining. It became clear that this experience could be even more terrifying for many parents, especially those living in regions with limited support networks. Through my contact with other parents around the world, I recognised a common theme: a universal need for reliable information, emotional support and practical tools to deal with the complexities of raising a deaf child. This insight was the impetus for SILENT - a project designed to address the lack of support and information that many parents face.
One of the main aims of SILENT is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience across borders and to provide equal access to resources regardless of geographical location. SILENT has led to the development of an e-learning course tailored to the needs of parents at different stages of their journey. The course covers a wide range of topics from medical aspects of deafness to communication strategies and sign language. The focus on language and communication is a unique and core component of the SILENT project. We have developed resources to encourage parents to focus on sign language at an early stage. This initiative is based on the belief that an early focus on sign language - regardless of the communication method ultimately chosen - can significantly improve the child's language development and facilitate the communication process within the family. Another aspect of SILENT is the creation of picture books. These books are designed to be a resource for the whole family, gently introducing siblings and other family members to the world of deafness. Through easy-to-understand stories and appealing illustrations, the books aim to normalise deafness while promoting empathy and understanding, which in turn helps the family in the adjustment process.
On a personal level, the development of the SILENT project has been a transformative journey. What began as a response to personal frustration and helplessness has evolved into a powerful platform for change and empowerment. This process has not only helped me navigate my own emotional landscape, but has also connected me to a global community of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of deaf children and their families.
The SILENT project embodies the transformative power of shared experience and collective action. It testifies to the resilience and strength of parents who, despite considerable challenges, continue to strive to grow and learn.
