Swimming Without Barriers: Ivanhoe Swim Launches New Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Ivanhoe Grammar School is thrilled to share the launch of Ivanhoe Swim’s new Deaf and Hard of Hearing Swimming Program.
Ivanhoe Swim’s new Deaf and Hard of Hearing Swimming Program is designed to make swimming lessons more accessible, inclusive and empowering for children and adults of all abilities.
The program will operate from the Ivanhoe Campus and is led by Deaflympian, swim instructor and 2025 Deaflympics gold medallist Imogen Nolan. Driven by Ivanhoe Swim Director of Aquatics Katrina Gevaux, the new Deaf and Hard of Hearing Swimming Program is creating a more inclusive pathway for children, adults and families to learn this vital life skill.
Working alongside Deaflympian and instructor Imogen Nolan, Katrina has led an approach in which accessibility and inclusion are embedded in every lesson through thoughtful communication strategies and teaching practices.
‘I’m a big believer in everyone learning how to swim,’ said Katrina. ‘I don’t think it’s right that there are some people out there who aren’t allowed or just can’t get access to swim lessons. Everyone has the right to learn.’
Deaf Children Australia has featured Ivanhoe Swim’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Swimming Program. The article highlights Ivanhoe Swim’s program instructor, Imogen Nolan, who is a Deaflympian, gold medallist, and Auslan-bilingual swim teacher, as well as the inclusive pathway built for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults in our community. The feature also explores Imogen’s personal journey as a deaf swimmer and the role that accessible communication and inclusive teaching have played in her success. The new Deaf and Hard of Hearing Swimming Program is designed to ensure every swimmer feels welcome, supported and empowered to learn this vital life skill in an environment where accessibility is embedded in every lesson. Read the full article: How Ivanhoe Swim is Making Swimming More Accessible: Meet Imogen and Katrina
