The Waikato Deaf Society Inc. was established by a group of Deaf adults and their supportive hearing parents between April and June of 1956. It was a tough period to begin an organisation, as many of the Deaf seniors who recall that time remember it being a harsh and cold season. Despite the difficulties faced, the Society persevered and has remained a crucial resource for the Deaf community in the Waikato region ever since.
Waikato Deaf Society Inc. was started between April and June 1956 by a few Deaf adults/family and their hearing parents who supported their Deaf members.
The Waikato Deaf Society Inc. started between April and June of 1956. The months were rugged to prove, according to most Deaf seniors mentioning it was a chilly and cold season.
The parent of the deaf adult, Jessie Leonie Hughes, devised an idea to establish a club for Deaf youths and adults in Waikato. Deaf community in Waikato owes a debt of gratitude to Jessie Leonie Hughes, who came up with the idea of establishing a club for Deaf youths and adults. Her son, Allan John Hughes, whom many Deaf people knew as John, was a member of this club. The first meeting held at the Hughes’ place.
John’s father, Allan Robert Hughes, passed away in 1953, and Jessie was left to raise their five children. Sadly, Jessie passed away in 1983, and John followed in 2001 at the age of sixty-two. Their legacy lives on through the club that Jessie established, which continues to bring together Deaf individuals in the community.
Waikato Deaf Society Inc History 