Waikato Deaf Society Inc History

As time passed, we bid farewell to two esteemed Deaf senior ex-members of the Waikato Deaf Society Inc. from May to June 2024. Their legacy, which we will forever remember, is not just a testament to their significant contributions to our community but a beacon of inspiration that guides us forward.

On June 7th, we united to honour the memory of Keith Rae, a pillar of our community. This poignant event served as a powerful testament to Keith’s impact and, more importantly, underscored our community’s unwavering strength and unity in providing support during times of grief.

The remaining Deaf ex-members and their children (CODAs) experienced a heartwarming reunion, a moment filled with joy and the opportunity to share cherished memories. This palpable joy of reconnecting was a testament to the enduring bonds forged within the Waikato Deaf Society Inc. community, a source of pride for all of us, and a demonstration of our community’s ability to foster relationships that span generations.

Only nine ex-members were present between 1956 and 1970, while the others were present from 1970 to 1999 (Dissolved in 2004).

Understanding why Jean typed this blog was reflected in establishing the Waikato Deaf Society Inc. in 1956. It is essential to show the connection between the blog and the founding of the society, such as the blog serving as a tribute to the society’s history and its members. At the earliest founding of the Deaf Society in Waikato, two women, Jessie Hughes and Olive Rae, who had deaf sons—John Hughes and Keith Rae—came up with the idea of having Deaf adults meet together, socialise together, participate in activities, and participate in sports. Jean is working on making two projects – a book for the public community, which will document the history and achievements of the society, and a website under WordPress, which will serve as a platform for community engagement and information sharing.