Information and Support
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by the issues raised in this programme, the following organisations can help:
National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
The National Deaf Children鈥檚 Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for every deaf child. NDCS believes that all deaf children should be valued and included by society and have the same opportunities as any other child. NDCS supports all deaf children and young people, from birth to independence, regardless of their level of deafness or communication approach. NDCS offers expert advice and information to families on entitlements, education, health and technology for deaf children, and much more. Call their helpline on 0808 800 8880, or Minicom: 020 7490 8656. Email: helpline@ndcs.org.uk.
DELTA (Deaf Education through Listening and Talking)
DELTA is a national charity supporting deaf children, their families and practitioners who wish to follow an auditory oral route, from birth, through education and beyond. They want a world in which deaf children are able to realise their full potential within their communities, and they believe this is best achieved through providing support to learn to listen and, thereby, acquire spoken language. They believe that the vast majority of deaf children can learn to listen and talk, and believe that all parents of deaf children should be given this option. Call them on 0845 108 1437 (should you require a text phone conversation, a call back can be arranged). Email: enquiries@deafeducation.org.uk.
Auditory Verbal UK
Auditory Verbal UK is a national charity for deaf children aged 0-4 years, and their families. They work with families who choose for their child to develop listening and spoken language. After three years of intensive auditory verbal therapy, 80% of the children enter mainstream schools alongside their hearing peers, with age-appropriate listening and spoken language. They have centres in Oxfordshire and London. Call them on 01869 321492, or email info@avuk.org.
The Ear Foundation
The Ear Foundation is an independent charity that helps deaf people and their families make the best use of technology to improve hearing, communication and spoken language. All deaf children, young people and adults have the opportunity to hear, communicate and develop spoken language using the latest technological interventions. The Ear Foundation bridges the gap between clinic-based services, where today's exciting hearing technologies (such as cochlear implants) are fitted, and home, school and work where they are used in daily life. Call them on 0115 942 1985.
Deafness Research UK
Deafness Research UK is the only national research charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people. Through their free Advisory Service, they also provide information and advice about the medical aspects of deafness and hearing loss. Call their freephone line on 0808 808 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm) or their textphone on 020 7915 1412. Email: info@deafnessresearch.org.uk. Their site includes information about .
Action on Hearing Loss
Action on Hearing Loss is the new name for RNID. They鈥檙e working for a world where hearing loss doesn鈥檛 limit or label people, where tinnitus is silenced and where people value and look after their hearing. They are experts in providing support for people with hearing loss and tinnitus, they provide day-to-day care for people who are deaf and have additional needs, and they supply communication services and training - as well as offering practical advice to help people protect their hearing. Their helpline offers free, confidential and impartial information on a whole range of subjects relating to deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus. If you鈥檙e worried about your hearing you can also take their free online and telephone hearing check. Call their helpline on 0808 808 0123 (freephone) or textphone: 0808 808 9000 (freephone).
British Deaf Association
The British Deaf Association (BDA) represents the British Sign Language community, which is united by shared experiences, history and, most importantly, by language. They celebrate Deaf Culture, Deaf Identity and British Sign Language. Their work is focused on achieving equality for Deaf people through campaigning and community engagement. Call them on 020 7405 0090, or email bda@bda.org.uk.
Contact a Family
Contact a Family provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children, no matter what their disability or health condition. They can also put families in contact with others whose child has the same condition. You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 3555.
