Survey reveals lack of support for families with deaf children to learn sign language

19 October 2011

Less than half of councils surveyed by NDCS in a telephone survey provide support for families of deaf children who want to learn sign language – and the support provided is hugely variable. NDCS and parents are continuing to urge the Government to make family sign language courses available for any families of deaf children who want to learn sign language.

NDCS believes it is unacceptable that parents across the UK are being forced to pay hundreds or thousands of pounds, just to learn to communicate with their deaf child. Even then, parents have no choice but to learn a sign language curriculum which is not suitable for families or children. 90% of parents have no experience of deafness.

Between August and September 2011, NDCS conducted a telephone survey of 80 local authorities to determine whether they provided services or support for families of deaf children who wanted to learn sign language. Of the 44% of councils that do provide some form of support, this support varies considerably. It is clear that not all families can rely on ready access to family-friendly sign language classes. Worryingly, a number of local authorities expressed concern about the future of the support they provide.

With a critical meeting taking place in the Department for Education in early November, NDCS is calling on supporters to get behind the campaign. You can show your support by:

More information:

NDCS's Sign Up! campaign

Results of NDCS telephone survey of local authorities (36 kb)