NDCS policies

NDCS has developed a number of policies relating to issues on childhood deafness, which outline our position and aim to provide guidance for parents and professionals.

  • Child protection

    A child protection policy acknowledges that children are vulnerable and may be subject to harm or abuse. It is never acceptable for a child to be abused. All child abuse involves the abuse of children’s rights. NDCS must take steps to prevent abuse wherever it can, and respond to the needs of all children it comes into contact with whenever it suspects they are being abused.

  • Cochlear implants

    The National Deaf Children’s Society acknowledges that the many advances in technology have the potential to enhance the lives of deaf children and young people by improving choices and options available to them.

  • Genetics & deafness

    The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) recognises that the issue of deafness and genetics is an extremely sensitive one which gives rise to a wide range of emotions and opinions.

  • Inclusion

    “Inclusion……is about much more than the types of school children attend: it is about the quality of their experience and how far they are helped to learn, to achieve and participate fully in the life of the school” (DfES, Removing Barriers to Achievement, 2004)

  • Insurance & replacement hearing aids

    All users of hearing aids and cochlear implant processors which are provided free of charge by the NHS have a right to use this equipment without fear of being charged for replacement or repair by the NHS.

  • Mental health

    The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) aims to raise awareness of preventive mental health measures and also to encourage the development of effective services to meet the mental health needs of deaf children, when they arise. The Society also aims to promote the positive mental health and well-being of deaf children.

  • Communication support for BSL users

    The NDCS policy on communication support for deaf children who use British Sign Language (BSL)

  • Informed Choice

    With the advent of newborn hearing screening the importance of providing full and impartial advice to families at the outset and throughout the child’s life cannot be over-stated. Providing this full range of information to families is the essential foundation for ensuring that a deaf child achieves their potential throughout life.