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.

  • Audiology services

    Audiology services are responsible for assessment, diagnosis and rehabilitative support of deaf children (including hearing aid fitting and maintenance).

  • Cochlear implants

    In 1987, the first child in the UK received a cochlear implant. Cochlear implantation is a well established and safe procedure. In 2007, 430 children were implanted in the UK.

  • Communication support for BSL users

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

  • Corporal Punishment

    NDCS stands against all forms of abusive behaviour towards children and does not believe physical chastisement is the most effective form of discipline for children, or in the best interests of the child.

  • Genetics and deafness

    NDCS welcomes all medical discoveries which contribute to our greater and more positive understanding of deafness, empower individuals by giving them choices and enhance the potential of families to lead lives which are as rich and varied as possible.

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • Insurance and 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 & emotional well being

    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.

  • School entry screening

    In the light of the government expectation, in England, that all children should be offered a hearing screen around the time of starting school and the findings of the Health Technology Assessment 2007, NDCS has developed a policy on school entry screening (SES).

  • Social care policy

    NDCS policy and position statement on social care