NDCS: The National Deaf Children's Society
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Newborn Hearing Screening

Too many babies in England are missing out on a vital screening test for hearing loss.

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About NDCS campaigns

NDCS campaigns for change across the UK. We want to create a world without barriers for all deaf children. With your support we can create a powerful voice for change.

Take action!

Help us create a world without barriers for deaf children by taking action to support our campaigns.

Close the gap - attainment campaign

Many deaf children across the UK are currently under achieving in schools, compared to their hearing peers. We continue to campaign on this issue. You can help us by writing to your MP.

Cochlear implants

Many children experience unacceptably long delays to be fitted with an implant in one ear, whilst implants in both ears are still very rare. NDCS campaigns for cochlear implants to be made available for all families who choose this option and whose children will benefit.

Emotional well-being

An independent review is currently taking place into child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in England and has recently issued a call for evidence. Help us make sure that the needs of deaf children are taken into account.

Pick a number

The Scottish Government does not know how many deaf children there are in Scotland today.

Accessible TV for deaf children

The BBC now subtitles 100% of its output on its main 7 channels. Despite this, there is still much more to do to ensure deaf children and young people have full access to TV.

Family Sign Language

The Prime Minister has agreed to look into government support for family sign language after NDCS took its case for action directly to 10 Downing Street.

Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children

The future of the only primary school in London where children are taught in British Sign Language and English is under threat. You can support our campaign to maintain the educational provision that this school supplies by writing to your MP. 

Speech and language therapy - government call for evidence

The Government is conducting a review into speech, language and communication services. NDCS is making sure that the needs of deaf children are taken into account.

Examination arrangements

In July 2005 the body responsible for England’s public examination system acted to remove arrangements then in place for disabled candidates. This led to deaf students losing up to 25% of their marks and NDCS has led the disability movement in a campaign to reverse the changes. Despite some success we are still campaigning on behalf of disabled students to reverse these changes.

Early years

Deaf children are now being diagnosed within days of birth, thanks to the New Born Hearing Screening programme. NDCS campaigned for this to be introduced on the NHS, but we now need to see real support in place for the parents and families of deaf babies. 

Hearing aid services

As a result of campaigning by a number of organisations, including the NDCS, the government has modernised audiology services and digital hearing aids are now available through the NHS. However, we are campaigning to reduce the unacceptably long waiting times faced by deaf children and young people when using this critical service.

Every Disabled Child Matters

We are members of the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) campaign. EDCM is a campaign which aims to get rights and justice for every disabled child. It wants all disabled children and their families to have the right to the services and support they need to live ordinary lives.