Additional and complex needs

NDCS has a number of resources and events that are suitable for parents of deaf children with additional needs.

You’re not alone. Getting in touch with other families via our online Parent Place discussion forum, local groups or Facebook group can be a wonderful source of ideas, inspiration and friendship.

• Parent Place This is our online forum where we have a dedicated discussion board for parents of deaf children with additional needs at www.ndcs.org.uk/additional
• Facebook We have an NDCS Group and Page which you can join up to if you have a Facebook account. You can receive updates on what's going on, share photos and discuss issues with other users.
• Local groups Find out about your nearest local group and how to get involved here.

We run a number of events for families and young people which you can attend. They are a great way to access support and meet other people.

There are a range of family events, including some with an emphasis on additional needs and you are welcome to attend any you wish. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

• See what young people's events are happening near you >
• See what family events are taking place near you >

NDCS is very pleased to announce that we are running the Big Weekend for families with a deaf child with additional complex needs again in 2012.

The date is 9-11 March 2012 and the venue is Holiday Inn, Manchester Airport. 

Download booking form for the event and the answers to some frequently asked questions:

• Big 60 Weekend 2012 booking form (276 kb)
• Big 60 Weekend 2012 FAQs (37 kb)

Please contact complexneeds.familyweekend@ndcs.org.uk if you have any questions or queries. Or call Events 0121 234 9825.

In March 2011 NDCS piloted a new kind of weekend for families with deaf children with additional complex needs.

We brought together 60 families from across England, Wales and Scotland to spend a relaxing and informative few days in the company of other families who all have one thing in common – a child who has complex needs alongside a hearing loss.

• See photos from the event here >

The weekend was led by experienced NDCS staff and invited specialists and discussions included a range of topics which parents have told us are important to them and they would like more information about.

All of the siblings spent time at the Chill Factor in Manchester and then at the Seashell Trust where they made cakes and a magazine about what they liked about the weekend.

Deaf children and young people themselves took part in a range of activities including wall climbing and cooking at the Seashell Trust.

We’ve brought together the presentations given during the weekend - download them below:

• 'Claiming and challenging decisions' presentation
• 'Cochlear Implants' presentation
• 'Massage for children with special needs' presentation

If you would like to find out more about the weekend, please contact ndcs@ndcs.org.uk

NDCS has a number of publications that are suitable for parents of deaf children with additional needs.

The titles below are available to download or order here or can be ordered by contacting the Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880.

* Please note to download or order publications you will need to be a member of NDCS.

Our key booklet Deaf children with additional needs includes sections on the following key areas:

• understanding additional needs
• professionals you may meet
• getting a diagnosis
• communication
• hearing aids
• parenting tips
• choices for your child
• safety
• your child’s emotions
• independence
• time for yourself
• support from others
• useful resources
• safety

• Down’s syndrome and childhood deafness
  
• A child with microtia and atresia
  
• Vision care for your deaf child
  
• Communicating with your deaf child (Ch 11)

Did you know that in 2010 the University of Manchester completed some research, funded by NDCS, into the experiences of services for families with a deaf child with additional complex needs?