Deaf role models provide help to more families with deaf children

The NDCS project has recruited and trained deaf adults who are successful in all walks of life to work as role models. To date, deaf role models have only been able to visit families in their homes. With the extension, they will also be able to visit local groups, NDCS family weekends, schools, colleges, and youth clubs to talk about their experiences. The project will also be extended further by another year to 2009.

Sally Reynolds, NDCS Family Communication Services Manager, explains:
“One of the things parents of deaf children worry about most is - what will happen when they grow up? We know from our work with families what a positive effect it can have if children and parents have the chance to get to know, and be inspired by, deaf adults. We are pleased that the NDCS deaf role models can now visit more families, as well as professionals, across the country to talk about their experiences, answer questions and give informal advice.

“This project will help deaf children feel less isolated, and help the whole family have higher expectations of what their deaf child can achieve with the right support and encouragement. The project, which has been supported by the Big Lottery Fund, has provided us with this opportunity to do something in the UK that is groundbreaking and will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the families involved."

Families will receive visits from deaf role models of their choice. The NDCS role models consist of a broad range of people with varying levels of hearing loss and will not advocate any one type of communication, education, technology or medical intervention. A wide variety of deaf people have been recruited so that families can choose a role model who reflects their situation.

Three babies are born deaf every day and 90% are born to hearing parents with little experience of deafness. NDCS is the national charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young deaf people.

If you are a parent of a deaf child or young person aged 18 or under we can arrange a visit in your home. Or if you are a professional working with deaf children or young people aged 18 or under, we can arrange a visit in your place of work. For more information please contact Valerie Copenhagen, Deaf Role Model Co-ordinator 020 7490 8656 (voice or text) deafrolemodel@ndcs.org.uk
Posters and flyers are available on request. Information also available in Welsh.

-Ends-