Further education

Experiences of deaf students in further education

Real-life stories:

• Freya studies languages: Freya worried she would struggle to learn Spanish and Latin but decided not to let self-doubt hold her back.
• Daniel takes on T-Levels: With his passion for science and working practically, Daniel knew taking a T-Level was the right choice for him.

These simulations give insight into how some deaf young people experience sound in different environments:

• What different levels of hearing loss sound like (YouTube)
• Radio aids in a classroom (YouTube)
• Cochlear implant simulator (University of Southampton)

Signs of deafness

Some deaf students enter further education without having yet been identified as deaf, while others may develop hearing loss during their studies. At this age, this is most likely to happen following a serious illness, such as meningitis, but it can happen at any time. That’s why it’s important to be able to spot the signs early and ensure support is put in place quickly.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Does not respond when called.
• Watches faces and/or lips intently.
• Constantly asks for repetition.
• Does not always follow instructions straight away.
• Often misunderstands or ignores instructions.
• Watches what others are doing before doing it themselves.
• Frequently seeks assistance from peers.
• Talks either too loudly or too softly.
• Appears inattentive or as though daydreaming.
• Makes little or no contribution to class discussions.
• Complains about not being able to hear.

See more signs of deafness.

Not all signs will necessarily mean a student is deaf, but if you have any concerns, speak with them and their family and encourage them to see their GP for further advice.

Don’t overlook mild hearing loss

Students with mild hearing loss can usually hear everything said to them in a quiet room, but not if there's background noise or if they're far away from the speaker.

Deaf-friendly teaching

Creating a deaf-friendly learning environment ensures deaf students are fully included in lessons, activities and wider school life. 

• Explore deaf-friendly teaching strategies.
• Download or order our free resource: Deaf-friendly teaching: For further education staff (Shopify).

Top tips for course tutors

• Share written information in advance, such as timetables, maps and staff names.
• Use name badges during the first week to help everyone learn names more easily.
• Arrange seating so the deaf student can see everyone during discussions (such as in a semi-circle).
• Discuss with the student any technology they use, such as a radio aid, and how best to use it.
• Where possible, hold tutorials in quiet, well-lit spaces.
• Offer alternatives to phone contact, such as text messaging or email. 

Getting the right support in place

Deaf students may need support from specialist staff, depending on their individual needs. Key roles include:

• Teachers of the Deaf (ToD): A qualified teacher with extra training in deaf education. They support students, advise staff and help with equipment. Usually provided by local sensory support services, though some colleges employ their own.
• Learning support assistants/teaching assistants: Help deaf students in class. They should have training in deaf awareness and communication needs.
• Notetakers: Write notes during lessons so the student can focus on listening or watching an interpreter.
• Electronic notetakers: Provide live, typed notes that the student can read during class.
• Sign language interpreters: Interpret spoken language into British Sign Language (BSL), Irish Sign Language (ISL) or Sign Supported English (SSE).
• Communication support workers: Offer flexible support such as interpreting, note-taking and helping with learning materials.
• Lipspeakers: Repeat what’s said silently using clear lip movements to support lip-reading.

Funding for support

Mainstream further education providers receiving public funding can access additional government or local authority funding to meet the specialist needs of deaf students, beyond their general learning offer. The available funding varies depending on the student's age, whether they have a statutory plan, and the nation in which the provider operates.

• England: Local authorities provide high needs funding for students aged 16 to 19 (with or without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)) and students 19 to 25 with an EHCP. For students over 19 without an EHCP, learning support funding is available from the Department for Education.
• Northern Ireland: Students in college are considered adult learners. Colleges can apply for additional support funding from the Northern Ireland Government to address individual needs.
• Scotland: Students in college are considered adult learners. Colleges can apply for extra funding from the Scottish Funding Council – called the Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance – to help with needs that aren't covered by standard disabled student support.
• Wales: Colleges can access Additional Learning Support funding through the funding agency Medr to meet the individual needs of deaf students.

Creating a good communication environment

Simple changes to your environment – like reducing background noise or improving lighting – can make a big difference to a deaf student’s ability to communicate and access learning.

Find out how to create a good communication environment.

Social and emotional support

Social life is a big part of further education, but deaf students may be more at risk of isolation. Group conversations can be hard to follow, especially when lip-reading multiple speakers, and peers may lack deaf awareness.

You can help by: 

• introducing them to other deaf students, if possible
• making sure communication support is available for clubs and societies
• organising deaf awareness sessions for peers, ideally involving the deaf student and supported by local services or charities

Counselling

Deaf students may need emotional support just like any student and should be made aware of the college counselling service and how to access it. Counsellors should understand each student's communication needs and provide communication support if needed.

If their needs are linked to deafness or are more complex, involve professionals experienced in working with deaf young people. If internal support is not enough, refer them to appropriate services such as:

• social services for deaf people
• local mental health teams
• deaf child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) (for those under 18)

Supporting transitions to adulthood

You will play an important role in helping deaf young people explore their options beyond further education – whether that’s university, apprenticeships, employment, or other life opportunities. 

One of the biggest barriers deaf young people face when entering adulthood is the low expectations others have of them as well as the lack of knowledge about support available. Your encouragement can make a powerful difference. By raising the bar and helping them see their full potential, you can show that being deaf should never be a barrier to achieving their dreams. 

Learn more about supporting transitions to adulthood.

Exam access arrangements

Access arrangements are changes to how exams are written, assessed or delivered to make sure deaf young people are not unfairly disadvantaged.

Schools, colleges, universities and awarding bodies must make arrangements so that deaf students can access exams fairly.

Learn more about exam access arrangements.

Technology in education

Some students in your setting may use hearing devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices like radio aids and streamers. 

It’s important to understand how these devices work and how to support students who use them.

Learn more about hearing and assistive technology in education.

Training for educators

Our training courses and workshops introduce you to the skills and knowledge needed to support deaf children and young people. 

We offer a range of flexible options, including free online courses you can complete at your own pace. These courses are ideal for individual learning or group sessions, such as inset days or whole-staff training.

Some popular sessions for educators include:

• Introduction to Deaf Awareness (CPD accredited)
• Social Care Needs of Deaf Children and Young People
• Working with Deaf Children and Young People

Explore all our training courses for educators.

Find out how to learn British Sign Language (BSL).