Resources to share with families

These materials are designed to empower families to advocate effectively, understand their rights and make the most of the support available. 

You can use these resources to signpost families to us, where we can give additional support and guidance to complement your own expert advice. 

We also have resources to use in your setting. 

Free resources to order or download

Tools

These resources help deaf children and young people explain their needs to staff in their education setting: 

• Communication cards for deaf young people (Shopify)
• Document

  Early years personal passport - Under the sea theme.pdf (878.05 KB)
• Document

  Early years personal passport - Jungle theme.pdf (745.89 KB)
• Document

  Personal passport ages 3-6 Template.docx (250.47 KB)
• Document

  Personal passport for ages 7 to 11.docx (183.52 KB)
• Document

  Personal profile for ages 11 to 16.docx (153.9 KB)
• Document

  Personal profile for ages 16 and up.docx (156.76 KB)
• More deaf awareness resources

Early years resources

Resources to support families with play, development and progress monitoring in the early years: 

• Developmental play chart (Shopify)
• Success from the start: A developmental resource for families of deaf children aged 0 to 3 (Shopify)
• Videos: Supporting communication development of deaf babies and toddlers (YouTube)

Technology resources

Help families understand how hearing technology can support their child’s learning:

• How radio aids can help (Shopify)
• Social story: Radio aids (Shopify)

Ways we support families

In addition to our online information, we offer direct support services to families and young people: 

• free Helpline
• events for families
• local support groups
• one-to-one support services
• app for parents

Family sign language

We provide free sign language courses and classes for families with children who have any type or level of deafness.

See our upcoming family sign language courses.

Refer a family or young person

With their permission, you can refer a family or young person to us for tailored support.

Fill out our referral form.

Additional support and rights in education

Many families are not aware of the support their child is entitled to in education – or how to ask for it. Our country-specific guides can help families understand their legal rights, what additional support is available, and how to advocate confidently. 

England

• England: Additional support
• England: Rights in early education and childcare
• England: Rights in education
• England: Advocating in education

Northern Ireland

• Northern Ireland: Additional support
• Northern Ireland: Rights in education

Scotland

• Scotland: Additional support
• Scotland: Rights in education

Wales

• Wales: Additional support
• Wales: Rights in education

Healthcare resources

We also provide resources to help families understand childhood deafness and make informed choices in healthcare. 

Resources for families about healthcare.

Support from local councils

Families with a disabled child – including those who are deaf – may be legally entitled to practical support from their local council (or Health and Social Services Trusts in Northern Ireland). This support can include help with equipment, communication needs, and more. 

It’s often helpful to signpost families to their local council for assistance with:

• technology and equipment at home
• financial support
• communication support outside of school (such as in community settings)
• accessible local services for disabled children

In England, every local authority must publish a Local Offer, which outlines the services available to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including deaf children. Families can access their Local Offer on their local council's website.