Coronavirus and support for deaf children – information for professionals

The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a significant impact on how deaf children and their families are supported. We recognise that professionals are already taking exceptional steps to keep services running. We also know that professionals will already be thinking about, and making plans to mitigate against, the many difficulties and challenges that we will experience in the coming months.

Our blog posts summarise our advice to professionals in this area, and also shares some of the tips that are being circulated by other professionals on other forums. It includes information on:

• Education (including information about school re-openings, handling radio aids and remote support)
• Post-14 transitions
• Exams
• Children with EHC plans and Statements of SEN
• NHS hearing services
• Supporting families
• Face masks and coverings
• Safeguarding considerations

There are a wide range of other issues that will affect deaf children and their families and we will keep this post updated with any new advice. Please keep checking back for the latest updates.

Keep in touch

We are keen to hear from professionals about any other issues and welcome their advice on how they are handling particular challenges. You can share these with us by contacting [email protected].

And remember, if you would like information or advice about individual cases, please do get in touch with our helpline. You can also refer families to us using our online form for support and advice. If English is not their first language we can contact them with a phone interpreter or using InterpreterNow, a BSL video interpreting service.

Keeping yourself safe

At this challenging time, professionals should also take steps to keep themselves safe and well. Guidance for employees can be found on the Government website.