Our wins

Campaign wins across the UK

Together with you, we've changed things for the better for deaf children and young people. 

Keep reading for a handful of our successful campaigns across the UK. Or use the quick links to find out more about our campaigns wins in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales. 

Newborn Hearing Screening

In 2006, after many years (decades!) of campaigning, newborn hearing screening was introduced across the UK.

All children now have a hearing test in their first few weeks of life. This is so important. Early diagnosis means that more deaf children will get the help and support they need, sooner. 

British Sign Language GCSE

After a campaign by our Young people’s Advisory Board, a touch of influencer support, and a legal bid by a deaf young person…. in 2018, the Government in England finally allowed the introduction of a GCSE in British Sign Language during the current parliament.

In Wales, we’ve influenced the Government to develop guidance to ensure that its new Curriculum takes account of BSL – both as a first language and for those wishing to learn it as a second language.

Together we made the BSL CGSE happen – read more about how we did it:

Accessible health resources

In January 2021, our Young Inspectors worked with Coppafeel! and Sign Health on making breast health awareness more accessible.

As a result of their recommendations, Coppafeel! added British Sign Language interpretation to their ‘How to Check’ video. We’re so proud of our young people for their work on making life saving recommendations.  

#KeepItClear in health

Since the start of the pandemic we've been asking for clear face masks to be made available for use in NHS and social care settings. In September 2020, the Government in England confirmed that 250,000 clear face masks had been purchased for the NHS. A good first step – but much more was needed. 

In December 2021, after rigorous tests, two types of clear face masks were approved for use in the NHS across all four UK nations. This could be a game-changer for deaf children and young people who rely on lip reading and facial expressions. The Department for Health and Social Care are now planning a pilot project to explore the usability and effectiveness of these masks for communication between staff and patients.

A big thank you to all of you who spread the message to #KeepItClear. Including deaf young people Emma and Austin who brought clear face masks to the Prime Minister's attention. And a big thank you to all the deaf professionals and other organisations who worked alongside us to raise this issue.