The National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the support available to parents of deaf children in Wales, as part of Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).
With more than 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness, many families can be unsure where to go for support or what being deaf means for their child’s future. Parents who are deaf may also not always know where to go to for support when they are told their child is deaf.
The National Deaf Children’s Society asked the parents of deaf children from across the UK to share the emotions they experienced after being told their child is deaf. The charity also asked deaf young people to share their deaf awareness tips, in the hope of helping other families new to deafness.
Gladiators star Fury, real name Jodie Ounsley, shared her top tips to help deaf children and young people smash through the barriers which some regularly face:
The hit show’s first deaf Gladiator said: “For me, the most useful tip has to be honesty. Just by being very open and honest and being vulnerable in those moments where you may be misunderstanding or feeling isolated at times, is huge.
“Not only does it help your confidence, but it raises awareness to the people around you so that they are able to understand and support where they can.”
“Be brave and just go for it, whether it’s a new sport or a challenge that may feel a bit scary, you never know what is around the corner and your deafness certainly shouldn’t to be the reason to hold you back.”
Lorraine, from Motherwell, whose 18-year-old daughter Kara is profoundly deaf, urges parents of deaf children to join a local support group and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
She said: “We didn’t know about support groups or the National Deaf Children’s Society so I wish we’d known more about the support out there and that there’s people you can talk to. This is a big thing when your child is first identified as deaf – especially being able to speak to the parents of other deaf children.”
Lorraine also recommends all parents of deaf children learn British Sign Language. She said: “We were advised by professionals not to learn sign language as it would stop Kara from talking. But in hindsight I wish we’d learned BSL as it would have boosted Kara’s deaf identity.”
When asked what the most helpful piece of advice was after finding out Kara is deaf, Lorraine replied: “To join the National Deaf Children’s Society for more information and the community.
“We went on a weekend for newly identified deaf children and it was fantastic because of all the information we found out and the support that NDCS provided us with. Kara was a young deaf campaigner for the NDCS and she’s now making deaf awareness videos for the BBC.”
Lorraine’s top tip during Deaf Awareness Week is to make sure a deaf person can see you when you’re talking to them. She said: “Make sure you keep your hands away from your mouth and don’t shout through walls. It’s vital deaf people can read your lips, to see what’s being said.”
Victoria, a parent from Aberdeen concedes she knew “nothing” about deafness when she was first told that her son Lewis is deaf.
She said: “That is the scariest part and I panicked. I felt ignorant about deafness, and I wish I had known more.
“But don’t panic as there’s so much support out there and a whole community who will help you with any questions, situations and they provide fantastic help and guidance.
“Speak to as many parents about their experiences and engage with the National Deaf Children’s Society.”
Victoria admitted she cannot remember anything useful from the first four weeks after she was told Lewis is deaf, as she was still coming to terms with what this would mean for her son.
“Then I went to Aberdeen School for Deaf Coffee morning, I cried as they were so kind and lovely. there were people signing and this is when I realised this would be our new journey.
“There were older children who showed that their deafness wasn’t holding them back, it was at this point I knew it would all be ok.”
Lewis is now aged five, attends a mainstream school and he has worn bilateral cochlear implants since he was 15 months old.
Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland with the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Many parents tell us they knew very little, or nothing at all, about deafness before they had a deaf child. So, it’s hardly surprising that these parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold for their children.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.”
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