Are you a parent of a deaf child in Milton Keynes? Not sure what services are available? We have gathered together information that may be useful to parents of deaf children. We have included resources for ages 0 – 25 so that resources follow the Education and Healthcare Plan requirements to support deaf children up to the age of 25.
While MK Deaf Zone is focussed on the profoundly Deaf community, we have added resources that will be helpful to all parents of deaf children.
N.B: The Education and Healthcare Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document. It explains the tailored support a child or young person can receive from the local authority. If you are refused an assessment to get an EHCP, you can appeal.
Parents are also entitled to a ‘carer’s assessment’ as carers of a family member with a disability.
Milton Keynes Statutory Services
Audiology: Milton Keynes University Hospital provides audiology services for children. The team performs hearing tests, advises on hearing aids and other interventions, and refers to other professionals as needed.
Children with Disabilities Team: The team provides statutory social work service to children with disabilities and their families from ages 0-19. They undertake assessments, provide support packages via direct payments or respite, and help families access services such as short breaks.
- Contact: 01908 253617
- Email: childrendisabilityteam@milton-keynes.gov.uk
MK SENDIAS: MK Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service is a statutory service offering confidential and impartial information, advice and support to children, young people (0-25) with special educational needs and their parents/carers.
- Advice Line: 01908 254518 (Monday-Friday 10am-3pm)
- Email: contact@mksendias.org.uk
Other organisations that help parents of deaf children:
NDCS: The National Deaf Children’s Society has a vast range of resources available for parents of deaf children. They also provide support with benefit appeals and appealing decisions on an Education and Healthcare Plan.
Benefits and Financial Support:
Benefits: Your child may be entitled to benefit to cover the cost of extra resources:
Children under 16 can claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Children from 16 onwards claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Grants:
Family Fund: The UK’s largest provider of grants to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 0-17 on low income. Grants available for equipment, white goods, computers, tablets, clothing, bedding, and family breaks.
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/
Birkdale Trust: Provides grants to children and young people (up to 25 years) with a hearing impairment for BSL courses, specialist equipment, individual tuition, and professional advice.
If you live in the borough of Bedford, you may be able to apply to the Harpur Trust for support.
Books and educational resources:
Children aged 0 – 5 years:
Baby sign language: Research shows that enabling your child to access language early through baby sign language can enhance communication, reduce frustration, and support language development. Studies indicate that babies who learn sign language often develop larger vocabularies and more advanced language skills at an earlier age compared to their peers.
NDCS also run a basic sign language course for parents of children between the age of 0 – 5 years. Courses are run as group sessions for parents of children aged between 0 – 5 years old.:
Children aged 5 – 11 years:
- BSL Sign Zone features content specifically for deaf children. The programmes feature deaf children getting involved in a range of activities.
- BBC has a fantastic programme with Deaf presenters called Magic Hands.
- Schools are a difficult topic. Hearing-impaired children are usually sent to their local mainstream school. There is an expectation that schools are able to accommodate children and their hearing needs. However, this is not always the best option for your child, particularly if they are the only child with hearing loss. Some schools specialise in supporting children who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Group activities:
Tiny Talk: Award-winning baby signing classes that teach babies and toddlers to communicate using British Sign Language before they can speak
Hedgerows Family Centre (Netherfield): Langland Road, Netherfield, Milton Keynes MK6 4NP – Tel: 01908 239000
https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/hedgerows-family-centre
You can also look at the ‘socials‘ page which has links to accessible activities such as captioned cinema sessions.
http://www.grantsforthedeaf.co
BSL resources and learning materials: https://www.signbsl.com/
Key BSL vocabulary for babies and toddlers:
GCSE topics in BSL:
BSL vocabulary resources: https://www.signbsl.com/gcse-vocabulary
Children aged 11 – 18 years:
The same rules apply to secondary schools. The assumption is that your child’s EHC plan will explain what your child needs for academic success. Unfortunately, not all mainstream schools have the knowledge or understanding needed to accommodate your child’s needs. Sometimes, it is better for your child to attend a school with a specialist department.
Young people aged 18 – 25
The transition from secondary school to adulthood is challenging for most young people, without the added concerns around the impact of hearing loss. Additional challenges may include attitudinal, environmental and psychological barriers to overcome as a young person transitions into the hearing world.