Finding out your child has a hearing loss can feel overwhelming — especially at first. The good news is that there is a great deal of support available, and deaf children go on to lead happy, fulfilling lives.
The challenges and questions you face as a parent change significantly as your child grows. A parent whose baby has just been referred after a newborn hearing screen has very different needs from a parent helping a teenager navigate GCSEs, or supporting a young adult into their first job.
That is why we have organised our information by age. Choose the guide that is most relevant to where you and your child are right now.
Choose your guide
Deaf children: birth to 5 years – early diagnosis and the first years
Newborn screening, hearing aids, communication choices, early years support and resources for babies and toddlers.
Deaf children at school: ages 5 to 16 years
Schools, EHC plans, communication support workers, mainstream vs specialist settings, and supporting your child through education.
Deaf young people: transition to childhood (16 to 25)
Transition to adulthood, college and university, employment, Access to Work, benefits and independence
Information that applies to Deaf children at every age
Some topics are relevant no matter how old your child is. These apply throughout the journey:
Financial support
Children under 16 may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA). From age 16, this transfers to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which has different eligibility criteria and may require a face-to-face assessment. A BSL interpreter will be provided if you need one. NDCS provides support on a range of topics including benefit applications and appeals against refusals. The NDCS link is below.
Disability Living Allowance for children — GOV.UK
Grants
Family Fund: The UK’s largest provider of grants to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 0–17 on a low income. Grants are available for equipment, computers and tablets, clothing, bedding, and family breaks.
Birkdale Trust: Provides grants to children and young people up to age 25 with a hearing impairment. Grants cover BSL courses, specialist equipment, individual tuition, and professional advice.
Birkdale Trust (Grants for the Deaf)
Harpur Trust: If you live in the borough of Bedford, you may be able to apply to the Harpur Trust for support. They can cover the cost of BSL courses in some instances.
National organisations
The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) is the leading national charity for deaf children and their families. Their freephone helpline offers free independent advice on any topic related to childhood deafness.
NDCS — National Deaf Children’s Society
SignHealth is a deaf health charity offering mental health support in BSL. Deaf children and young people can experience higher rates of anxiety and social isolation — particularly if they are the only deaf child in their school. Connecting with the wider Deaf community can make a real difference.
MK Deaf Zone community
MK Deaf Zone runs social activities for the deaf community in and around Milton Keynes. The socials page has information on activities including captioned cinema and sports sessions.
Community activities and socials
Not sure where to start? If your child has just been diagnosed, start with the Birth to 5 guide. It covers the very first steps after a diagnosis — from hearing aids and audiology to communication choices.
Missing resources? Are there resources missing from this page? We aim to provide as many helpful resources as possible. If something is missing and it genuinely helps parents with Deaf children in Milton Keynes and across the East of England, then get in touch and we’ll add your information to the relevant page.