National Deaf Children’s Society: A Manifesto for Deaf Children in Scotland

A Call to Action for Deaf Children

The National Deaf Children's Society Scotland has produced an important document, ‘National Deaf Children’s Society: Getting it Right for Every Deaf Child - A Manifesto for the Scottish Parliament Session 2026-2031’. This manifesto is published ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election on 7th May.

The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting deaf children, regardless of their level of hearing loss.

The Reality for Deaf Children in Scotland

Did you know there are over 3,600 deaf children in Scotland? Their levels of deafness range from mild to profound. Even mild deafness can significantly impact a child’s education and overall wellbeing. We provide tailored information and advice to these children and their families. Our goal is to support them in accessing the best services available in their area. We also campaign on issues that truly matter to deaf children.

The Scottish Government has a clear ambition: Scotland should be the best place for children to grow up! All children deserve a good start in life. However, the reality is that not all deaf children in Scotland can access the full range of support they need and are entitled to. We envision a Scotland where every deaf child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential!

Our Vision for the Future

To secure this vision, we must see more ambitious and coordinated action in the next Scottish Parliament. It is crucial that no deaf child gets left behind!

Our three manifesto priorities are:

• Improve audiology services to identify and support deaf children sooner.

• Increase the number of Qualified Teachers of the Deaf to ensure deaf children’s right to education is upheld.

• Widen access to British Sign Language (BSL) to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users.

  
  

Why This Matters

Every child deserves the chance to thrive! By improving services and increasing support, we can help deaf children flourish. It’s about creating an inclusive society where everyone can participate fully.

Imagine a world where deaf children can communicate freely, learn effectively, and engage with their peers without barriers. That’s the world we are striving for!

The Role of Families and Professionals

Families play a vital role in the lives of deaf children. They are the first advocates for their children. By working together with professionals, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures growth and development.

Professionals, including educators and healthcare providers, must be equipped with the right tools and training. This ensures they can provide the best support possible. Together, we can make a significant difference!

Conclusion: A Collective Effort

In conclusion, the journey towards a better future for deaf children in Scotland requires a collective effort. We must all come together to advocate for change! Let’s ensure that every deaf child has access to the resources and support they need.

Join us in this mission! Together, we can create a brighter future for deaf children across Scotland. Let’s make sure their voices are heard and their rights are upheld!