Local AM shows support for 'isolated and ignored' deaf children

7.02.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th Jun 2008

Jenny Randerson AM supported the event by the National Deaf Childrens Society

Jenny Randerson AM is supporting the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) as it launches a new strategy to combat the isolation that many deaf children and young people experience.

Findings from the UK's largest consultation of deaf children and young people* reveal that almost all deaf children (90%) are denied opportunities to meet other deaf children and over half (52%) do not have the chance to engage with their hearing peers in mainstream activities and need more support in developing their social lives (57%). The majority of deaf children reported that they lacked self-confidence (60%). Significantly, one in four deaf children believe that hearing people are ignorant about deafness and afraid of communicating with them.

Jenny Randerson AM attended an Assembly reception in support of the NDCS on Tuesday 17th of June and said:

"All too often the needs of deaf children and young people are over looked. I commend NDCS for having taken the time to engage with so many deaf children and young people to find out what their concerns and fears are and how they can work to address these needs. It concerns me to see how many deaf children in Wales feel left out and excluded from our society which can of course lead on to depression or mental health issues in later life. I wish NDCS the best of luck and lend them my full support as they work to tackle these serious concerns".

Jayne Dulson, NDCS Wales Director added:

"I am delighted that Jenny Randerson AM is supporting the work of NDCS. Many of the findings from the NDCS consultation make for depressing reading. A culture of low expectation and ignorance means that many deaf children and young people feel isolated and ignored. We know that deaf children are at a far greater risk of developing mental ill health than their hearing peers and the consultation findings give us some insight into the reason for this.

NDCS is committed to addressing the needs of deaf children and young people and today we are launching a new strategy to combat the isolation and frustration they experience. We are calling for the Assembly Government to recognise this research and work with us to help meet the needs of deaf children and young people. Together we can help them develop confidence, meet friends, live their lives to the full and reach their true potential".

The consultation findings will shape the future direction of NDCS. The charity offers deaf children and young people the opportunity to take part in a range of events that have been developed to meet their needs. In addition to this, NDCS is developing courses in personal development to provide deaf young people with the communication and team work skills they need to access the world around them.

NDCS is also inviting deaf young people to design a new website that will provide key information and social networking opportunities. The charity is also launching a Me2 Campaign to help mainstream youth organisations better consider the needs of deaf children and young people.

Notes to Editors:

*NDCS conducted the UK's largest ever consultation with 9-18 year olds to ensure the charity is in touch with their interests and concerns. The views of almost 1,500 young deaf people, almost 10% of deaf 9-18 year olds in the UK were collected to inform and shape the future campaigns and services of NDCS.

To be truly informed and ensure a balanced view the consultation engaged with children and young people across the whole spectrum of deafness, from those who had a slight hearing impairment, to those who were profoundly deaf and who used sign language.

The NDCS used an interactive website www.changeyourworld.info, focus groups and one to one interviews to gather the views of deaf children and young people from September 2007 - January 2008.

For further information please contact:

Kate Latimir, NDCS Policy and Campaigns Officer, Wales.

Tel: 02920 373474

Email: kate.latimir@ndcs.org.uk

Philippa McIntyre, NDCS Media Relations Officer

Tel: 020 7014 1149

Email: pilippa.mcintyre@ndcs.org.uk