Deaf Children: Support to Grandparents, Fathers and Siblings

 
Connecting generations; © SXC

Grandparents, fathers and siblings of a deaf child will benefit from an innovative project set up to offer much needed support and encouragement to help the deaf child in their family.

The All Together project is now calling on grandparents, fathers and siblings of deaf children to get actively involved.

Valerie Copenhagen, NDCS All Together Project Manager, explains: “NDCS believes that the family is the most important influence on a deaf child’s development, but we know there is a huge lack of support to help grandparents, fathers and siblings build a strong relationship with a deaf child. Over the next two years the All Together project will produce a range of essential new resources that aim to provide these groups with the support and encouragement they need to help the deaf child in their family.

“We are inviting grandparents, fathers and siblings of deaf children to get involved in the project today. There are many ways to participate, so if you are willing to share your experiences in order to encourage others in your situation, volunteer at events, or contribute to creating our new resources, we urge you to get in touch.”

The All Together project offers a number of ways to get involved: Firstly, NDCS is inviting grandfathers and siblings to take part in discussion groups set up across the country to share their experiences of having a deaf grandchild, brother or sister. This will not only help NDCS identify their unique information and support needs but will shape the project over the next two years.

Following this, grandparents, fathers and siblings are invited to share their stories of having a deaf child in their family. Their stories will be used to create brand new resources including booklets and an accompanying DVD, which aim to pass on support and encouragement to other families with deaf children across the UK.

In addition, NDCS is building a team of volunteers to attend their regular weekends for families with newly identified deaf children.

REHACARE.de; Source: NDCS

- More about the National Deaf Children Society at: www.ndcs.org.uk

( Source: REHACARE.de )