148 working together to help children who are deaf
Help deaf children get education and training
Many families struggle to give their children who cannot hear well the
chance to go to school. It takes time, energy, and resources to organize
opportunities for deaf children to learn. But when a whole community
works for educational rights for deaf children, it can make a big
difference.
Chapter 12 describes in more detail the benefits that different kinds of
schools or classes may have for deaf children and their families.
Communities interested in organizing better education and training
for deaf children should contact their local or national association for
the deaf, and the Ministry of Education. This will help them learn more
about the opportunities and laws about deaf education in the area. The
laws of most countries support the rights of all children — including deaf
children — to a public education.
Awareness is the first step towards change
Deaf adults, parents, and
community members must
work with government
officials so that the officials
know the needs of deaf
If the president or the
prime minister had a
child who could not hear
well, then there would be
schools and teachers for
children and what deaf
our children!
children can be capable of.
Together they can dispel the ignorance and
the myths that surround deafness.
Here are some ways a community can help schools meet deaf children’s
needs better:
• Offer extra training to teachers so they can learn how to
communicate with deaf children.
• Invite deaf adults to help teachers, families, or students learn sign
language. Or they can work in the classroom and give extra attention
to the deaf students. Chapter 12 includes more activities that help
deaf children learn in local schools.
• Offer extra training in skills that will help students earn an income.
Bringing deaf children together in their own school or classroom can
create a community of children who might otherwise have been isolated
from each other. Some communities get money from local or national
associations, donor organizations, or their government to help pay for
training and facilities.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)