Deaf Awareness Week: Supporting deaf children and their families
D/deaf Awareness Week: 4-11 May 2026
Deaf Awareness Week is an important moment to highlight how the right support in healthcare can make a lasting difference to deaf children and their families. At Children and Family Health Devon, our specialist speech and language therapists see first-hand how early, thoughtful, and inclusive care can shape not only a child’s communication development, but also family wellbeing, confidence, and long‑term outcomes.
For deaf children, access to communication is fundamental to their health. Whether a child is deaf or deafblind (dual sensory loss), their ability to understand what is happening to them and to express their needs directly affects their experience of the world. Communication barriers can lead to anxiety, missed information, and disengagement if they are not actively addressed.
Early identification of deafness and timely, coordinated support is life‑changing. When families are listened to, provided with clear information, and supported to make informed choices about communication, children are more likely to develop strong language skills either spoken, signed, or a combination of both. Good support helps parents feel empowered rather than overwhelmed and reassures them that their child’s needs are understood and respected.
Speech and language therapists play a key role in this journey. We work closely with audiology, paediatrics, education, and community services to support children’s communication development and participation. Just as importantly, we support families, helping them understand their child’s communication profile, navigating services, and building confidence in everyday interactions. Strong partnership working reduces stress for families and helps children thrive across home and school settings.
Deaf Awareness Week also reminds us that deaf children are not defined by what they cannot hear. Many children use British Sign Language (BSL), spoken language, visual communication strategies, or a blend of approaches. Valuing and supporting a child’s preferred communication method is central to person‑centred care. When healthcare professionals adapt their communication, using visual supports, checking understanding, involving interpreters, and creating child‑friendly environments, children are more engaged and families feel included.
Small, consistent adjustments can have a powerful impact. Being proactive builds trust and shows families that their child is seen, heard, and valued. When we get it right early, the benefits last a lifetime
During Deaf Awareness Week, we are reminded that inclusive communication is everyone’s responsibility. By prioritising communication access for deaf children, we support not only their health and development, but also the wellbeing of the families who advocate for them every day.
For more information about the support Children and Family Health Devon offer, visit our website: Speech, language and communication – Children and Family Health Devon
Specialist Speech and Language Therapists- Jacqueline (Exeter and East Devon) Gail (North and Mid Devon) and Charlotte (Torbay, South and West Devon)