New Framework Aims to Boost Independence and Life Chances for Deaf Children and Young People
A new UK-wide resource designed to support deaf children and young people from early childhood through to adulthood is helping education professionals, families and learners develop the knowledge and skills needed for independent living. The Specialist Deaf Curriculum Framework, developed by the British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (BATOD) and the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), provides a structured approach to specialist support beyond the mainstream curriculum.
The framework has been created to help deaf babies, children and young people understand their deafness, make informed decisions, build confidence and develop the skills required for adulthood. It has been designed to support learners from the point of identification of deafness through to the age of 25.
At the heart of the framework are seven key areas and these are presented through a “hub and spoke” model, with outcomes, intervention suggestions and supporting resources linked to each topic. The key areas are:
- Deaf identity
- Communication, language and literacy
- Understanding access to sound
- Social, emotional, physical and mental health
- Managing change; preparation for adulthood
- Specialist assessment and monitoring
The resource has three main aims: to identify effective specialist support, raise awareness of deafness and its impact, and create a shared language for discussions between deaf children and young people, their families, schools and specialist teachers. BATOD says this common understanding can strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes for learners.
The framework is intended for use by Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToDs), educational audiologists, schools, families and other professionals involved in supporting deaf learners. It is designed to reflect the full breadth of specialist deaf education practice while remaining flexible enough to be used in a range of settings, including mainstream schools, specialist provisions and outreach services.
BATOD considers the framework as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the mainstream curriculum. By focusing on deaf-specific knowledge, skills and self-advocacy, the organisation hopes the resource will help deaf children and young people develop greater independence, stronger identities and improved preparation for adult life.
Feedback on the SDCF is welcomed by BATOD via deafframework@batod.org.uk
