Language your child can access

Access to sound is one part of the picture

A child may detect sound through a hearing aid or cochlear implant and still miss parts of spoken conversation. Noise, distance, unfamiliar words and listening effort can change the experience.

Look beyond whether your child responds to a sound. Can they follow an explanation, ask a question, tell you how they feel and join a family conversation?

Professional advice in Stockport

Stockport Council’s Hearing and Vision Specialist Service provides specialist support for babies, children and young people with hearing or vision needs.

Contact the team for advice about your child’s communication and language access. Ask about support at home and in education, working with a Teacher of the Deaf, and how to access the service.

Phone: 0161 474 3906
Text: 07855 962 691
Email: [email protected]

Contact the Hearing and Vision Specialist Service and access support.

Different languages and approaches

There is no single route that fits every child. Choices can change as your child grows. Ask how each proposed approach will provide meaningful language access throughout the day.

Learning BSL locally and online

Walthew House in Stockport offers an introductory BSL course and Signature accredited Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Manchester Deaf Centre offers introductory courses and Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications. Deaf Solutions 3 offers Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses. RAD offers remote BSL course options and online study resources. British Sign offers an online introduction you can study at your own pace; it is not a Signature Level 1 qualification. Confirm dates, age suitability, fees, venue or delivery format and available places directly with the provider.

• Look for opportunities to learn from Deaf adults and fluent BSL users.
• Learn language for feelings, stories, explanations and relationships, as well as everyday requests.
• Make time for siblings and other close family members to learn too.
• Ask how school will provide direct access to BSL where this is part of your child’s language needs.

Find communication contacts · Explore Cued Speech with Deaf Choices UK.

Make conversations easier

• Get your child’s attention in a way they welcome before you start.
• Face them in good light. Keep your mouth and signing space visible.
• Take turns. Make it clear who is speaking or signing.
• Reduce background noise where possible and use visual information when it helps.
• Explain missed jokes, changes of topic and information spoken from another room.
• Check understanding gently: “What’s our plan?” often tells you more than “Did you hear?”
• Give time to process and respond. Offer a different explanation when needed.

More than one language at home

Your family’s languages and culture matter. Tell professionals which languages you use at home and what you want your child to access. Ask for advice from people who understand both deafness and multilingual development.

Ask for a professional interpreter at important appointments where needed. Children and siblings should not be put in the role of interpreting complex health or school discussions.

Questions for a communication review

• What does my child understand and express in each language they use?
• What happens in a noisy classroom, a group or when devices are off?
• Can they communicate with their family and peers directly?
• What input, language modelling and specialist support are needed?
• When will we review progress, and what would prompt a change?