A ROADSHOW for deaf children has rolled into a Coventry primary school.
Deaf children and their hearing friends at Stoke Park School, in Upper Stoke, were shown how how vibrating alarm clocks help deaf children get to school on time and learning top tips to consider in the playground.
The eight ton purple lorry that turns into a high tech classroom visited the school as part of the National Deaf Children’s Society Roadshow which aims to deliver support, advice and information to some of the 5,500 deaf children in the West Midlands.
The Roadshow team spent the day giving workshops to deaf children, hearing friends, teachers and parents, about the difficulties that deaf children often face.
They also shared some practical tips on how best to communicate with a deaf child, including getting their attention with a wave or a tap on the shoulder; facing them when speaking to them; and not being afraid to use gestures or actions.
Staff were also told to never give up on deaf children or say ‘I’ll tell you later’.
As well as teaching key skills, the National Deaf Children’s Society also showcased the latest technology and equipment available to deaf children, such as flashing doorbells and vibrating alarm clocks.
They also showed off new Bluetooth neckloops that can make it easier to listen to an iPod or a mobile phone.
Jamie Chivers, outreach officer for the National Deaf Children’s Society who is deaf himself and drives the Roadshow bus, said: “Deaf children can do anything other children can do, given the right support.
“A visit from the Roadshow can make a real difference for a deaf child struggling with confidence, independence or communication and the more we can do to spread deaf awareness and information, the better.”
Schools and community groups can get further information about getting the Roadshow to visit from Kerry Ross on [email protected] or by calling 020 7014 5924.
