Frances Clark: World Hearing Day – Changing the Mindsets of what’s possible for deaf children

Did you know that a child born profoundly deaf today can learn to speak as well as a hearing child? 13-year-old Sam is proof they can. Sam is thriving in school, loves science, dreams of becoming an astrophysicist and has just interviewed two British astronauts from the UK space mission.

Sam's parents – who are both hearing – were worried he wouldn’t be able to speak or do other things hearing children can do when they found out he was deaf. They weren’t alone: 28 per cent of adults in the UK believe it is not possible for a child born deaf today to learn to speak but now Sam can listen, speak and do anything he puts his mind too. 

On this global day of celebration, it is time to change mindsets about what deaf children like Sam can do and ensure the Government takes action to invest in their futures. As so many professionals working with young children know, access to language and communication is crucial. For deaf children to reach their potential, skilled early support is essential. With three babies born deaf every day in the UK, this support is vital whether families wish to use sign language, spoken language, or both.