Deaf Parenting UK

Deaf Parenting UK, as the first ever charity and a unique organisation focusing on enabling, empowering and supporting Deaf parents/parents-to-be, are delighted that National Family Week is taking place to recognise and celebrate the diversity of families across the country. We wish National Family Week every success.
Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK

Website: www.deafparent.org.uk

For many parents who know the joys and challenges of parenting and raising children, they are able to do so by accessing information and services. But for many Deaf parents, we miss out so much because we are Deaf. We can't hear conversations among parents and professionals, and many of the information and services are not accessible to meet our needs, even though Deaf parents are 90% likely to have hearing children. So how can we make informed choices and decisions about our children's lives including their education if we can't have access to the basic information that many take for granted.

Deaf Parenting UK has been established to address those gaps and to empower, enable and support Deaf parents. It is the first of its kind in the UK and across the world. It is also important to recognise and include Deaf parents and their families who share the similar joys and challenges of parenting as any other family.

Due to continuing successes in our work with Deaf parents and professionals, Deaf Parenting UK is growing into the most recognised charity that provides specialised support for Deaf parents/parents-to-be and professionals working with them. We meet their needs by providing training and consultation and have been able to support this with some innovative resources which make it easier for Deaf parents/parents-to-be, to have the opportunity to access information in an accessible format and to participate in family life in a way that is normally taken for granted. Practical information and support can be found on our website www.deafparent.org.uk.

As many Deaf parents are dispersed across the UK, they become socially isolated. We are proud to promote the importance of family by offering successful Family Fun Days where Deaf parents and children meet on a monthly basis to socialise and to reduce their isolation. Children's activities are provided as an opportunity for children to mix with others and avoid the stigma of having Deaf parents, creating a positive environment for all.