Dungannon mother highlights support for parents of deaf children

A DUNGANNON mother whose 19-month-old son is profoundly deaf has urged parents of other deaf children to join the National Deaf Children’s Society and to speak to other parents of deaf children in support of ‘Deaf Awareness Week’.

Janine Boyd said that when she first found out her son, Mason Ferry, was deaf, she wishes she had known that she ‘wasn’t alone’.

She said, “I wish I have known that I wasn’t the only mum to have a deaf child.

“I also wish I’d have known how welcoming the deaf community is and how much help is available.”

With ‘Deaf Awareness Week’ taking place this week from May 6 until May 12, The National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the support available to parents of deaf children.

Janine’s top tip to parents of deaf children during Deaf Awareness Week is to start meeting with other families as soon as they find out about their child’s hearing loss.

She said, “Don’t think you know everything and can do it alone.

“Gaining understanding from other deaf people can really help with your understanding of your child. Get involved with community groups and attend events.”

Regarding what the most helpful piece of advice she received after finding out her son is deaf, Janine said, “Contact the National Deaf Children’s Society.

“This was something that really helped me. I had absolutely no idea what was ahead and had such fear for my child.

“They helped lift this fear and gave me hope.

“Action Deaf Youth was another place I was pointed to where my son can meet and play with other kids with hearing loss.”

With more than 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness, many families can be unsure where to go for support or what being deaf means for their child’s future. Parents who are deaf may also not always know where to go to for support when they are told their child is deaf.

The National Deaf Children’s Society asked the parents of deaf children from across the UK to share the emotions they experienced after being told their child is deaf. The charity also asked deaf young people to share their deaf awareness tips, in the hope of helping other families new to deafness.