Talk to the Hands Learning

Parents often notice the small things first. Understanding what they might mean can make all the difference for deaf children.

Deaf Awareness Week starts today. In the UK, many deaf children are not identified straight away, and the signs can be easy to miss or misunderstand:

• Not responding when called.
• Struggling to follow instructions.
• Seeming withdrawn or frustrated.

And sometimes, these are not seen as signs of deafness at all. The earlier a child is identified, the earlier they can get the vital support they need.

That’s why this week and beyond, we’ll be sharing some practical resources to help you spot the signs of deafness, communicate with confidence, and support deaf children at home, school or in your care 💜

Explore our deaf awareness resources here: https://go.ndcs.org.uk/fbdaw2026launch

💙 Deaf Awareness Week 2026 💛
📅 4–10
“Right to Understand”

In our home it’s Deaf awareness day everyday .

How Deaf aware are you? 🤔

By being more Deaf Aware together , we break barriers. 🤝
This week is about championing communication, inclusion, and access for Deaf people everywhere. From learning a few signs to creating truly accessible spaces, every action matters.

In the UK, 18 million people are Deaf— yet many barriers still exist every day.

✨ Deafness is a spectrum from lip readers , to hearing aid users , to cochlear implant wearers and Abi wearers to the unaided who many use bsl
✨ BSL is a language used by culturally Deaf and hearing families with profoundly Deaf children
✨ 9 out of 10 Deaf children are born to hearing parents
✨ Small changes can make a BIG difference

From learning a few signs to improving communication, we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive world 🌍

👉 Challenge: What will YOU do this week to be more Deaf aware?

Each day this week we will be sharing some Deaf Awareness information , hints and tips for you . Let’s break barriers together 🤝

Sign language diversifies communication to include everyone.
It’s a beautiful skill that benefits all
Talk to the Hands Learning

Beginning tomorrow, it’s Deaf Awareness Week.

For us, this isn’t something new — it’s part of everyday life, every week, every month, every year.

But this week gives us the chance to shine a bigger light on Deaf culture, language, and community.

Let’s come together, raise awareness, celebrate BSL, and make sure everyone feels included.

Use of family services and the Family Information Service (FIS) in Essex survey 🔎

Essex County Council Education, in partnership with children’s charity Coram-Pacey, is seeking to find out about how parents and carers access information relevant to them and their family, and their use of the Essex FIS.

Please share with parents within your setting. To view the survey please visit:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EssexParentsSurvey 📌

Who remembers “talk to the hands because the face isn’t listening?” This concept is how my business name was borne. It’s not just about the ✋🏽

Whilst my programme uses sign-supported English (BSL signs)🤲🏾, its foundation is made up of those core communication skills that require all of our senses👀👂🏼🦻🏿🗣️👃🏽

I support children to learn how to focus their attention, understand the activity and engage in a positive and inclusive way.

So much assumption is wrapped up in listening, it’s time for change. 💪🏼

Talk to the Hands Learning offers weekly sessions centred around core early learning goals. Each term is themed, engaging and interactive. Alternatively ask for a one-off themed session.

Watching the children grow in confidence and ability is humbling; having staff engage and incorporate small changes for their day to day practice completes the circle.

I understand that practitioners wear so many hats which is why I like to work with them to enrich their provision.

“The children absolutely loved it, It was so nice seeing how engaged our children were and we have even noticed some of the children using some of the signs in play! I would 100% recommend Talk to the Hands to other settings as I feel this is a great tool to support communication.” Lisa - Nursery Manager

For more information email [email protected]
Talk to the Hands Learning
www.talktothehands.co.uk

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