Deaf Choices UK Limited (charity number 279523) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting deaf children and their families through language, literacy, and communication services. Formerly operating under names including Cued Speech Association UK and Cued Speech UK, the charity rebranded to reflect its emphasis on empowering families to make informed choices about communication methods[1][3].

Mission and Activities

Deaf Choices UK focuses on improving access to language and literacy for deaf children by providing training, resources, and advocacy. Its work centers on Cued Speech, a visual communication system that uses handshapes and positions to clarify lip patterns, enabling deaf individuals to access spoken language phonetically[1][4]. The charity emphasises that Cued Speech can complement other interventions, such as British Sign Language (BSL) or cochlear implants, by supporting auditory memory and literacy development[4].

Key initiatives include:

• Training programmes: Workshops and courses for families and professionals to learn Cued Speech[1].
• Nan-in-a-Van: A digital resource offering e-books in Cued English and BSL through animated avatars, designed to improve literacy access for children with special educational needs (SEN)[1].
• Parent support: Guidance for families navigating communication options post-diagnosis[4].

Governance

The charity operates under a board of six trustees and relies on a network of 52 volunteers[3]. Its activities span England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with a focus on equitable access to resources[3]. Deaf Choices UK adheres to policies covering safeguarding, financial management, and volunteer coordination[3].

Historical Context

Originally established to promote Cued Speech, the organisation evolved to address broader challenges in deaf education, including bridging gaps in literacy and language acquisition[3][4]. It remains the sole UK charity providing specialised Cued Speech training[1].

[1] https://www.deafchoicesuk.com [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/279523/charity-overview [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/279523/full-print [4] https://www.deafchoicesuk.com/charitable-aims [5] https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/cued-speech-association-uk-7187