Deaf Parenting UK

Deaf Parenting UK is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting Deaf parents and their families. It is known as the first charity to be run by Deaf parents for Deaf parents, emphasizing empowerment and peer-led support within the Deaf community. The organisation operates as a nonprofit entity and holds the registered charity number 1112453.

Mission and Activities

Deaf Parenting UK’s mission centers on providing information, advocacy, and community support tailored specifically for Deaf parents. By being governed and managed by Deaf individuals themselves, it offers a unique and culturally relevant perspective that addresses the distinct challenges faced by Deaf parents in the UK.

The charity’s activities include:

• Offering resources and support networks for Deaf parents.
• Promoting the use and understanding of British Sign Language (BSL) within parenting contexts.
• Engaging in advocacy to raise awareness of Deaf parents’ rights and needs.
• Facilitating community connections to reduce isolation and enhance shared experiences among Deaf parents.

Recognition

Deaf Parenting UK was awarded the TFPL Social Impact Award, which recognizes innovative uses of knowledge and information management within the voluntary sector. This accolade underscores the charity’s effectiveness and pioneering approach in serving the Deaf parenting community.

Community Role

As a peer-led organisation, Deaf Parenting UK fills an important niche by representing Deaf parents both within the wider Deaf community and society at large. It complements other services focused on Deaf children and families, such as those provided by the National Deaf Children’s Society, by specifically centering the experiences and voices of Deaf parents themselves.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information about Deaf Parenting UK and its charitable work.

[1] http://www.deafparent.org.uk/news/ [2] https://www.ndcs.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4018293 [4] https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/education-and-learning/deaf-works-everywhere/support-for-parents/ [5] https://deafeducation.org.uk