New Learning Resource Launched for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children

March 17, 2026

New Learning Resource Launched for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children

BID Services is delighted to share news of a much-needed new resource created to support hearing parents of deaf children.

Togetherness, in partnership with BID Services, has launched Understanding your deaf child, a dedicated learning pathway designed to help parents better understand, connect with, and support their deaf child’s development.

For 9 out of 10 parents of deaf children, parents have no prior experience of deafness. Therefore building an understanding of deafness, communication options, technology and support available and deaf culture is key to helping parents ensure the best possible start for their child and to support their child’s needs as they grow up.

For many years, BID Services has been committed to breaking down barriers and creating equal access to opportunities for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, sight impaired, deafblind, or living with other disabilities. Our long-standing support for deaf children and their families spans youth clubs, family groups, and most recently, a parenting group. This new resource marks an exciting next step in strengthening that support.

Supporting Parents from the Start

Like all Togetherness pathways, Understanding your deaf child helps parents build strong, attuned relationships by exploring both their child’s developmental needs and their own emotional wellbeing.

Kimberley Campbell-Nottage, Team Leader/Parenting Coordinator at BID Services and a member of the deaf community, explained:

“Ninety percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents, and for many this may be their first experience of deafness. This resource is designed to support parents in understanding their deaf child’s experience of the world so they can find the best way to care for their development. We want to support as many families as possible to understand more about deafness and to help make the world a friendlier place for deaf children.”

Dr Hazel Douglas MBE, Director at Togetherness, added:

“Finding out that your child is deaf can bring all sorts of big emotions for parents, and it can be difficult to tune into the needs of your baby or young child. This resource is designed to support parents to reflect on their own emotional health as they learn about their child’s communication and developmental needs.”

The new course can be completed on its own, but families may also find it helpful alongside Understanding your child: from toddler to teenager—Togetherness’s flagship pathway focusing on emotional health and child development.