PURPOSE:

To promote deaf children’s right and opportunity to communicate through listening and spoken language

POLICY:

‘Now We’re Talking’ is a consortium of organisations using auditory/ oral approaches to promote the learning of children and young people who are deaf.  It provides:

• Communication and information about these approaches to families, professionals and policy makers, within the principle of informed choice
• Campaigning and lobbying on the life benefits of such approaches for deaf children and young people leading to inclusion in hearing society
• Encouragement and publicity for research into provision and outcomes for deaf children

PRACTICE:

Information is made available through literature, presentations, recorded materials, website and links.  NWT has a presence at key conferences and exhibitions.

NWT is a forum for focused campaigns on specific issues.  It communicates directly with policy makers at local/ LEA and national level, on the right of deaf children to education through good auditory/ oral education using current knowledge and technology.  Deaf children and young people who speak for themselves are their own best advocates. 

OUTCOME:

• All deaf children who are able to benefit from auditory/ oral approaches have access to good provision and practice throughout their development and formal education.

SUCCESS CRITERIA:

• ‘Informed choice’ literature and resources for families of deaf children includes information from NWT
• Relevant professionals and policy makers are aware of NWT
• NWT mounts a campaign relating to good provision and practice
• NWT supports or publicises a research project relating to good practice or outcomes for deaf children
• All UK organisations using auditory/ oral approaches in the education of deaf children are members of NWT

CRITERION FOR MEMBERSHIP:

Organisations whose aim is to promote or provide good practice in an educational approach that supports the development of communication through listening and spoken language for children who are deaf.  This includes charities, schools and services, or consortia of services. 

CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP:

There are 3 categories of membership.  Founder members undertake the majority of the work and running costs.  They are supported by Associate members, who pay a subscription.  Sponsor membership is open to businesses connected with the development of listening and speech with deaf children.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:

• Unified message to policy makers and practitioners
• Exposure: members’ literature and resources on NWT exhibition stands etc
• Pooled resources and research: economies of scale
• Development and sharing of good practice
• Forum for mutual support and discussion
• Member organisations contribute to synergy in auditory-oralism

BENEFITS TO NWT OF WIDENED MEMBERSHIP:

• Strength in numbers
• Communicating a common message re the ability of deaf children to listen and speak: ‘Listen, speak and achieve.’