Face masks: NDCS raises serious concerns for deaf children in schools

Following the latest government u-turn, this time on face masks, the National Deaf Children’s Society has responded with concern to the idea of face masks being widely used in schools and colleges, which could affect deaf children who need to lipread or sign (all deaf children, effectively).

Ian Noon, Chief Policy Advisor at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:

“Face masks in education would have serious consequences for the UK’s 50,000 deaf children. For many, there may be little benefit in even attending school or college because they won’t understand their teachers and classmates, with loneliness and isolation a tragic result.

“Public health must always be the priority, so if face masks are introduced, schools and colleges must be ready to meet deaf pupils’ needs by investing in clear face masks, making every reasonable adjustment possible and urgently discussing the best way forward with specialist teachers, parents and deaf pupils themselves.

“Education is a right, not a privilege, and this does not change because you’re deaf.”