Deaf News: Deaf Child Worldwide not ‘immediately impacted’ by foreign aid cut, charity says

The charity Deaf Child Worldwide, which supports deaf children in developing countries, has said their direct work won’t be immediately impacted by the UK Government’s decrease in foreign aid.

It comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that there would be a “temporary” cut in the budget to 0.5%, returning to 0.7% “when the fiscal situation allows”.

Speaking at a launch event for the charity’s Unheard Children report, Director Joanna Clark said: “I think from Deaf Child Worldwide’s point of view, we are a small organisation. We are quite fortunate in having various resources to draw on, so we don’t see it immediately impacting on our own direct work, but obviously, we’re not working in isolation, we all have to work together to make this happen.

“We hope after this next year or so, when we all have a better idea what on earth’s happening to the world, maybe the Government will decide to go back up to 0.7%, I don’t know, but we can but hope.”

She also said that it was reassuring to hear that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was still maintaining a focus on disabled children, and said that “probably” everyone listening to the event was disappointed at the Government’s decision.

“On the other hand, I think, like everything else, we have to look at how we focus the work, how we really learn from the work we’re doing and collaborate much more closely […] to see how we can really make the most of what we can do with what we have, learn from it and disseminate the lessons more widely.”

Fantastic #Unheardchildren report launched today. Well done to all involved. Important to raise awareness and support teachers, parents, families and the community. @Penny_innes presented on our work to support children with disabilities, holistic approach needed. https://t.co/atglPb9KGD

— FCDO Inclusive (@FCDOInclusive) December 1, 2020

Meanwhile Penny Innes, Head of the Disability Inclusion Team at the FCDO – formed following the merging of government departments in September – described the UK Government’s decision as a “real shame”.

“We were all really disappointed about the news last week, but I think it’s a factor of a really unprecedented situation we are in and the impact on the UK economy.

“It’s just a difficult situation and different governments having to make difficult choices,” she said.

In response to a question about whether disability inclusion schemes will continue off the back of the announcement, the civil servant said she thinks the programmes carry on.

She added: “I don’t know exactly how and there will be a process now to look at our programmes and the impact on [2021’s schemes] with a reduction in next year’s budget. I don’t know how that will work out yet.

“We’ve had several prioritisation exercises this year, and have managed to protect the programme, so I’m very much hoping we’ll be able to do the same.”

The launch of Unheard Children was due to take place earlier this year, but was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Our panel are now talking about the impact of #COVID-19 on #deaf children. Innovative approaches in getting education online don't often reach #deaf children, or are inaccessible. Need to support families, to help them make sure their children don't slip behind. #UnheardChildren

— Deaf Child Worldwide (@DeafChildWW) December 1, 2020

Recommendations to governments, donors and agencies in the 54-page document include supporting the development of accredited qualifications for sign language interpretation and consulting with deaf young people when designing services to ensure that they are accessible.

Commenting on the report, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “Deaf Child Worldwide continues to be a world leader in championing deaf children’s rights to family, community, education and independence.

“The new Unheard Children report will serve as a vital resource for development specialists, governments, NGOs and global institutions for years to come.”

The full document is available to view on the National Deaf Children’s Society’s website.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.