Calls for deaf pupils to receive ‘mitigation funding’ as they face ‘deeply unfair disadvantage’ over face masks

The National Deaf Children’s Society has called for a ‘mitigation fund’ for schools to purchase extra support for deaf pupils impacted by face coverings, ahead of the UK Government’s review into the use of the masks in classrooms next week.

Alongside demanding the provision of clear masks to schools, colleges and specialist education services, the charity has urged Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi MP to write to institutions about the impact of face coverings on deaf students – provide examples of reasonable adjustments for them to implement.

Mike Hobday, Director of Policy and Campaigns at NDCS, said: “Face masks across the country are having a huge impact on England’s 45,000 deaf children.

“Public health must be a priority, but face masks in class mean that deaf children are being left out and left behind. This is not acceptable.

“Deaf children tell us they are struggling to communicate with their mask-wearing friends, unable to consistently understand their teachers and falling behind in their schoolwork.

“The Government needs to take the urgent actions we’ve set out today to stop deaf children being failed.”

As well as calling for funding for extra equipment such as radio aids, NDCS said they also want more catch-up funding to be provided to all deaf pupils – including those in mainstream schools and individuals without an Education, Health and Care plan.

Guidance on the impact of face coverings on learning and emotional wellbeing should be strengthened, and contain advice on balancing ventilation with a good listening environment, they said.

It comes after the UK Government announced in August that all schools will receive carbon dioxide monitors by September – technology which NDCS wants prioritised for mainstream classrooms with deaf pupils.

The Government is set to review its policy on face coverings in classrooms on 26 January, with the charity calling on the Department for Education to provide transparent face coverings to schools, colleges and local authority specialist education services.

It comes after the Department for Health and Social Care approved two clear masks – Contechs’ transparent surgical face mask and Alpha Solway’s MX C mask – for trial use in UK health settings earlier this month.

The Department for Education has been approached by The Limping Chicken for comment.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.