Listening bus heads for Chippenham

12:26pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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The National Deaf Children's Society's Listening Bus, will make a stop at Sheldon School in Chippenham on May 20 from 10a to 3pm.

It is the UK's only touring information centre for deaf children. Visitors can try out the latest technology to aid communication and awareness of important sounds within the home including vibrating alarm clocks, flashing doorbells and video and text phones. Experienced NDCS staff offer demonstrations and answer questions on all aspects of deafness from children, parents and teachers.

Three babies are born deaf every day and 90 per cent of deaf children are born to hearing parents with little experience of deafness. The NDCS is the national charity charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children, and supports their families and professionals working with them.

The Listening Bus first set off in June 1996. Its huge popularity led to it being replaced by a new version in 2004 with updated technology, a toy area for younger visitors and a quiet room where parents and professionals can talk to the NDCS staff in greater privacy. Since 1996 the bus has travelled approximately 160,000 miles with over 56,000 visitors.

Louise Cox, NDCS Roadshow Coordinator, said: "The right technology and equipment can make a huge difference in improving a deaf child's communication, confidence and independence, as well as helping them learn at school.

"It's great to be able to give deaf children a chance to have a real' telephone conversation with their friends and family on the bus. Often they have never tried a specialised phone with the volume boost or the T' switch facility before. It's wonderful to see their faces light up and to hear them chatting and listening with ease."

"Technology is transforming the lives of deaf children," explains Susan Daniels, NDCS Chief Executive. Having grown up deaf myself, I know only too well how important it is to receive the right information and equipment, which can both educate and liberate."

Parents with concerns about their child's hearing can contact the NDCS Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) or email helpline@ndcs.org.uk open 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday, or access the website at www.ndcs.org.uk The NDCS Listening Bus has been constructed with support from HBOS Plc, Garfield Weston Foundation, PF Charitable Trust and Tubney Charitable Trust.