D/deaf or hearing loss

The D/deaf or Hearing Loss Support Team can provide advice, support, information and guidance for any students at Vision West Nottinghamshire College who are deaf or have a hearing loss.

Hearing loss can range from mild, moderate, severe to profound deafness.

• It is estimated that approximately 9 million people (1 in 7 of the population) have a hearing loss.
• Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents.
• Approximately 50,000 deaf people in the UK use British Sign Language as their first/preferred language.

What kinds of support can the D/deaf or hearing loss team offer?

The support team can offer students a wide range of services including:

• Support during admissions, interview and induction procedures.
• Trained and experienced Communication Support Workers (CSW).
• Support from a specialist teacher of the deaf.
• Communication in British Sign Language and Sign Supported English.
• Total communication (a combination of lip speaking, signing and note taking, depending on individual needs).
• Adaptation of materials i.e. language modification, transcriptions.
• Technical aids i.e. radio aids, personal loops.
• Confidentiality.
• Peer group of D/deaf learners and social activities.
• Training for your tutors in deaf awareness and BSL.
• Cross college deaf awareness sessions offered to raise awareness and understanding.
• Support in exams and with Special Exam Consideration applications.
• Support for transition in and out of college.

The team are proud of their strong links with local deaf communities and national organisations.