Speech, language and communication

The CICS group is independent. We support families whatever their chosen method of communication with their deaf child may be. We offer you the following links that may be helpful

1Voice

A national charity providing networking and support for children young people and families who use alternative communication.

Afasic

Supports parents and represents children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. (Not deaf specific, but some good information nonetheless.)

AG Bell

The AG Bell Listening and Spoken Language Knowledge centre is a worldwide resource for children and adults with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals that support them. Promotes early diagnosis and intervention and provides publications, discounts on books, and social media connections to a listening and spoken language community.

AVUK 2016

Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK)

Auditory Verbal UK is a UK-wide charity providing Auditory Verbal therapy to pre-school aged children with hearing loss and their families. This approach focuses on early intervention, play and parent coaching, maximising spoken language development through listening. Eighty percent of children who are on AVUK’s programme for at least two years start school with the same spoken language and communication skills as their hearing peers. The programme for families is available at AVUK’s centres in London and Oxfordshire, as well as online through Skype for families who are unable to access the centres in person.

Charlotte Lynch Sound

Charlotte is a qualified and highly experienced independent Teacher of the Deaf working in Devon and Cornwall. She has had moderately severe hearing loss herself from an early age. She uses Auditory Verbal Therapy strategies. She also has BSL to Level 6 and Cued Speech Level 2.

Communication Matters

A national voluntary organisation of members concerned with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) which are methods and aids that can be used by people who have little or no clear speech.

Cued Speech Association

A national charity providing information and training regarding Cued Speech, a visual version of speech using hand-shapes near the mouth combined with the lip patterns of normal speech. Free training can be arranged for parents of deaf children who would find it hard to afford the costs of learning.

DELTA

A nationwide support group of teachers and parents of deaf children. Provides support, information and advice to guide parents in helping their children develop normal speech through the use of the Natural Aural Approach. Runs courses for parents and families including summer schools for parents with hearing impaired children. Regional branches also hold regular meetings and conferences.

Dyspraxia Foundation

Aims to support individuals and families affected by dyspraxia and to help professionals in health and education to assist those with dyspraxia. Publishes books and guides, organises conferences and supports a network of local groups across the UK. Works to promote better diagnostic and treatment facilities for those who have dyspraxia and to promote awareness and understanding of dyspraxia.

Elizabeth Foundation

Provides comprehensive educational and support services for children with hearing loss and their families. This enables the children to develop their listening skills and spoken language and gives the parents the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions on behalf of their child.

Ewing Foundation

The Ewing Foundation is a national charity which works to raise the education and social achievements of deaf children by fostering the maximum use of their residual hearing and by promoting deaf children’s spoken language.

Hear Together

This registered charity is dedicated to supporting people with hearing loss in Nottingham, Derby and across the UK. The charity works with children and adults through community events, network support and workplace training.

iCommunicate

Website designed to provide free information and resources relating to communication, and improving communication skills. Aims to help individuals with communication difficulties, as well as provide information to parents and teachers about how they can develop and enhance their children’s speech and language skills. For those adults and children currently having speech therapy, the site aims to provide extra resources and activities to work in conjunction with an established speech therapy schedule, or to provide individuals with the necessary resources to make some progress independently.

John Tracy Clinic

Based in Los Angeles, provides onsite and distance parent-centred services, support, materials and education in English and Spanish for families of infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers with hearing loss. The onsite international Summer Sessions are offered for children age 2½ to 5 and their families interested in using spoken language.

Karen Gazeley

Karen is an Auditory Verbal Therapist & Teacher of the Deaf, based in Brighton. She believes all deaf children should have the support they need to realise their potential and to be happy and successful. She has worked with deaf children across the age range in a variety of educational settings for 30 years. She can support families to help their deaf child make the most of their technology to learn to listen, talk and learn to the best of their ability.

Listening for Learning

Catharine Infield is a highly experienced independent Teacher of the Deaf based in London. Her expertise is in helping parents, children and teachers to develop the auditory potential of deaf babies and children through listening

Phoenix Group

Based in Herts, the Phoenix Group provides activities and workshops for their Youth Group (11+ years) for deaf young adults and Cheeky Monkeys Group (7 – 11 years) for young children.   Whatever their hearing loss or communication needs, eg Learning to Listen, Telephone Skills, Keeping Safe. BSL Courses and Deaf Awareness Course. Click on the link for an up to date programme of events and up and coming courses.

RCSLT

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is the professional body for speech and language therapists and support workers.

Think, Talk & Learn – Lyndsey Allen

Advice and resources for parents and professionals, so children in their early years get the most out of life for language and for learning. Lyndsey Allen is a speech & language therapist, LSLS Cert. AVT, educator and mentor. She has a YouTube channel, a Facebook page and also offers individual sessions over video call or in person.
 

Wordswell Speech Language and Therapy

Specialist speech and language therapy. Assessment, information, advice, support.