Spotlight On Lewisham Deaf Children Society
Lewisham Deaf Children Society is affiliated with the NDCS and was set up five years ago to create a place where D/deaf children and their families could meet for support, advice and share experiences in a positive and inclusive environment.
In the last year, we noticed that within Lewisham borough there was a lack of play groups catering to D/deaf pre-school children thus LDCS under fives playgroup was formed.
LDCS gives D/deaf children the opportunity to meet with other children that may be hearing aid users, signers or wear cochlear implants. The playgroup is held in a fantastic children’s centre designed specifically for children with a soft play area, children’s kitchenette and lots of toys to stimulate creative play.
Our sessions currently consist of sing and sign, arts and crafts (some focused and parent led), cold cooking and free play with toys.
Our purpose and values are:
- That if the correct support is given and positive attitudes are fostered, the challenge of deafness can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the deaf children, their families and society.
- To enable D/deaf children to achieve the same as their hearing peers.
- That deaf children need to develop fluent language skills in order to understand and influence the world around them.
- That British Sign Language (BSL) and English are of equal worth and should be taught to all.
We deal with all of the issues that arise, from the worries of a new diagnosis to education and claiming benefits. Our goal is continue the work of the NDCS and help to break down the barriers for D/deaf children.