We reply to lots of requests for information from people all over the world who want to find out more about what’s happening for deaf children in their country or somewhere where they have visited. Here are the best places to look:
1. Deaf Child Worldwide Network… OK – so I have to big up our own site first – but we do have a database of over 1000 organisations with an interest in childhood deafness worldwide. You can search by country and get contact details for all the organisations listed.
2. The World Federation of the Deaf is the central international organisation of national associations of Deaf people. It’s national members are based in 127 countries worldwide, and are the people to contact if you want to get in touch with the adult Deaf community in any country.
3. Deaf Cultures and Sign Languages of the World has lists of web-based sources from many of the world’s countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Check it out to find out more about what’s out going on out there.
4. Gallaudet University – the world’s first Sign Language bilingual university has a list of published material on deaf people, deaf culture and sign language in other countries. You’ll need access to a library to get to this stuff, but it makes interesting reading if you do.
5. On the ground – if you are in a country – your first stop should be deaf schools or clubs in your area. You can also contact the Ministry of Education (for deaf schools), Ministry of Health (for audiology services and outreach workers). If you can’t find a deaf association, finding the National Umbrella Organisation for Associations of Disabled People might help you get in touch.
Hope this is useful – please let me know if you’ve got any additions to this list or if you know of other useful resources…
