Participants had several pieces of advice for hearing staff and practitioners which they felt would support other Deaf children, young people and their families.  These included:

• having more awareness of Deaf culture, identity and community;
• all staff learning some BSL e.g. SCQF Levels 1-6;
• not having a look of shock or fear if and when a Deaf person approaches you;
• trying to communicate in some way e.g. through digital means or written text;
• Teachers of Deaf children and young people being fluent in BSL to at least SCQF Level 6;
• staff and practitioners communicating with Deaf young people in their class, or on their course, so that they can fully understand what they need, and can provide support;
• remembering that all Deaf young people are different and their needs vary. Adapting support accordingly is therefore crucial;
• providing BSL/English interpreters;
• offering BSL in the curriculum along with other languages such as French and German to break down barriers and allow everyone in a school environment to communicate with each other on a basic level;
• being aware that where there is only a small number of Deaf pupils or students in a class, they can feel quite lonely. Small things like saying hello, how are you and trying to communicate is helpful and appreciated.  Deaf pupils and students will be able to understand you and welcome the effort.