This case study along with the reflective questions can be used to help practitioners consider the experiences and challenges of Deaf children and young people attending school, college or university.

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PDF file: Youth Advisory Group - Case study with Deaf young people in Scotland - June 2024 (442 KB)

Reflective questions

• How do you support Deaf children and young people at relevant key transition stages?
• Are Deaf children and young people given opportunities to learn about the culture and history of other countries?
• What opportunities do you have for Deaf children and young people to share and exchange their language learning with their peers and their parents?
• Are Deaf children and young people in your setting or school given access to Deaf role models?
• Do staff in your setting or school have an awareness of Deaf culture and identity as well as a basic understanding of BSL?

What was done?

This case study provides insight on the experiences and challenges of four Deaf young people in Scotland while attending secondary school, college and university.  In particular it considered:

• positive experiences and challenges of attending school, college or university as a Deaf young person and what supported them to effectively engage and achieve;
• benefits of language learning (British Sign Language (BSL) and other languages);
• opportunities and benefits of having parents involved in the wider life of the school and engaged in their child’s learning.

Why?

Attending school, college and university as a Deaf child or young person can present many opportunities as well as varied experiences and challenges.  Understanding these and what helpful and supportive approaches enabled Deaf children and young people to effectively engage in their learning is key to improving their outcomes.