The Specialist Deaf Curriculum Framework (SDCF)

The Specialist Deaf Curriculum Framework has been written to support deaf babies, children, young people, and their families to develop knowledge and make informed and independent decisions about their deafness, from identification through to adulthood.

It can support them to:

  • understand and make decisions about their deafness
  • develop the necessary social, pragmatic, and academic communication and language skills in their preferred communication style
  • develop confidence in their ability to self-advocate and to self-determine
  • create a positive sense of self and deaf identity
  • manage change and have the skills needed for adulthood.

There are three key aims of the resource:

  • to identify areas of specialist support and good practice that can improve independence and outcomes for deaf children and young people (DCYP)and their families
  • to raise awareness of deafness and the needs of DCYP and their families from identification through to adulthood with those who are new or unfamiliar with deafness
  • to enable discussion with and a shared language about deafness between deaf children and young people, their families, their schools and settings, and Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToDs) and the other professionals who work with them.

This curriculum framework is a UK-wide resource for specialists in deafness such as QToDs and educational audiologists. It can also be used by DCYP, their families, education settings, and the other professionals who support them. The resource is designed to cover the breadth of work of the QToD/ToD however, the focus may vary depending on where the QToD works, eg school for DCYP, specialist provision, in a peripatetic role, etc.

Seven core areas have been identified by QToDs and other professionals who support DCYP and their families. They comprise the elements that should be considered when supporting DCYP from identification to 25 years of age.

  1. Deaf identity
  2. Communication, language, and literacy
  3. Understand access to sound
  4. Social, emotional, physical, and mental health
  5. Manage change
  6. Preparation for adulthood
  7. Specialist assessment and monitoring

Each area consists of:

  • outcomes based on what we know works
  • suggestions for interventions and good practice
  • signposting to resources that could support you.

Accessed on Specialist Deaf Curriculum Framework - BATOD