“We’re proud to have supported this research partnership. We believe in a world where anything is possible for deaf children and we’re determined to make sure nothing holds them back. This partnership and the opportunity it has given parents and deaf children to guide future research priorities on the issues that matter most for them will be crucial in helping us to achieve this goal. We’re excited to see how researchers tackle the issues and questions generated by the top 10 lists.”
Ian Noon, National Deaf Children’s Society
“I had a really welcoming experience attending the JLA workshop. As an older young person I got to hear what the professionals and parents thought and shared my experiences of being deaf with them. It was lovely to see that parents believed that their children could succeed after meeting me and seeing what I have achieved. Since attending this workshop, I have fostered my passion for deaf advocacy even more and have since joined advisory boards where I can make an impact on the barriers Deaf young people face, for example in education! The top 10 priorities will not only be JLA’s research priorities, but also my priorities when advocating for deaf young people.”
Yazz Hansford, Young participant in the final adult workshop
“That others feel like me. That I can help other children like me.”
Child participant in the final children workshop
“What he has to say matters, his voice can and will be heard. He can share his opinions with others, learn how to discuss, agree and disagree. Through speaking and educating others, it is going to make a difference.”
Parent in the final children workshop
“It has been an absolute privilege working as a parent partner developing our Top 10 most important research questions for childhood deafness. This project has brought together and empowered deaf children and young people, parents and professionals from across the UK; using their valuable lived experiences to provide them with a strong voice to guide researchers towards addressing what is most needed to improve deaf children’s educational, health, social and emotional outcomes. I am excited to see which questions will be pursued in further research and the positive impacts these will have on the lives of deaf children. A huge thank you to all the families of deaf children who have contributed!”
Juliet Viney, JLA Parent partner
“We were absolutely thrilled to involve deaf children and young people throughout this project. Their insights were invaluable. From co-designing many elements of the project to helping us shape and rank the top 10 research priorities, their voices guided every step. It was a privilege to work with them, not just for them.”
Hannah Stewart, Lancaster University
“The opportunity to discuss and debate with parents of deaf children and young people, people with lived experience and professionals with backgrounds in deafness, the areas of need from their perspectives and to prioritise the top ten items for research focus was a privilege.”
Teresa Quail, Participant in the final adult workshop
“Having been involved as a steering group member of the Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss PSP, the chance to also take part in the adult workshop was an exciting opportunity. The adult workshop discussions were engaging, stimulating and thought provoking and the resulting Top 10 questions reflect the passionate views of all those who took part.”
Kay Confait, JLA steering group member and participant in the final adult workshop
“The adult workshop provided a truly collaborative experience between all (adult) service users of hearing care and education. I’m amazed at how so many original opinions were altered following the contribution from so many different perspectives. It’s an experience I’d definitely recommend for all future research.”
Ruth Crosby-Stewart, JLA steering group member and participant in the final adult workshop
Childhood Deafness Research Network 