Deaf people at home

Some people who are deaf have a few gadgets to help them at home, so they can take care of themselves. For example, some people have extra-loud doorbells, so they know when someone is at the door. Lots of families have a doorbell connected up to a lamp in their child’s room -or even all the lights in the house – so that they flash on and off when someone rings the doorbell.

A smoke alarm is another household device that usually relies on sound. It gives off loud beeping noises when it detects smoke to warn people there may be a fire. It is vital that everyone knows when one goes off. Smoke alarms can be wired up to the lights so they flash while the smoke alarm beeps. They can even be connected to a pad under a child’s pillow that vibrates (moves backwards and forwards) to wake them up.

Some young people who are deaf use special alarm clocks. Some have flashing lights, and a pad under their pillow that vibrates when it’s time to get up. People who wear hearing aids usually take them out at night, so a clock like this is a must if they want to get to school on time!

The kind of school a young person who is deaf goes to depends on what suits them best. Some children prefer to go to schools that are for deaf children only. Many others go to ordinary schools. Some rely on hearing aids or equipment such as radio aids to allow them to attend classes alongside children who can hear. They may have some extra help, perhaps with their speech, from specially trained teachers who come to the school. Some have their lessons with other deaf children in special classrooms that are part of an ordinary school. Although they have many lessons separately, they usually have some lessons with hearing children and join in with activities such as school trips and assemblies.

How does it feel to be deaf?

There are lots of devices deaf people can use to help in practical ways, but how does it feel to be deaf? Some young people who are deaf say they have times when it gets them down. They may feel cut off from other people or they may resent having to wear hearing aids or use special equipment. People who are deaf are also sometimes teased at school or treated as if they were different.

Most people who are deaf say that being deaf is just a small part of who they are. They can do all or nearly all the things other people can do – and just as well. Most of the time, young people who are deaf just get on with living their life. As well as making friends at school or home, they may join clubs or groups to meet other young people who are deaf. Many deaf children are proud to be deaf and enjoy being part of the deaf community.