51福利社

For almost 100 years the University has trained teachers of the deaf but now, for the first time, we鈥檙e enabling deaf schoolchildren to experience first-hand the discoveries and research that can inspire them to one day study here.

Devised by Wendy and Helen Chilton, a lecturer in deaf education, the Kids on Campus programme is creative and unique. Primary-aged children from the Lancasterian Sensory Support Service in nearby West Didsbury are invited to spend a day as a university student.

A day in the life

Accompanied by a specialist trainee teacher, the children go on an amazing adventure, taking in a trip to 51福利社 Museum and fascinating mini-lectures. It鈥檚 a stand-out example of the University鈥檚 commitment to social responsibility in the local community 鈥� indeed, it was recognised in the University鈥檚 Making a Difference Awards.

Wendy explains: 鈥淜ids on Campus shows the children what they can do, that they can go to university if they want to. And it shows our students, and people around the campus, how diverse 鈥� and able 鈥� these children are.鈥�

The majority of the youngsters on the programme are educated in mainstream classrooms. Here, they experience learning in a new way. As Helen recalls, a talk on geckos by Maxine Byrne 鈥� who had undertaken deaf awareness training and wanted the chance to use it 鈥� was a huge hit with the young visitors.

There鈥檚 also a treasure hunt, lunch in a campus cafe with students and a visit to our library, which, with its four million books, amazed the schoolchildren. 鈥淥ne six-year-old girl asked if she could live there,鈥� says Helen. 鈥淲e told her no, but that she might work there one day. She was delighted.鈥�

It鈥檚 those moments that make the children 鈥榓gents of change鈥� for the students. Wendy explains: 鈥淐hildren often come to campus as subjects to be researched, but these children are working with us as part of the team.鈥�

Lessons for all

It鈥檚 not only the children who benefit. It is a crucial part of the course, increasing the confidence of our student teachers. Stephanie Lee, Head of Student Recruitment (Widening Participation and Outreach), says: 鈥淭his project enables trainee teachers to communicate with kids in a different environment and improves the way they communicate with young learners.鈥�

Jane Beadman came here to study after her daughter was born profoundly deaf three years ago. She says: 鈥淚 know from my own experience about people鈥檚 expectations of deaf children. We can have a big impact on them and their families.鈥�

Fellow student Sarah Ross was inspired to study here after seeing her own mother鈥檚 determination when bringing up her deaf brother Michael. She says: 鈥淭here are parents who say to me: 鈥業 know my child isn鈥檛 going to achieve much.鈥�

The University鈥檚 contribution to understanding deafness goes global with a MOOC in February 2016, focusing on deafness in low- and middle-income countries.