About | 13.09.2025 | By Teresa Quail

BATOD Conference 2026 50th Anniversary

This year, 2026, BATOD is 50.

Join us at the two-day conference event.

Theme: Back to the future – transforming what we know now ready for tomorrow’s world

Dates: Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April

Location: Mary Hare School, Arlington Manor, Snelsmore Common, Newbury RG14 3BQ

Conference language: English (interpretation will be provided into British Sign Language)

Early bird ticket registration closed on 31 January 2026

Call for contributions – closed 12 December – contact [email protected]

Keynote presenters:

Dr. Christine Yoshinaga-Itano – a qualified teacher of deaf children and young people and an audiologist. “She has conducted research in the areas of language, speech, and social-emotional development of deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and children for over thirty years.”

Prof.dr. Evelien Dirks – program director DHH at the NSDSK in Amsterdam and a professor in early development and intervention in DHH children at Tilburg university. Her research focus on the development of DHH children in the context of the home environment. Next to her research she is involved in the development of educational materials and tool to support the development of DHH children.

George Crockford – National Deaf Children’s Society’s CEO. After serving 3 years as a NDCS trustee, George became CEO in September 2025. “George is a parent to a profoundly deaf child and has experienced first-hand the positive impact of support from the National Deaf Children’s Society. Growing up as a CODA (child of deaf adults), he was immersed in the deaf community and witnessed the challenges that arise when support is lacking. This connection fuels his empathy, understanding, and unwavering dedication to supporting deaf children and their families. “

DCAL (Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre) – DCAL at University College London (UCL) celebrates its 20 year anniversary in 2026, coinciding with BATOD’s 50 year anniversary. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on two decades of research, with deaf learners from a wide-range of language backgrounds, and how this can contribute to an evidence-base for deaf education. 

Call for contributions has now closed

Local accommodation:

Orida Hotel Newbury near junction 13 of M4 – they offer a preferential rate for Arlington Arts delegates and is the only hotel within walking distance (approximately 1 mile – 15 min walk on pavement).

Donnington Grove Hotel

Premier Inn Town Centre Newbury – convenient for train station

Donnington Valley Hotel – free parking – 1 mile from school but no footpath

Nearby Pubs with Rooms

Crab and Boar Inn – free parking

Elephant at the Market – town centre good for train station access

The Bunk Inn – free parking

Booking.com has other options

Thank you to our 2026 Conference sponsors

Sponsor/exhibitor pack is available via this link. Contact us via [email protected] for the booking link and more details

Stellar Sponsor

Oticon