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Use of terminology

Posted in News

Wording relating to deafness

We have been approached by BATOD members and others about the issue of terminology.

BATOD uses the terms ‘deafness’ and ‘deaf’ and not ‘hearing loss’ or ‘hearing impairment’ in its publications as these are not usually welcomed by deaf people. However, authors of articles from overseas may use different terminology.

We urge members and colleagues to adopt the same terminology when referring to the children and young people with whom they work, whilst acknowledging that BATOD does not have any specific influence on how Local Authorities or schools use terminology related to hearing.