Introduction
The aim of this module is to help the parents/grandparents and other family members of deaf children become disability advocates who are motivated and capable of becoming change agents in their close and wider environment. By gaining relevant information about the human rights of people with disabilities, learning about the main roles and objectives of national and international professionals and services supporting deaf children and caregivers and understanding the definition, importance and main characteristics of inclusive contexts, family members of deaf children will feel empowered to make informed decisions, will understand their role and will be able to support other families who face the same or similar challenges. As disability advocates, they will be able to co-operate with schools and education authorities at local or regional level, on their own or within a support group. By developing and demonstrating positive attitudes and confidence they will support their child’s development and their family’s well-being.
Well-informed parents who are skilled team players but can also act as leaders and helpers of their peers have a much better chance of initiating changes in their environment to better suit the needs of their child and those of their own. This module encourages parents to form bonds with their peers and all education stakeholders in the institutions their child attends/will attend and to act as disability advocates in their regional/national environment.