DEAF children and their hearing friends were given tips on the best way to communicate at an event in Selkirk at the weekend.

On Saturday, the National Deaf Children’s Society Roadshow visited Bowhill House and Country Park, to provide information to youngsters.

The Roadshow, which is an eight ton lorry that turns into a classroom, is touring the UK and demonstrates the latest equipment available to give children with hearing impairments more independence. 

Flashing doorbells, bluetooth neck loops (for iPods and mobile phones) and vibrating alarm clocks, were just a few of the things on show and advice was given on some of the difficulties that deaf children often face, including communication barriers, isolation and exclusion from activities. 

Jamie Chivers, Outreach Officer for the National Deaf Children’s Society who is deaf himself and drives the Roadshow bus, told the Border Telegraph: "Deaf children can do anything other children can do, given the right support. 

"A visit from the Roadshow can make a real difference for a deaf child struggling with confidence, independence or communication and the more we can do to spread deaf awareness and information, the better."

Figures show three babies are born deaf every day and 90 per cent of deaf children are born to hearing parents with little experience of deafness. 

Since its launch, the Roadshow has travelled all over Britain, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland visiting hundreds of venues, including mainstream and deaf schools, sensory support services, audiology centres and special events, to help people gain confidence and new skills.

Parents with concerns about their child’s hearing can contact the Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) or email helpline@ndcs.org.uk. The society is open 9:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday, or you can access the website at www.ndcs.org.uk