Oxfordshire Deaf Children’s Society (ODCS) is a charity that provides opportunities for families with deaf and hearing impaired children and young people in Oxfordshire and the surrounding area to get together for mutual support and to have fun. Most of our members are parents and we have one aim in common: the welfare of hearing impaired children, young people and their families.
"The festival was awesome. This was our first time camping without an electric hook and first time at a festival as a family! There were so many things to do throughout the day and a lot of different sounds and instructions to fully take part in all of the different kids activities.
The Advanced Bionic cochlear battery pack funded by ODCS lasted longer than the rechargeable batteries (which only made it until 6pm such was the processing power used during the day!) which was fantastic as it meant we could do the full day, from day time car driving experiences through to music performances in the evening, with full access to sound and without worrying."
In May 2025, in collaboration with Modern Art Oxford (https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/) we ran an art session for under 5s where little ones can explore, create, and get messy.
By 1.15pm one Saturday afternoon - eleven families were getting stuck into the activities and searching for their inner artist. Which medium would the children choose? Some opted for clay…
… others chose the paintbrush…
… and the glowing basin of gloopy chia seeds (think frogspawn!) was a universal hit with the children (and a number of the adults - scooping and pouring the gelatinous goop was oddly satisfying and addictive).
The session provided an opportunity for the parents and carers to chat and connect too. Events with under 5s are often frantic - but by enabling the children to go and explore in a stimulating and safe environment, the adults were free to grab a coffee.
The session was aptly rounded off with a two-footed SPLAT into a tray of slime - covering anyone within a 3 metre blast radius. Perhaps one day the children’s creations will be on display!
Free membership to all Oxfordshire based families with a hearing impaired child and hearing impaired young people and their families through the teen section.
Free online activities to all members!
Please 'join' via the link above to sign up to our mailing list for details of upcoming events. Membership is free!
If you want to connect with other local families to share information and swap ideas, go to our Facebook page.
If you need to get in touch with local services for deaf children, such as the Deaf & Hearing Support Team in Education or in Social and Community Services, go to the Information for Parents page to find the contact details.
The NDCS has a free helpline on 0808 800 8880 (available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) if you'd like to speak to someone, or see their website for details of other advice and support.
If you have any other queries, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
We welcome all hearing impaired children, young adults and their families, whatever their ethnic or religious background.
Learn more about usRegistered Charity no: 297689
A local group of the National Deaf Children’s Society
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