YOUNG people who rely on sign language to communicate were helped to make sure their voices are heard when the Listening Bus rolled up at their school.
The visit to The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, by the National Deaf Children's Society's mobile classroom coincided with World Voice Day.
Staff on the bus, which visits schools across the UK, ran three sessions for 23 students.
The group sessions included discussions on the types of technology available to hearing impaired young people, identity and self-confidence and overcoming challenges. Older students in Year 11 learned about the options open to them and the support that is available after they leave school.
The King's Academy has a high proportion of students with special educational needs and those with hearing impairment range from young people with mild hearing loss to others who are dependent upon sign communication. Others are hearing children who use sign language to communicate because of speech difficulties.
Teacher of the deaf at the academy Peter Jackson said: "The Listening Bus comes to us approximately every four years so that every student who could benefit from the sessions gets the chance to take part while they’re at the academy.
“The young guys who run it have been to university and are a great example to our students of what they can go on to achieve. Their sessions to build on what we do in school around developing self-confidence and supporting our young people."
Wendy Westgarth, local children and families support officer with the National Deaf Children's Society's, added: "I support families of deaf children and young people, and of course the young people themselves, ensuring they have a voice and someone to contact if they have any concerns. People can contact us on 0808 800 8880 by voice or text or email helpline@ndcs.org.uk."
