International children's charity links deaf organisations worldwide (press release)

From: National Deaf Children's Society - Feb 10, 2004

Contacts
Zoë Mendies
020 7014 1149
HYPERLINK "mailto:zoe@ndcs.org.uk" zoe@ndcs.org.uk

Sarah Brown
020 7014 1144
HYPERLINK "mailto:sbrown@ndcs.org.uk" sbrown@ndcs.org.uk

For release Tuesday 10 February 2004

International children's charity links deaf organisations worldwide

The International Deaf Children's Society (IDCS) is compiling the largest and most comprehensive online global directory of deaf organisations and is calling for NGOs, schools, hospitals, government bodies and commercial organisations to submit their details.

IDCS, the international branch of The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), is compiling The Directory for its new website so that deaf children, their parents and carers and professionals working within the field of childhood deafness will have access to local, national and international deaf organisations at the click of a button. The new website will launch in April 2004 and The Directory will be just one feature of the site which aims to create an online, global forum for childhood deafness.

Organisations can submit their details to The Directory through a quick and user-friendly form at HYPERLINK "http://www.ndcs.org.uk/resourcedirectory" www.ndcs.org.uk/resourcedirectory.

Any organisations unable to access the Internet but who would like to feature on The Directory should call Rachel Willoughby on 020 7490 8656 (v/t) or write to her at 15 Dufferin Street, London, EC1Y 8UR

IDCS International Development Manager Jo Ayres comments:

"IDCS aims to become the first point of contact for all those working with deaf children across the world. The Directory is a significant step in this direction linking deaf organisations worldwide and giving them immediate access to information and expertise."

Organisations should submit their details online at www.ndcs.org.uk/resourcedirectory

-ends-

Notes to editors: For more information or an interview with Jo Ayres, IDCS International Development Manager, please contact the press office on Tel: 020 7014 1149 email: zoe@ndcs.org.uk

World Health Organisation estimates that there are 123 million deaf people in the world today, 90 percent of which live in developing countries. In a country like India there are three million deaf children and only one in ten have access to any services. (NIHH)

Founded in 1944, The National Deaf Children's Society celebrates its Diamond Anniversary this year. NDCS has developed a wealth of experience over the last 60 years and IDCS will build on this expertise, working with local partners to facilitate the development of sustainable services for deaf children, their parents and carers. Parents can contact the charity's freephone helpline on 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) or access the website at www.ndcs.org.uk

International Children's charity links deaf organisations worldwide