National Association of Deafened People

About Us

Sudden or gradual, the onset of profound deafness is a traumatic experience. Only those who have endured it can fully realise the sense of loss, the disorientation and the devastation to the person. Without help, the deafened person faces a daunting and sometimes heartbreaking job trying to cope with the changes that deafness has brought to their life. The National Association of Deafened People was founded as a charity in 1984 by a group of deafened people (see the Information Booklet for a definition of 'deafened people') who felt that their needs were only partly catered for by existing organisations. Today, the NADP is recognised as the national representative organisation for deafened people. The NADP provides information and support for deafened people who have lost all or most of their useful hearing, and for their families and friends, to help enable them to regain their independence and enjoy the best quality of life. The NADP is run by and for deafened people. The Executive Committee consists of volunteers who are themselves deafened people, and therefore can relate personally to the needs of their members.

At its meetings, the Association employs lipspeakers and STT (Speech to Text Transcription) reporters (and BSL interpreters if required) so that all those present can follow the proceedings. We also make extensive use of textphones, mobile phones (SMS), faxes and email for social and business purposes.

The NADP exists to support newly deafened people who may think their life is over when they lose their hearing, as well as those who have been deafened for many years. Deafened people may lose their job, they may be unable to continue their education or further training, and they may become depressed, isolated and suicidal. However, the NADP enables them to meet others who have gone through similar experiences, so that they may come to realise that people can successfully rebuild their lives after becoming profoundly deaf.

One of the NADP's main objectives is to increase awareness of the specific needs and requirements of deafened people, to ensure they have full access to communication, information, employment and services.

A key objective of the Association is to campaign on issues of relevance to the membership. Details of some of our current campaign activities are shown here. In many cases there is no substitute for sheer numbers of people getting involved, so if you feel that you could help with any of these campaigns please get in touch through enquiries@nadp.org.uk

The Association ensures that the voice of deafened people is heard and recognised not only by the public, but by other groups of deaf people. Modern developments have transformed the outlook for deafened people and the NADP ensures that members are aware of the solutions that are available. Improved hearing aids, cochlear implants, textphones and subtitles all provide means of access for deafened people. No longer is the telephone beyond reach, the television incomprehensible or, above all people's conversation unintelligible, and even for those who may not be able to benefit from implants, information and advice are at hand.

All NADP members receive NETWORK, the Association's quarterly newsletter, which gives full coverage of NADP's activities and has articles on a wide range of subjects of interest to deafened people.

Local groups have been, and are continuing to be, set up throughout the country. These groups give members and their families the opportunity to meet other deafened people within their local area. The groups also provide local community support and information to all who need it as well as organising social and other events for their members.

Our Key Activities

The NADP provides information through its publications. These contain information for both deafened people and professionals working within social and health areas related to the field of deafness. The booklets are also useful to help other groups within the community such as employers.
The NADP publishes a quarterly newsletter, 'Network' to keep members in touch with each other and to provide information and updates on any developments that may affect them. Network is distributed amongst all members, local groups, etc.
NADP provides information and advice on employment, telecommunications, equipment and other subjects.
NADP has a number of local groups and other contacts in various parts of the country which arrange social events and provide support at grass root levels. For details, please contact the membership secretary or write to the address on the home page