COCHLEAR IMPLANTED CHILDREN'S SUPPORT GROUP (CIC'S GROUP)
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Mission Statement
Voluntary, independent charity providing contact, information, support and events for families whose deaf children already have cochlear implants and for those who are considering the procedure for their deaf child. The charity is run by parents of deaf children and is completely reliant upon donations.
About This Cause
Deafness is a hidden disability. Nowadays the majority of deaf children attend mainstream school where they may be the only deaf child in their class, or even the whole school. For deaf children in a hearing world communication can be difficult leading to frustration and isolation. They and their families need support. Some children are so deaf that conventional hearing aids cannot help them. Today most will be able to have a cochlear implant, a surgically implanted device that, with the right support, will enable many of them to learn to listen and to develop intelligible speech. The process of assessment for a cochlear implant is a lengthy and anxious time for the whole family. 40% of deaf children have additional needs which will limit the development of their communication. Outcomes vary, and the whole family may need emotional support for many years. This is where we can help by offering first-hand experience to support families before, during and after their child's cochlear implant. Established in 1993 and registered as a charity in May, 2003, the CICS Group is a completely voluntary charity run by parents whose children already have cochlear implants and who recognise that there is no one approach that will suit all deaf children. The Group is independent and relies entirely on donations, grants and its fundraising efforts to cover expenses. There is no membership fee for families who have a deaf child and wish to join the CICS Group to become part of our network of families. In order to promote contact, share information, offer support and help end the isolation often felt not only by the deaf child but also by the whole family the charity: Puts families in touch with others who have relevant experience to share so that they can learn from one another, receive relevant information and be reassured. Organises Information Days where presentations from professionals as well as informal workshops give parents the opportunity to see different approaches and learn about the latest technology that can help their deaf child. Produces and distributes a quarterly newsletter providing information and articles written by professionals working in hearing impairment, language delay, education, etc, the cochlear implant manufacturers, parents and children who use cochlear implants. Organises events for families to get together in an informal setting, enabling parents to chat whilst deaf children and their siblings play, thus reassuring the whole family that they are not alone and are part of a growing network.. Arranges activity weekends for deaf children to make friends with others who face the same daily challenges and to learn new skills from specialist instructors. Hosts an invitation-only, parents-only Facebook group. Provides links with other relevant groups. The charity also helps professionals and student by arranging contact with groups of families meeting certain criteria who have agreed to take part in research projects. Where appropriate the charity supports national campaigns to help deaf children and was proud to be appointed as a consultee to the NICE Technical Appraisal of cochlear implants. The evidence the charity provided contributed to NICE's decision in 2009 to recommend simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation for deaf children. With families at all the UK auditory implant centres, encompassing children using every type of cochlear implant device currently available in the UK, all modes of communication and attending a wide range of eductional placements, the CICS Group can offer a vital part of the pre and post-implantation process: support for families by families based on first-hand experience.