Yes, it is possible for a deaf child to learn both spoken language and BSL. We support parental choice and the child’s right to an appropriately rich language environment.

Auditory Verbal therapy supports deaf children to develop spoken language through listening as the primary route for learning. It is typically suited for families who choose listening and spoken language as their first and main choice of communication in the child’s home and educational settings.

BSL is a language in its own right with its own word order and grammatical system. For families who want their child to use both BSL and spoken language, they will need access to BSL and spoken language across a variety of environments with a variety of people. Find out more about learning BSL. You can also find useful information and support about BSL from the British Deaf Association, as well as further information on the National Deaf Children’s Society website.