Hearing Dogs for Deaf People facts for kids
 |
|
| Founded | 1982 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dr. Bruce Fogle, Lady Beatrice Wright |
| Type | Charitable organization |
| Location |
|
|
Area served
|
UK |
|
Key people
|
Tracy Griffin (Chief Executive) |
|
Formerly called
|
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf |
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a special charity in the UK. They train amazing dogs to help people who are deaf. These clever dogs learn to tell their owners about important sounds.
The dogs offer comfort and friendship. They also give practical help. For example, they alert their owners to life-saving sounds like a smoke alarm. They also tell them about everyday sounds, such as an oven timer, a baby crying, or a text message. The burgundy coats worn by these dogs let everyone know that their owner is deaf.
This charity started in 1982. It was co-founded by a vet named Dr. Bruce Fogle. Since then, they have created almost 2,500 partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs. Today, about 1,000 hearing dog partnerships are active across the UK.
In 2017, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People joined with Hearing Link. This is another big charity that helps people with hearing loss.
Contents
How Hearing Dogs Help
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People helps people with hearing loss. They give them special Assistance Dogs. These dogs can go almost anywhere with their owners. Their burgundy coats have the Hearing Dogs logo. This coat also tells other people that the person with the dog is deaf.
Dog Training: The First Year
For the first year of their lives, the puppies live with volunteers. These volunteers take care of the dogs. They also introduce them to new experiences. This helps the dogs get used to different places and sounds. The volunteers give them basic training too. This whole process is called 'socialising'.
Dog Training: Advanced Skills
After about a year, the dogs move on to advanced training. Here, they learn to alert people to sounds. This is called 'soundwork'. When they hear a sound, they gently nudge their deaf owner with their nose. Then, they lead their owner to where the sound is coming from.
There is one important exception. If the dog hears a fire alarm or smoke alarm, they do something different. Instead of leading their owner, the dog lies down. This tells the deaf person there is an alarm. But it does not lead them into danger.
More Ways to Help
Since joining with Hearing Link, the charity can help even more people. They now support people with a wider range of hearing loss. Not everyone wants or needs a dog. So, the charity also offers other help. This includes special technologies, support, and useful advice.
History of the Charity
The charity was first known as Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. It officially started at Crufts in 1982. This was a three-year trial project. It was created by Dr. Bruce Fogle and Lady Beatrice Wright.
In 1986, Hearing Dogs became a full charity. They bought their first property in Lewknor, Oxfordshire.
In 1992, Anne, Princess Royal became their Royal Patron. She still holds this title today. She is a patron for both Hearing Dogs and Hearing Link.
In 1994, the charity opened its northern training centre. Five years later, they set up their southern training centre. This centre and their offices are at The Grange, in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, UK.
In 1996, the charity changed its name. It became known as Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
