Details of BATOD events and activities within the wider deaf education community can be found on the Events page on BATOD https://www.batod.org.uk/events/
For a flavour of events coming up:
- BATOD 50th Conference: 24/25 April
- BATOD Deaf studies pilot programme: 18 March
- Date for PHSI webinar: 16 April
For more information and booking links please read on
1. This year, 2026, BATOD is 50.
Join us at the two-day conference event.
Theme: Back to the future – transforming what we know now ready for tomorrow’s world
Dates: Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April
Location: Mary Hare School, Arlington Manor, Snelsmore Common, Newbury RG14 3BQ
Conference language: English (interpretation will be provided into British Sign Language)
Early bird ticket registration live on Eventbrite until 31 January 2026
Call for contributions - closed 12 December - draft programme to be released soon
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Keynote presenters:
Dr. Christine Yoshinaga-Itano - a QToD and young people and an audiologist. "She has conducted research in the areas of language, speech, and social-emotional development of deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and children for over thirty years."
George Crockford - National Deaf Children’s Society’s CEO. After serving 3 years as a NDCS trustee, George became CEO in September 2025. "George is a parent to a profoundly deaf child and has experienced first-hand the positive impact of support from the National Deaf Children’s Society. Growing up as a CODA (child of deaf adults), he was immersed in the deaf community and witnessed the challenges that arise when support is lacking. This connection fuels his empathy, understanding, and unwavering dedication to supporting deaf children and their families. "
DCAL (Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre) - DCAL at University College London (UCL) celebrates its 20 year anniversary in 2026, coinciding with BATOD’s 50 year anniversary. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on two decades of research, with deaf learners from a wide-range of language backgrounds, and how this can contribute to an evidence-base for deaf education.
Fourth keynote presenter - details to be announced soon
2. Revised date shared by PHSI – Thursday 16th April 11-12pm
This is a national webinar for colleagues from the BATOD and the BAEA to receive an update on the progress to date of the national paediatric hearing services improvement programme (PHSI) into misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of childhood hearing impairment. The programme is delivering a nationally coordinated review and of all paediatric audiology services to recall and reassess babies and children at risk of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
Presenters
- Dame Sue Hill – Chief Scientific Officer
- Victoria Chalker – deputy Chief Scientific Officer
- A range of topic-specific subject matter experts (SMEs)
- Programme colleagues working on the PHSI Programme
Format - A 1-hour Microsoft teams meeting with guest speakers. A Q&A will be hosted and the session will be recorded. Actions/notes and the slides used will all be shared after the meeting.
Accessibility - The MS Teams call will have full interpretation services available for colleagues who are deaf
Booking link
3. Save the date – BATOD Deaf studies pilot programme
In response to membership feedback, BATOD's Past President, Martine Monksfield has led on the creation of an online BATOD Deaf studies pilot programme. The programme is due to launch on 18th March 2026, 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Further details to be published soon.