We need to carry out research at SCoD to help us with our campaigns. 

We need to gather facts and figures about what affects deaf people in their daily lives so that we can give an accurate picture of what is happening in Scotland.

We carry out our research by contacting our member organisations, voluntary organisations, local authorities, health boards and other public authorities.  This is important so that we can find out what information, support and services are available to deaf people and what can be done to make these more accessible to deaf people and their families.

In our research, we are keen to involve deaf people themselves who may or may not have a connection to a deaf organisation.

If you would like to get involved in our research or have an issue you would like us to look into for you, please contact our Policy & Research Officer.

Do Scottish Social Work Department staff have the necessary skills needed to work with deaf people?

In 2009, we sent out a questionnaire to all 32 directors of social work in Scotland and asked that they cascade it down to all of their staff. The staff in 20 councils responded – 955 people in total. The analysis of these returned questionnaires is available here in two separate reports – Social Work Skills Audit, which details the training and communication skills of qualified social workers; and the Social Work Support Staff Audit, which details the training and communication skills of other staff who work within social work departments.

Both reports show how few social work staff have the necessary skills to work with and support deaf people. Only one Council stands out – Highland Council: the social work staff who work with deaf people have undergone the most training in order to give deaf people the most appropriate service possible.

Communication Support for deaf people in Scotland
SCoD carried out a piece of research into the cost of providing communication support for deaf people in Scotland in contrast to the communication support provided by councils and health boards for people from the BME community whose first spoken language is not English - download a pdf copy or a copy in word.

Download pdf copies of SCoD research and consultation papers submitted:
Criminal Justice and Mental Health Freedom of Information Report: pdf
Health Planning Freedom of Information Report: pdf
Local Planning Freedom of Information Report: pdf
Taxicard Scheme: pdf