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Blue Peter and deaf children celebrate ten years of The Listening Bus. The 10th anniversary of a mobile technology exhibition for deaf children was marked on Monday 15 January. The innovative National Deaf Children's Society's (NDCS) Listening Bus was launched by Tony Blair when he was Leader of the Opposition. Its huge popularity led to it being replaced by a new version in 2004 with updated technology, a toy area for younger visitors and a quiet room where parents and professionals can talk to the NDCS staff in greater privacy. Since 1996 the bus has travelled approximately 160,000 miles with over 56,000 visitors. Richard Vaughan, NDCS Technology Manager said: "The NDCS has regular contact with technology suppliers to ensure that the latest equipment is always on board. The Listening Bus travels throughout the country delivering its unique service to the door step of thousands of children every year. We know that the right technology can transform the life of a deaf child and we will work to ensure that this service continues to reach yet more children and their families in the future". Konnie Huq explains why she joined in the celebrations: "The NDCS Listening Bus is a vital source of information for deaf children and their families. It is fantastic to be here today and see for myself how important and helpful the technology on board is to the deaf children. The NDCS Listening Bus has helped thousands of deaf children over the last decade and I am sure it will continue to be a great source of support in the next ten years and beyond!" Deaf children visiting the NDCS Listening Bus can test out the latest technology to aid communication and awareness of important sounds within the home including vibrating alarm clocks, flashing doorbells and video and text phones. The right technology and equipment can make a huge difference in improving a deaf child's communication, confidence and independence, as well as helping them learn at school. Three babies are born deaf every day and 90 per cent of deaf children are born to hearing parents with little experience of deafness. The NDCS is the only UK charity solely dedicated to the support of deaf children, their families and professionals working with them. The NDCS Listening Bus has been constructed with support from HBOS Plc, Garfield Weston Foundation, PF Charitable Trust and Tubney Charitable Trust. www.ndcs.org.uk
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