Members of the Oxfordshire Deaf Childrens Society recently had an unforgettable experience as they visited RAF Brize Norton. The visit provided a unique opportunity for children and their families to explore the base, learn about the RAF's role, and interact with personnel.
The visit was designed to be an engaging and educational experience for the deaf children and young people supported by Oxfordshire Deaf Childrens Society (ODCS), providing them with insight into the world of aviation and the military. The children and their families were given a guided tour of Parachute Training School (PTS), which included having the opportunity to jump from the Fan Descent Trainer, a free-fall simulator. The PTS personnel also explained various equipment and their roles, describing the parachuting process while the visitors were on the back of a mock aircraft.
In addition to the PTS tour, the children had the opportunity to take part in a science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) activity with Squadron Leader Andy Marshall, one the Station’s STEM ambassadors. The children and their families had some fun making paper aeroplanes and the children tested their design at the end with a competition as to which one could fly furthest. Squadron Leader Marshall ended the visit with a tour of the Station’s Heritage Centre, which he curates, to showcase the history and artefacts since the Station opened in 1937.
Sergeant Chris West, Parachute Training School instructor said:
“It was fantastic to host Oxfordshire’s Deaf Childrens Society. We already knew they were going to be brave individuals living with hearing impairments, but they all went above and beyond that by trying out our Parachute Exit Trainer, a piece of equipment I have personally witnessed a few soldiers massively intimidated by. I really hope this visit has helped inspire them to explore their interests further, who knows, perhaps even in parachuting?”
Sergeant Chris West
Parachute Training School instructor
The visit was part of ODCS's ongoing efforts to provide enriching experiences for deaf children and to promote inclusivity and accessibility in all areas of life. The Society works to support deaf children and their families across Oxfordshire, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their hearing peers.
Anita Jack, RAF Brize Norton Media Officer, who hosted the visit said:
“It was fantastic to welcome Oxfordshire Childrens Deaf Society to Station. As this is something that is very personal to me with impaired hearing it was amazing to have Childrens Deaf Society here on station. It was fantastic to show total inclusion. Many thanks to all who made this day happen, the children and parents had a great time."
Anita Jack
Media and Communications Officer
RAF Brize Norton
ODCS is a registered charity that supports deaf children and their families throughout Oxfordshire. The society provides a range of services, including support groups, information resources, social events, and advocacy, to ensure that deaf children have access to education, social activities, and opportunities to thrive in a hearing world.
For more information about the Oxfordshire Deaf Children’s Society, please visit www.oxfordshire-deaf-childrens-society.org.uk.
