Deaf Academy to host prestigious national conference

Exmouth’s Deaf Academy is set to welcome leading professionals in Deaf education this March as it hosts the highly anticipated 2025 BATOD-BAEA Conference.

Organised by the British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (BATOD) and the British Association of Educational Audiologists (BAEA), the conference will focus on advancements in Deaf education, technology, and inclusion.

Around 100 delegates are expected to attend, bringing a boost to the town’s hospitality sector.

Sylvan Dewing, Principal and CEO at the Deaf Academy, said the event will be a valuable opportunity to showcase the academy’s work while fostering collaboration within the sector.

“We are very proud to welcome the BATOD-BAEA Conference to Exmouth. This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the outstanding work being done here at the Academy while also fostering collaboration and innovation within the field of Deaf education,” he said.

“Hosting this prestigious event here also underscores our national reputation as a centre of excellence for Deaf education. We expect it to bring significant benefits to the local community, with an influx of professionals and delegates expected to boost the local economy by supporting hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Exmouth and the surrounding area.”

The conference will feature keynote speeches, expert-led workshops, and networking sessions, providing a platform for specialists, educators, and researchers to share ideas and discuss innovative approaches to supporting Deaf learners.

Cllr Joe Whibley, Chair of Exmouth Town Council, welcomed the news, describing the Deaf Academy as an integral part of the town.

“Exmouth Town Council is delighted that the Deaf Academy has been chosen for this nationally important conference,” he said. “The Deaf Academy and its students have become an integral part of life in the town, and we're delighted they will get this chance to shine in front of education professionals from around the country.”

With technology at the heart of this year’s conference, Emma Parker, Conference Committee Coordinator, said the event would play a key role in ensuring professionals stay informed on the latest developments.

“The British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (BATOD) is pleased to deliver this ‘Technology’-themed conference in partnership with the British Association of Educational Audiologists (BAEA),” she said.

“This is significant, as in 2025 we expect a range of technology updates, announcements and research studies that could positively impact the outcomes for Deaf children and young people. Conferences are an important element of the work that BATOD and BAEA do to ensure members receive up-to-date information.”

For more information about the Deaf Academy, click here. 

To learn more about the BATOD-BAEA Conference or book tickets, click here.