A DEAF woman is showing Oxfordshire children with similar conditions that life without hearing need not be a disability.

Emma MacDonald, 27, of Juniper Gardens, Bicester, has been recruited by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) to take part in its Deaf Role Model (DRM) project to share her experiences with youngsters and their families.

The free scheme uses successful deaf adults to help children understand that their hearing impairments do not have to rule their lives.

Miss MacDonald is one of eight volunteers in Oxfordshire who will meet seven- to 11-year-olds.

After being diagnosed as deaf at the age of four, she went to mainstream school before studying for a sports psychology degree at the University of Glamorgan in Wales.

She now works for a marketing agency in Chalgrove.

She said: "When you first find out your child is deaf it can be a very lonely, daunting and stressful time. If I can be a part of something that will help parents think positively about their own child's future, that can only be a good thing.

"The DRM project will enable parents to see that deaf people have overcome their difficulties and have made their own way in this world. Parents can also ask us questions they may feel are silly to ask professionals with regards to friends, relationships, work life and sport, as only a DRM can let parents know their own experiences.

"I believe the project will be a great success as I do think parents would love to have this fantastic opportunity to meet successful deaf people like us. I want to help parents and children to realise they can still continue to achieve their dreams, whatever they may be."

There are 35,000 deaf children in the UK and three are born every day. Nine out of 10 have parents who can hear and have little experience of their condition.

The NDCS set up the role model scheme, with support from the Big Lottery Fund, because deaf children often wonder what will happen to them when they grow up.

Family communication services manager Sally Reynolds said: "We know from our work with families what a positive effect it can have if children and parents have the chance to get to know, and be inspired by, deaf adults.

"This project will help deaf children feel less isolated, and help the whole family have higher expectations of what their deaf child can achieve."

DRMs have also been recruited in Greater Manchester, Wales and Northern Ireland.

They include a broad range of people, and families will be able to have up to three visits from a role model of their choice.

To take part in the scheme, call Valerie Copenhagen on 0207 490 8656 or email deafrolemodel@ndcs.org.uk