Sensory Service-Deaf Service

The Deaf Service offers:

• Advice and consultancy

• Staff development and training

• Deaf awareness training (for staff and pupils)

• Support for deaf pupils in various settings

• Family support

• Advice to schools on specialist equipment, technological aids, adaptation of materials, teaching methodologies

• 1:1 and group interventions

Depending on the age of the child, support may be offered at home, at nursery or within a school setting.

The nature and frequency of support will depend on the needs of the child. The teacher of the deaf will work closely with the family and any other professional people involved with the child to ensure that the hearing impaired child is given every opportunity to achieve their potential.

What is a deaf child?

Any child whose response to sound is not normal - the hearing loss can range from mild to profoundly deaf.

A temporary hearing loss can be caused by ear infections, catarrh, wax etc.

A permanent hearing loss is usually acquired before or during birth or by contracting an illness later in life, for example meningitis, mumps or measles.

Advice

Whether a hearing loss is permanent or temporary, it can have a detrimental effect on the development of language.

At the pre-five stage the development of speech, language and listening skills can be delayed. This can continue throughout the child's education. Consequently, the child may have difficulty with other areas of the curriculum - particularly reading and spelling. Early intervention from a range of professionals, including teachers of the deaf, speech and language as well as audiolgists can ensure that all deaf babies/children/young people achieve their full potential.

If you are concerned about a child's hearing, please contact:

• ASD Sensory Outreach Service (ASOS)
  Tillicoultry Primary School
  Firpark
  Tillicoultry
  FK13 6PL
  
  Tel: 01259 452455
  e: clkgemmell@glow.sch.uk

Referrals

Audiology, with agreement from parents/carers will send on the appropriate referrals to schools and teachers of the deaf. Referrals can also be made by parents, Family Centres, and medical professionals.

Early identification and intervention are vital.