Deafness in childhood: 2. Are deaf children getting the education they need?

Under the 1981 Education Act, deaf children should be assessed for a "Statement of Educational Needs". Deaf children under school age are supported by a peripatetic teacher for the deaf. There are different schools of thought about the best methods for teaching deaf children. Systems include the oral/aural, "Total Communication" and sign language methods Speech and language therapy is important but provision in schools is patchy and there may be disputes about whether it comes under the education or health budget. Ideally, each health district should have a District Children's Hearing Assessment Unit, which accepts self-referrals as well as referrals from professionals. The National Deaf Children's Society recommends that each child should have a key worker to co-ordinate the various services. At present the quality of schooling and support a deaf child receives is patchy and depends on the luck of where the parents happen to live.