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Communication Tactics Audits & minicom/loop training Learning BSLFor parents, having a deaf child may be the first time they come into contact with a hearing loss and all the associated problems it brings. It is a worrying time, and for most being able to communicate with their deaf child presents a major barrier..
The language Aide service works directly with the family, providing communication support and an understanding of what it is like to be deaf.
The service is funded by Norfolk County Council and is free to families who have a deaf child.
The service aims to support children of all ages and all types of hearing loss.
Language Aide workers, who are mainly deaf people themselves, are trained and employed to carry out the support. An individual programme is designed for each family, taking place over ten weeks.
The Language Aide worker then visits at agreed times and works both with the child and family members, encouraging language development between both parties. This is achieved through play and story telling using the parents choice of communication support which can be sign language, oralism or any other appropriate method of encouraging communication.
This may be the first time that family members have met a deaf adult and the parents find this very positive.