Scheme to support young deaf children

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People
has welcomed the government’s new £1m pilot programme to help
disabled young children (see News, page 11, 30 May).

RNID
chief executive James Strachan said: “Early identification of
deafness combined with early intervention, offers the best chance
for deaf children to develop their communication and intellectual
skills at the same pace as hearing children.”

The
early support programme will offer parents and disabled children up
to the age of two practical help.

The
government has also produced two publications. Together From the
Start is a guide to multi-agency working in the delivery of
services to disabled young people, while Developing Early
Intervention/Support Services for Deaf Children and their Families
aims to help councils provide support.

– Both
documents can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/