STLS Sensory Service support for Hearing Impairment:

In Early Years we:

• provide information about the child’s hearing impairment diagnosis
• support the family, including the extended family, in the home
• work with parents to assess and monitor their child's development and help set language and listening goals
• provide information on modes of communication
• advise on appropriate toys, sensory materials and books
• empower parents to gain confidence in making choices for their child
• offer contact with other families and local support network
• provide support visits, advice and training to preschool settings and schools
• support transitions into preschools settings and school

For School Age learners we:

• advise schools on the implication of a learner’s hearing impairment
• provide training to school staff on hearing impairment
• advise school staff on strategies to promote access to the curriculum/ communication and to support social inclusion
• teach specialist areas relating to hearing impairment such as the acquisition of language/listening skills or signing skills
• provide technical support to ensure the learner’s hearing equipment is working well
• advise on and support specialist equipment such as assistive listening devices
• work closely with schools and other agencies to support joint planning
• assess the learner’s functional hearing and their progress in language and listening skills
• contribute to a planned approach over time to promote independent learning
• maintaining close contact with families to ensure that expectations and approaches are consistent between home and school

Colleges of Further Education:

When a young person is ready to move on to College or University, we provide a report and advice to support planning and ensure a smooth transition.  Similar support to that provided in schools is available to be purchased by Colleges of Further Education.