News

SEND Review ‘misses opportunity’ to increase support for deaf children, MP warns

3 mins read Health Education
Ministers have been accused of “missing an opportunity” to allow all deaf children access to a specialist early intervention programme which helps them learn to listen and speak.
Deaf children spoke at the event alongside MP Emma Lewell-Buck and AVUK chief executive Anita Grover. Picture: AVUK
Deaf children spoke at the event alongside MP Emma Lewell-Buck and AVUK chief executive Anita Grover. Picture: AVUK

MP Emma Lewell-Buck, former shadow secretary for education, told experts in hearing loss and families of deaf children at an event in Westminster, that the government’s review of provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should have included a proposal for auditory verbal therapy (AVT) to be embedded on the referral pathway for children with hearing loss.

AVT is a specialist parent-coaching programme which supports deaf children, who use technology such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, to learn to listen and speak.

Despite being widely used in countries like Australia and New Zealand, it is only available to a handful of 7,200 profoundly deaf children in the UK through charity Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK), which hosted the event.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Pause Practitioner - Public Health

Hackney, London (Greater)