§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaf-blind children have been identified in Northern Ireland in the age range(a) 0 to 2, (b) 2 to 5, (c) 6 to 11, (d) 12–15 and (e) 16 to 19 years.
§ Dr. MawhinneyA number of Northern Ireland children have been identified as having both hearing and visual impairment but few are totally blind or totally deaf. The information below relates to children who in a varying degree have a multi-sensory handicap which may, in some cases, be associated with a physical or mental handicap.
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Age ranges Number 0 to 2 1 2 to 5 32 6 to 11 32 12 to 15 9 16 to 19 4
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaf-blind children in Northern Ireland attend specialist deaf-blind units.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere are no such specialist units in Northern Ireland but two pupils from Northern Ireland attend such units elsewhere.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to issue a policy statement on the education of deaf-blind children in Northern Ireland.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Department of Education (Northern Ireland) is currently considering policy and provision for children with multi-sensory handicaps and will be taking into account the policy statement on this subject issued by the Department of Education and Science.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision is made to ensure the training of teachers of deaf-blind children in Northern Ireland.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere are already in Northern Ireland a number of teachers in the education sector who in addition to specific qualifications in deaf education also possess qualifications in visual impairment. Opportunities also exist through in-service and distance learning courses for teachers to extend and develop their expertise in particular spheres, including teaching children with multi-sensory handicaps.