THE BRITISH DEAF ASSOCIATION MANIFESTO (Hansard, 20 October 1982)

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Trefgarne)

I set out below our response to the important points raised in this manifesto.

1. We recognise the importance of British sign language to deaf people and appreciate its significance as an aid to communication for many of them. Nevertheless, there are several other means of communication which are important to people with a hearing impairment and others with speech disorders. The Government will continue to encourage, and support where possible, schemes to improve communication for all hearing impaired people so as to promote their integration into the community.

2. Sign language is not banned in schools but nor is it used in all schools for the hearing impaired. Over 90 per cent. of deaf children come from hearing homes and all live in a hearing world. We agree that they are best helped by a flexible approach based on their individual needs.

3. In making appointments to teaching posts education authorities and others need to satisfy themselves as to the medical fitness of candidates among other factors. This will normally have been determined when the candidate is accepted for teacher training. After qualifying, and provided that there has been no deterioration, any teacher, including the hearing impaired, may apply for any advertised post.

4. It is not expected that the 1981 Education Act will result in the closure of many special schools. There will always be a need for some special schools for the hearing impaired, although fewer will be necessary as the numbers of those children decline and schools become non-viable. The potential role of special schools as resource centres is recognised.

5. The British Deaf Association's recent application for finance to implement a national programme to train British sign language interpreters is at present under consideration.

6. (a) There has in fact been increasing provision for hard of hearing people over the past few years and this policy will continue. Also the broadcasting authorities are committed to continuing the extension of the Teletext facility which is of great benefit to deaf people.

(b) The expansion of cable systems is currently under consideration by the Government in the light of the Hunt Report. Cable has certainly the potential for providing the sort of specialist services which can benefit deaf people.

7. The Fit for Work Campaign, which was launched in 1979 by the Manpower Services Commission and has the full support of the Government, the Confederation of British Industry 221WA and the Trades Union Congress, continues to seek to promote the employment interests of all disabled people including those with a hearing impairment. Use by disabled people of the services available at Jobcentres, including the specialist services, is also encouraged.

8. Charges made to telephone subscribers are a responsibility of British Telecom but the special problems of some deaf people are recognised and the Minister for the Disabled is getting in touch with British Telecom about the charges made to those who use special equipment.