§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which Scottish universities and institutes of higher education make special provision for students with hearing impairments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThis information is not available. It is for the universities and other institutions themselves to decide what special arrangements should be made for students with hearing impairments.
§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision has been made within mainstream primary and secondary state schools in Scotland in the five years ended June 1990 to assist children with hearing impairments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangEducation authorities are responsible for ensuring that sufficient specialist assistance is provided for all children with special educational needs.
As for provision in mainstream schools for pupils with hearing impairment, individual authorities adopt varying approaches. Most children are taught by class teachers supported by visiting specialist teachers. Some authorities also have units for the hearing impaired housed in primary and secondary schools, although the bulk of the pupils' time is still spent in the mainstream class. Most children are taught using either the oral-aural approach or the total communication method, with the former more commonly used in the mainstream setting.