§ The Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support is provided to the families of pre-school deaf-blind children in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe normal range of primary care and hospital services is available to deaf-blind children and their families. In addition, a child may be assessed for services locally or by a multi-disciplinary team at the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children. Low-vision aids and high-powered hearing aids are supplied as necessary.
Following assessment, social workers arrange for support, counselling and the provision of a range of equipment to assist with daily living. Some parents and their children attend the SENSE centre in west London for specialist information and advice.
Other support can take the form of assistance to parents at home by teachers from special schools or from education and library boards' peripatetic teaching service. Children are also welcome to visit toy and book libraries associated with special schools.