§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to assist those who are deaf or hearing impaired.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettUnder the provisions of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990, social services authorities are to publish their first social care plans by 1 April 1992. These plans, which in Wales are to be prepared jointly with all other relevant authorities and service providers, and representatives of user and carer interests, will include hearing impairment services and set out the way in which authorities intend to assess and meet peoples needs. The Welsh Office has issued guidance to the authorities on the preparation and content of these plans and on assessment and care management.
This has recently been supplemented by the publication of the latest of the Welsh Health Planning Forum's protocols for investment in health services to achieve health gain, which covers the needs of those with physical or sensory disabilities. The Welsh Office is working closely with authorities in the preparation of draft plans to ensure that they address adequately the needs of all client groups.
The Welsh Office is making available £1.6 million in the current financial year to encourage the development of more flexible forms of community care for elderly people and those with physical and/or sensory disabilities. So far, 39 projects have been approved, with more in the pipeline, and a circular inviting applications for schemes beginning in 1992–93 was issued in October. We are also making available £600,000 in 1991–92 to organisations active at an all-Wales level in promoting the interests of the elderly and of those with disabilities. Among these are the Wales Council for the Disabled (£250,000) and the Wales Council for the Deaf (£94,000).
The Children Act, which came into effect from 14 October, lays a general duty on social services authorities to promote the welfare of children who are in need by 171W providing an appropriate range and level of services. Section 17 of the Act defines children in need so as to include deaf or hearing impaired children. The provision of education for such children is a matter for local education authorities. However, the Welsh Office has made grant available, which is to continue in 1992–93, under the grants for education support and training programme for the in-service training of teachers of the deaf/hearing impaired. Further, the Department has invited bids for grant aid under GEST for the development of a regional centre for the educational needs of those who are deaf and blind. Bids are currently being considered.