€11m needed to help deaf children

An extra €11 million in Government funding is needed to ensure deaf children can match the education achievements of other pupils, according to a report to Education Minister Ruairi Quinn.

Research from the US has shown that 17-year-olds who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) have the reading ability of a hearing nine-year-old. But the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) says the goal must be to allow them reach the same levels as their peers.

The NCSE says that the initial emphasis should be on awareness for parents of DHH children on early supports after diagnosis.