Providing information, encouragement and support for families who wish to learn more about how their profoundly or severely deaf children can learn to listen and talk following a natural aural approach

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What will we be doing?

The purpose of DELTA Summer Schools is to provide advice, support and encouragement to families who want their deaf children to learn to listen and talk.

The children are looked after for the day by teams of qualified staff and experienced volunteers. The youngest can have fun in a well-equipped crèche whilst the older ones join in activity groups of their own age and interests. Off-site trips can include visits to the zoo or local theme parks.

What is covered?

The parents take part in informal discussion groups and workshops, led by professional lecturers and teachers. Typical topics include:

Preschool (0 - 4 years)

• Maximising the use and maintenance of hearing aids and cochlear implants
• Supporting listening and language in the home
• Gaining the most from preschool provision
• Making the best of the support available

Primary (5 - 9 years)

• Looking at the individual education plan
• Managing hearing aids/cochlear implants/radio aids and support equipment in school
• Ensuring full access to the curriculum
• Understanding roles of the professionals working with your child

The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and informal. There is time to talk with other families and volunteers, many of whom are young deaf adults or parents of deaf children. There is always opportunity to speak with practitioners about specific concerns.

Why should I attend?

The best people to answer this are the previous attendees! Here are some quotes:

“A fantastic experience. We have come out feeling positive and excited about the future. Thank you very much.”

“I can’t emphasise how helpful, educational, empowering and encouraging this week has been.”

“The children have had the most fantastic time. Everyone has been absolutely wonderful. We can’t praise them enough.”

“We have left the course feeling educated, uplifted and with an entirely positive outlook for the future.”

Who can attend?

All families with severe and profoundly deaf children who wish to learn more about how deaf children learn to listen and talk will find the course beneficial. The Natural Aural Approach does not involve the use of sign language or signs to support language acquisition, therefore there will be no exploration of issues relating to different approaches.

DELTA Summer Schools support families with babies, preschool children and those in their primary school years. All family members and interested friends are welcome.

Want to know more?

If you would like to attend, please complete the application form and return it to us. If you have any questions, please contact us on 0845 1081437.

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. You will receive a follow-up telephone call to discuss more details. A non-refundable deposit of £50 will be requested once a place has been offered.

Where are they held?

The Summer Schools this year will be held at Lancaster University. Families are allocated a flat in blocks, normally used by students in term time. This does mean that they are not designed for families (single beds, for example) but they are usually fully equipped, including bed linen and are clean and comfortable (but not luxurious!). It may be necessary on occasions for two families to share a flat and food is not provided.

When are they happening?

Preschool and Primary:

• arrive from 3pm on 23rd July
• leave after 4pm on 27th July

How much will it cost?

We ask for a minimum contribution of £100 per family (up to 2 adults and 2 children). This goes towards everything apart from meals. Although friends or family members are welcome, there is a supplement of £50 per extra adult and £25 per extra child. We do not want anyone to feel excluded on the basis of cost and we can help identify other sources of funding if necessary.

Summer Schools are heavily subsidised and DELTA welcomes any further donations towards the costs.