Archive for May, 2008

“Where Are All The Deaf People?”

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

A question I’m often asked is, “where are all the deaf people?”. It’s mainly people my age (30s) and upwards who ask this question. Many, never having met a deaf person before, are full of questions about the daily challenges, peoples’ attitudes and so on. Others, not wanting to cause offence, don’t ...

A Hearing Dog Called Smudge

Monday, May 26th, 2008

Hearing Dogs - not yet widely seen in Ireland - are companions to deaf people, and alert their owners to everyday sounds like doorbells, door-knocks, phones and cooker timers that otherwise might go unheard.   Smudge the Hearing Dog features in this contribution to the website by his owner Tina Lannin, from Co Derry & Co Down, ...

What’s It Like To Be Deaf?

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008

When I’m asked this question, it’s tempting to reply, “what’s it like to be hearing?” - but that doesn’t achieve much! This simulator is brilliant for explaining how deaf people are challenged every day, and why background noise irritates hearing-device wearers. Simulators for autism, dyslexia and visual impairment are also included on this ...

Digital Photos For New Words And Concepts

Sunday, May 18th, 2008

This article continues the “Digital Photos Help Special-Needs Children Learn” piece, which is one of the most-read on IDK. Home-made picture books are a brilliant way to teach children with special needs about their home life and the world around them. It doesn’t matter how these books are used, how they’re made, ...

Toys for Baby Development 0 - 24 Months

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

The IDK article “Toys & Games for Deaf Children” is one of the most-read on this site, so this piece suggesting toys for development will be of interest. Developmental Baby Toys for 0 - 24 Month Olds Remember, children who’re deaf have the same toys as hearing children, even if you may think otherwise! Handheld rattles will ...

Communication Options Chart for Deaf Children

Friday, May 9th, 2008

Communication is a major decision for parents of deaf children, as it will shape their child’s life and prospects from an early age. The Communications page of this site gives an overview and some tips. This chart also defines all the options and their long-term implications. Note: this chart uses American definitions. For Irish parents, the American Sign Language ...

Know Your Rights Night- For Parents of Children With Special Needs

Friday, May 9th, 2008

Release Communication Intervention and Irish Autism Action Hosts Know Your Rights Night 28 May 2008 7:30pm Fairways Hotel, Dublin Rd, Dundalk Everything you wanted to know about your entitlements but were afraid to ask! Speaking: Jacinta Walsh, Information Officer, IAA, Dundalk Sarah Rennick, Information Officer, IAA, Ireland Additional Speakers to be announced Questions and Answers to Follow Tea, Coffee and Biscuits will ...

NDCS ‘Change Your World’ Survey Results

Sunday, May 4th, 2008

The first-ever NDCS ‘Change Your World’ survey was mentioned on IDK in January 2008 - and its results have now been published.  A total of 1,468 responses were received from deaf UK youngsters aged 9 to 18, with 255 responses from parents and 188 from professionals. Some key findings: Levels of deafness had ...

“Autism games” website

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

http://autismgames.googlepages.com/ This is a great website I came across developed by a Speech and Language Therapist from the States. She has suggestions for loads of different games and activities for kids with ASD and also some information for parents and professionals. Lots of the games are demonstrated with YouTube clips. There's ...