Archive for July, 2008

Deaf People Don’t Always ‘Fit The Box’

Sunday, July 27th, 2008

Any deaf person will tell you they’re often ‘pigeon-holed’ by others who don’t understand deafness, or can’t see the abilities of the person they meet. Deaf people can do everything - even if they don’t hear. They just communicate in different ways and encounter issues other people don’t. Kellie Moody, a deaf competitor in ...

Personalised Books From Star Stories

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Personalised books really get childrens’ imaginations going – regardless of ability. A whole book about them! How exciting is that?! Irish publisher Star Stories has a great range of personalised books, including new titles where the child in the story LOOKS like your child. In other words, the illustrations change so the ...

Natural Child-Family Language Development

Friday, July 18th, 2008

With modern hearing-aids and cochlear implants, many deaf kids soak up language without any obvious reinforcement. Some with cochlear implants even learn by overhearing incidentally. Others need natural language practice with their families, at home or out and about. Simple interaction with your kids is what’s required. The key points are: Parents who understand ...

“Gene Discoveries Yield Autism Clues”

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Yet another study identifying a genetic component to autism, although this one may actually provide some clues regarding intervention approaches: Gene discoveries yield autism clues Story Highlights Study: Genes suggest autism happens in brains that can't form proper connections Some genes may have been stuck in "off" position, respond to therapy Study reveals wide variety, almost ...

Kids in Action Photo Competition

Monday, July 14th, 2008

Kids in Action Photo Competition Irish Deaf Kids is running a Photo Competition for a project later this year. Closing date: October 31, 2008 - Theme: Kids in Action Photos will NOT be posted on the Irish Deaf Kids website or forum. The photographer’s permission will be obtained before their picture is used anywhere. Categories: ...

Parents’ Seminar: Education Services (Oct 4, 2008)

Friday, July 11th, 2008

DeafHear.ie is hosting a seminar on October 4, 2008 at the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, Co Laois, for the parents of deaf/hard of hearing children. Morning presentations will cover: The Visiting Teacher Service Mainstream schooling Mainstream schooling with a hearing unit St Mary’s School for Deaf Girls & St Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys An afternoon presentation ...

Group Games For Deaf And Hearing Children

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

Parents and teachers often ask what group games suit deaf and hearing children, and whether any adaptations are needed for inclusion. Group games allow deaf children to learn social skills while mixing with hearing children, and getting to know other kids around them. Hearing children in turn learn non-verbal communication skills and ...

Speech and language therapy activities/suggestions website

Friday, July 4th, 2008

Hi all, Just came across this great website which provides lots of resources for parents (or speech and language therapists!)  about speech and language activities to try at home; a lot of the activities and suggestions are ones that I typically give to parents wondering about what they can work on at home with ...

IDK Podcast on Mumcentric.com

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

Darina Loakman, co-founder of the mumcentric.com podcast & networking website for mums in Ireland, recently interviewed IDK’s Caroline Carswell. The recording is live on mumcentric.com and a transcript will follow asap. Enjoy!

Picture Diaries For Natural Language Development

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Deaf children learn new words and language visually, so pictures or simple drawings are the key to developing their ability to link words and meaning. Informal diaries with stick figures, line drawings and specific pictures can help reinforce this link by recording what’s been learned in daily activities. This way, both you ...