Making connections. Children’s Outreach Service
The Auditory Implant Service provides rehabilitation for your child at your home, your child’s educational setting and at the Implant Centre. What is Rehabilitation?
Where do we work?
Rehabilitation is about helping your child to make the best use of their cochlear implant(s) for listening and communication.
We offer support in clinic, at home and at your child’s educational setting. Benefits of home/school visiting include:
The Outreach team consists of Teachers of the Deaf and Speech and Language Therapists who are all very experienced in working with deaf children and with cochlear implants. The team also includes Clinical Psychologists.
−− A more familiar place in which your child is likely to communicate more typically.
Key Contact When your child is referred for assessment both a Speech and Language Therapist and a Teacher of the Deaf are assigned to your child. One will be your Key Contact who will work closely with you through the implant process as a link person to:
−− Your child is likely to be more attentive and receptive if s/he is not tired after a long journey. −− Sharing information with other professionals involved with your child is easier. During assessment we will: −− Assess your child’s listening and communication. −− Provide you with clear information.
−− Ensure continuity of care.
−− Discuss and clarify any issues related to your child and the cochlear implant process.
−− To help you understand about auditory development with respect to your child and context.
−− Discuss the expected outcomes for your child if they go forward for a cochlear implant.
−− Liaise with other professionals involved with your child, and offer training both at the implant centre and locally.
−− Consider any known additional difficulties which may have a bearing on implant use or outcomes.
−− Give practical recommendations to maximise your child’s communication and listening development.
−− Offer an appointment with a Clinical Psychologist to discuss any concerns you may have.
−− Monitor your child’s long term progress, at home, nursery or school.
“It is really good for a parent to see staff visit and liaise with the school. Everyone has been very understanding and supportive.” 2
We work with children and young people of all ages
If your child is implanted we will:
What methods do the outreach staff use?
−− Offer advice and support about how to help your child We will support any approach which will benefit your child. Staff believe in helping parents to make an to listen well. −− Give practical suggestions to you and local services to informed choice for their child. Not all children who have implants use speech as their primary mode of optimise your child’s use of the implant. communication. −− Visit your child at home and in school to monitor progress. Additional optional group support available to −− Assist in audiology assessments.
children:
−− Advise and fit radio aids when appropriate.
We organise social events which enable you and your child to meet other children and adults with implants. Courses such as music groups and parenting courses are also available.
−− Review progress in relation to the cochlear implant over time. In consultation with yourselves, local teachers and therapists we plan strategies and goals for developing listening and communication and provide training. −− Attend school annual review meetings when appropriate and offer training courses to those supporting your child’s education. The Clinical Psychologist is available if you have concerns about your child’s behaviour, emotional wellbeing or developmental progress. The team do not provide regular therapy but support local professionals to do so. Our primary focus is to help your child’s listening development.
Contact us Please feel free to contact us for further information. All enquiries to: University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service Building 19 Highfield Southampton so17 1bj United Kingdom Telephone: 023 8059 3522 Fax: 023 8059 9608 SMS: 07887 790 765 Email: ais@southampton.ac.uk
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www.southampton.ac.uk/ais ais@southampton.ac.uk +44 (0)23 8059 3522