The transition period from primary to secondary education is a complex process. It is a crucial development period for all students but even more so for those students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. During the transition period, deaf and hard of hearing students may feel excluded and isolated. The possibility for social contact and interaction with other students is often limited, and this isolation or separateness may have an impact on learning. These students are particularly vulnerable and may feel that they are being treated unfairly and end up losing confidence in themselves.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students often encounter difficulties in fully understanding and engaging with lessons due to limited access to assistive technology. However, these challenges can be reduced through enhancing the use of Assistive Technology in Second Level Education.
Chime EduTech can greatly reduce the additional pressures encountered by Deaf and Hard of Hearing second level students by offering the secondary schools a range of assistive technology products, services, supports, advice and information and an on-call after sales service to ensure all students receive the assistance they need.
Children require support and understanding to help them make as smoother progression from one setting and system to another.
Chime EduTech products, services and supports will lower barriers in Deaf and Hard of Hearing student’s achievements, enabling them to realise their full potential, help them improve their study performance which in turn will help the student increase the likelihood of gaining the results they hope to achieve.
Second Level Grants
Currently, if the second level school recommend AT the parents complete a National Council for Special Education (NCSE) application form and the school principal declares the necessity for the equipment. This is passed onto the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) who then must approve it and pass it to the National Council for Special Education for a decision. The Department of Education and Skills then sanction the grant for the equipment.
Special Needs Education Organiser (SENO): https://ncse.ie/seno-support-service
National Council for Special Education Grant Scheme: https://ncse.ie/assistive-technology