18 0 Launch of Deaf Specialist Multi Disciplinary Team Tuesday 31 October 2023 September 27th 2023 was a significant day for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families as Chime launched it’s new Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT will provide a specialist service that will address problems of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis experienced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing children with complex needs. The new team will provide a range of supports to children and families, focussing on diagnosis and early intervention, including psychological, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy support. It is based in Chime’s centre at Deaf Village Ireland in Cabra, Dublin. The launch event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, children, Chime Board members and staff, HSE and colleagues in DVI. The MDT will serve children and young people aged up to the age of 25 and was officially launched by Minister of State for Disabilities at the Department of Children, Anne Rabbitte, on Wednesday. Minister Rabbitte said “I am delighted to be making good on a promise that Deaf children with complex needs can begin to receive services they deserve and live a life in which they may reach their potential,” said the Minister. The new service is funded by the HSE and will work closely with HSE Community Disability Network Teams and Primary Care clinicians. Speaking at the launch, Chime CEO Mark Byrne said “It was a service that we knew from talking to parents, talking to families, that there was an absolute need for.” Click here to find the 'no child should be left behind' article published in the Irish Independent.