Setting up DCAH

At the outset, there was no comparable service in the UK.  It was necessary to create a framework from scratch.  Deaf people have seldom had access to higher levels of school education(such as A-levels) and so the population of deaf parents on which we wished to draw was not expected to have extensive advanced qualifications which could be set alongside the other professionals in the service.  However, we were anxious to ensure that the deaf participants were highly skilled in their own language and had experience in the raising of their own children.

It was clear that training had to be within the project itself.  As well as providing some theoretical and research base, the training was designed to offer a home schedule which the consultants would be able to use when visiting the home each week.  In addition, regular meetings of the consultants would be vital in exchanging and clarifying experiences.

Discussions with the teachers of the deaf helped frame the training programme and their support was vital in ensuring the involvement in the service activities.

Recruiting consultants

Finding the right deaf consultants was the first problem.  We held meetings in deaf clubs to explain the aims of this project and to set out our ideas of what we want from a consultant.  They were to be both parents and BSL users.  The project aim was readily understandable as deaf people see as a priority, the early use of sign and the easing of the communication barrier at home.

The Initial Training

Having interested a number of deaf parents, they were invited to a training programme.  The first part of this was an intensive, week long programme covering such topics as: child development, language acquisition, the nature of BSL; educational provision in Avon; counselling skills; the role of deaf consultants; how to work with the family; assertiveness and self-image.

In addition, materials had been produced for use in the home and time was spent in becoming familiar with these.

Inevitably, this training was too short[1] and can be seen as only the beginning of what was needed.  By constraining the sessions at home within a framework which was explained at the first training, and repeated at a number of meetings thereafter, we hoped to ensure that the structure was manageable and drew on natural skills which the consultant had.

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This page was last modified January 29, 2007
jim.kyle@bris.ac.uk