Who we are and what we do:
The Ayrshire Deaf Education Service supports the needs of children with a hearing loss and their families from diagnosis until school leaving age.
Our Teachers of the Deaf (ToDs) and our Sign-Language Assistant visit children at home and in educational establishments throughout North, South and East Ayrshire.
Teacher of the Deaf
A ToD is a qualified and experienced Primary/Secondary teacher who holds an additional postgraduate qualification in teaching children with a hearing loss. They have specific skills and specialist knowledge about deafness. Teachers of the Deaf continually update their own skills and knowledge and keep abreast with ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’ and all mainstream initiatives.
Supporting you
ToDs understand the impact of a hearing loss. We can:
- help you, and your extended family, to learn about your child’s hearing loss
- explain your child’s hospital audiograms and reports
- advise you on how you can best support the language development of your child
- introduce you to other parents and offer you additional information about other services in your area
- listen to you, your thoughts and ideas
Supporting your child
ToDs work with children from diagnosis and throughout their school life. We can:
- help your child understand their hearing loss and develop a positive and healthy attitude towards deafness
- support your child’s independence in using and maintaining their hearing aids and other equipment
- provide opportunities for your child to meet and enjoy the company of other children with a hearing loss
Supporting education
ToDs know and understand the teaching strategies which best support a deaf child. We can:
- provide in-service training to nurseries and schools to help them understand your child and their hearing loss
- advise school staff on suitable teaching strategies and resources
- ensure staff know how to provide good listening conditions for a deaf child
- liaise, plan and prepare lessons/resources for your child to support their learning
- attend review meetings and provide reports on your child’s progress
If you need to contact any of our staff, please click on their photographs to access their email address.
Teacher of the Deaf (North) (0.4)
Fiona Smith – Service Coordinator (0.4)
Lesley Wright (Teacher of the Deaf – East/North)
Amy McKinnon (Teacher of the Deaf – South/North)
