The inclusion of Maltese hearing : impaired children in the mainstream

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to look into how children with hearing-impairment are included in the mainstream. This study took into consideration parents', teachers', learning support assistants', teachers' of the deaf and sign language interpreter's views about dealing with a hearing- impaired child at school. It tackled issues such as collaboration and team work amongst staff and their relationship with the hearing-impaired child's parents. It focused also on the necessary facilities and resources that mainstream schools are to be more aware of such as the installation of double-glazed windows. It sought to investigate the strategies used by the staff to meet the hearing-impaired pupils' needs. In this study, it emerged that the staff and professionals concerned were aware of this impairment however there is always room for improvement. However, certain challenges such as time constraints, funds and old buildings were seen in this research. In spite of all this, this research has left an impact on raising awareness that including a hearing-impaired child in the mainstream entails more than just placing them in that setting.