- Joined
- Mar 11, 2006
- Messages
- 4,739
- Reaction score
- 0
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/dis...Node=133158&contentPK=14145708&folderPk=78031
SIGNING UP FOR OLIVIA
12:00 - 08 March 2006
Staff and pupils at a small Devon primary are so keen for a profoundly deaf youngster to be part of the school that they are all learning sign language.
All 49 pupils and six staff at Lamerton Church of England Primary, near Tavistock, are being taught British Sign Language so they can communicate with four-year-old Olivia Dillon.
Olivia, who joined the school in January, has a cochlea implant and is starting to say a few words but relies on signing.
Now the pupils have a weekly lesson with a tutor from the British Deaf Association and teachers, staff, parents and other members of the community are studying at a weekly adult evening class.
Lamerton headteacher Ann Mitchell said: "Olivia's sister was already here and doing really well and her mum and dad wanted her to come to the village school too.
"So we knew 18 months ago that we would be having a profoundly deaf pupil starting this year. We took advice from Devon County Council's adviser for deaf children on how best to prepare.
"Olivia has been learning British Sign Language for some time so that was the best way to communicate with her."
All the staff at the school, including teachers, classroom assistants and a dinner lady, have been taking the evening class and they have been joined by parents and other villagers.
"They all volunteered and all the staff are doing it in their own time.
"I have been delighted with Olivia's progress. She has settled in well and become a real part of the school and she is communicating well."
Olivia said she was enjoying school and making lots of new friends.
Her mum, Helen, who is a parent-governor at the school, said: "As a family we have been overwhelmed by the commitment and support shown by the whole school. It was important to us that Olivia attended school with her older sister and the friends that she has made at the local playgroup."
SIGNING UP FOR OLIVIA
12:00 - 08 March 2006
Staff and pupils at a small Devon primary are so keen for a profoundly deaf youngster to be part of the school that they are all learning sign language.
All 49 pupils and six staff at Lamerton Church of England Primary, near Tavistock, are being taught British Sign Language so they can communicate with four-year-old Olivia Dillon.
Olivia, who joined the school in January, has a cochlea implant and is starting to say a few words but relies on signing.
Now the pupils have a weekly lesson with a tutor from the British Deaf Association and teachers, staff, parents and other members of the community are studying at a weekly adult evening class.
Lamerton headteacher Ann Mitchell said: "Olivia's sister was already here and doing really well and her mum and dad wanted her to come to the village school too.
"So we knew 18 months ago that we would be having a profoundly deaf pupil starting this year. We took advice from Devon County Council's adviser for deaf children on how best to prepare.
"Olivia has been learning British Sign Language for some time so that was the best way to communicate with her."
All the staff at the school, including teachers, classroom assistants and a dinner lady, have been taking the evening class and they have been joined by parents and other villagers.
"They all volunteered and all the staff are doing it in their own time.
"I have been delighted with Olivia's progress. She has settled in well and become a real part of the school and she is communicating well."
Olivia said she was enjoying school and making lots of new friends.
Her mum, Helen, who is a parent-governor at the school, said: "As a family we have been overwhelmed by the commitment and support shown by the whole school. It was important to us that Olivia attended school with her older sister and the friends that she has made at the local playgroup."
**5** I can see that she is not functionally hearing while she has her CI.. Whats the use! Thats evidence.
