Deaf, hard of hearing or a language development disorder.

Many children born deaf receive a cochlear implant. This is an electronic device that turns sound waves into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the auditory nerve in the ear. This helps a child hear again but never in the same way as a normally hearing child. That is why these children keep a disability that needs extra support in education.

A language development disorder is a neurocognitive developmental disorder. This means that language is processed less well in the brain. A child with a language development disorder has great difficulty speaking or understanding language. Language and speech development is different than with peers. Children with a language development disorder hear well, have normal intelligence but struggle to learn their mother tongue, handle emotions and plan.

Some children have a language delay. That is not the same as a language development disorder. A language delay can occur if a child hears or speaks little of the mother tongue. With more language input, the child often catches up. With a language development disorder, more is wrong. The innate ability to learn language has an issue. The process of language development is different because the brain does not process language optimally. More input alone does not help. Specialized treatment is needed.

The education

At a cluster-2 school, the curriculum of a regular school is followed as much as possible. Groups are small and there is much focus on developing communication skills. ICT can play an important role. Extra guidance and many facilities are available for students. Speech therapists and educational psychologists are present.

Bilingual education

Students often receive lessons in both spoken Dutch, for example lip reading and speech training, and Dutch sign language. Sometimes total communication or Dutch supported with signs is used. The idea of total communication is to use all tools that help: speaking, lip reading, body language and pictograms. Dutch supported with signs means speaking Dutch supported by signs.

It differs per school which language is focused on most. The curriculum also includes space for deaf culture. For example, the position of deaf people in society is studied.

Outpatient guidance

The institutions offer guidance and advice to students and teachers at primary schools, secondary schools and mbo, besides education at their own schools. Outpatient guides visit a school to advise the teacher or coach the student. They also provide information, help with internships or advise on aids.

Institutions

Education for these students is given by cluster-2 institutions: Kentalis, Koninlijke Auris Group, Viertaal and Vitus Zuid. These institutions work together via Simea.

For cluster-2, education is organized and funded separately from the education field. For support from cluster-2, a student must meet the criteria and have a declaration of admissibility with arrangement from the institution.