Deaf, hard of hearing or a language development disorder.

Many children born deaf get a cochlear implant. This is an electronic device that changes sound waves into electrical signals. These signals directly stimulate the hearing nerve in the ear. This lets a child hear again but never like a child with normal hearing. That is why these children keep a disability and need extra support in education.

A language development disorder is a neurocognitive developmental disorder. This means the brain has trouble processing language. A child with this disorder has big problems talking or understanding language. Their language and speech develop differently from other children. Children with this disorder hear well, have normal intelligence but find it hard to learn their mother tongue, handle emotions, and plan.

Some children have a language delay. This is not the same as a language development disorder. A language delay can happen when a child hears or speaks the mother tongue little. By hearing and speaking more language, the child often catches up. In a language development disorder, more language alone does not help. Something is wrong with the natural ability to learn language. The brain processes language badly. There is a need for special treatment.

The education

At a cluster-2 school, the regular school program is followed as much as possible. Groups are small. Much attention goes to developing communication skills. ICT can play an important role here. There is also extra help and other facilities for students. For example, speech therapists and orthopedagogues work there.

Bilingual education

Students often get lessons in both spoken Dutch, for example by lip reading and speech training, and Dutch sign language. Sometimes total communication or Dutch supported with signs is also used. Total communication means you can use all ways that help: speaking, lip reading, body language, and pictures. Dutch with signs means you speak Dutch and support it with signs.

It differs per school which language gets the most attention. The program also includes space for deaf culture. For example, it looks at the place of deaf people in society.

Outreach support

The institutions offer, besides education at their own schools, advice and support to students and teachers at primary schools, secondary schools, and vocational education. Outreach supporters from the institutions go to a school to advise the teacher or coach the student. They can also give information, help with internships, or advice about aids.

Institutions

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

For cluster-2, they are organized and funded separate from the regular education field. To get support from cluster-2, a student must meet the criteria and have a Declaration of Admissibility with an arrangement from the institution.