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The deaf register—In 1961 a register of all children with impaired hearing was established
in each of the nine divisions. The primary object was to ensure prompt and efficient pursual
of effective treatment and to keep a close watch on the progress of such children attending
ordinary or special school. A number of ancillary aims were envisaged, such as the compilation
of statistical data and the co-ordination of all those working with children with
impaired hearing.
In each division a medical officer and a social worker were specially designated to be in
charge of the register. The doctor is, where possible, the school medical officer for the
school for the deaf or the partially hearing unit. The social worker attends all otologist's
sessions, whether in the audiology unit or in the school. A home report is obtained for
every child on the register and this report is specifically geared to provide information on
the factors bearing on the handicap, e.g., hearing environment in the home, attitude of
parents, language spoken in the home. In this way a complete picture of the child as a
member of a family is obtained. This information is just as vital when making a recommendation
for specialised training as is knowledge of the child's intelligence, the amount of
useful hearing and the possible existence of another handicap.
One of the major achievements of the work has been to render all those dealing with
children 'hearing' conscious.
The deaf register.

*Includes children already receiving treatment which became known to the Council only during 1962.

* Includes 109 pupils in units for the partially hearing.

All the above aged five years or over.
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