Deaf young people call for investment for 'life-transforming' therapy
Deaf young people and their families met MS's in the Senedd this week to call for investment in auditory therapy
This week, deaf young people and their families gathered at the Senedd to advocate for greater investment in Auditory Verbal (AV) therapy.
Despite its proven benefits, currently, less than 10% of deaf children in Wales have access to AV therapy, and there are no qualified therapists in the country. New research shows that 84% of adults in Wales believe AV therapy should be available through the NHS.
Charity Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK), along with families and supporters, is calling on the Welsh Government to invest in early, effective support for deaf children.
Economic analysis suggests that providing AV therapy to all deaf children under 5 in Wales would cost approximately £80,000 a year over a decade, yielding economic benefits of around £7 million.
At the event, sponsored by MS Rhiannon Passmore, Harrison Steeple shared how AV therapy has allowed him to live a full life, including graduating from Aberystwyth University and working at the Royal Mint. He emphasized the importance of making this support available to all deaf children in Wales.
Harrison said: “Having lived in different parts of Wales since I was a student I feel passionate about improving the quality of life for deaf children growing up in Wales. I was fortunate to get the access to Auditory Verbal therapy from a young age and it changed my life. However this is not always possible for many families, especially in Wales where there are no Auditory Verbal Therapists. Having the opportunity to raise awareness for the possibilities for deaf children at the Welsh Parliament today feels an important way to support younger generations.”
Rhiannon Passmore said: _“_Access to early and effective support is vital to ensure all children can reach their full potential in life. 300 children across Wales could be benefitting from Auditory Verbal therapy but are currently unable to access it as there are no Auditory Verbal Therapists. This has to change. "
Nathaniel's mother, Siobhan, highlighted the transformative impact of AV therapy on her son's life, urging the Welsh Government to make similar opportunities accessible to other families.
Auditory Verbal therapy supports deaf children to learn how to make sense of the sound they receive through their hearing technology (such as hearing aids or cochlear implants) so they can learn to talk like their hearing friends.
The AVUK's Hear Us Now campaign is pushing for funding to train public sector workers as AV therapists, ensuring that the 300 deaf children under 5 in Wales can benefit from this vital therapy. This initiative aims to embed 12 specialist therapists across Wales, providing crucial support and enhancing the future prospects of deaf children.
A Welsh Government Spokesperson said “Auditory verbal therapy targets developing spoken language through listening, it is not suitable for every deaf child. Health professionals will select the appropriate treatment mode for the individual.
“The decision to select and use any particular treatment approach or intervention is a clinical decision, made following expert assessment and discussion with all those involved in the care of that person and their family as relevant."