Support services in Canadian schools for the hearing impaired: 10 years later

In January of 1977, a questionnaire regarding existing and desired professional support services was distributed to 20 schools for the hearing-impaired across Canada. Respondents were requested to provide information pertaining to the last few months of 1976. In December of 1986, a similar questionnaire was distributed to these schools, in order to update the information received 10 years earlier, and to compare current services to those desired 10 years ago. The survey also presented an opportunity to examine changes in focus, client population and number of schools for the hearing impaired in Canada. Despite the disparity between available and needed services in the schools, as well as the differences in support staff between them, it is clear that the schools are, for the most part, fairly well staffed by a good range of professionals. There is, however, a continued need for the review of current and future needs. The change from residential to day students, as well as the increase in the number of additionally handicapped students, requires changes in and re-assessment of support services. Continued research may assist in defining priorities in the area of support services as the needs of the schools change over time.