Usher syndrome: increasing awareness in Scotland

In July 1993, professionals from a number of European countries met at the 7th European Usher Syndrome Study Group. The purpose of the Study Group (which meets on a biannual basis) is to give professionals working in this specialized field the opportunity to share ideas and examples of their work. People attending included medical practitioners, social service workers, representatives from voluntary bodies and individuals with Usher. The following article is an expanded version of a paper presented at the Study Group. It describes the development of a 3 hour workshop for the wide range of practitioners a child or young person with Usher syndrome may meet. Through group work, positive approaches to working through the personal and practical implications of Usher syndrome are explored.