Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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Local LibDems win support for APD child
Local County Councillor, Rosalyn St Pierre and Ringmer MP Norman Baker are pleased to have won educational support for a local child with a rare hearing condition, whose case was featured in The Times newspaper on Saturday.
Ben Vacher, aged 8, can hear but cannot listen. He is among the first of young children to be diagnosed with a combination of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), hyperacusis and tinnitus by Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. Ben cannot cope in noisy environments and understanding what a teacher is saying. Loud noise makes Ben physically ill.
Ben was provided with an FM system (EduLink) by the National Deaf Children’s Society who support children with APD. The normal loan period of 3 months has been extended several times but has now expired.
Despite a number of reviews of Ben’s case by the County Council, action was not taken, which eventually led to Ben becoming ill and being off school since January. His parents feel that Ben did not receive the support to which they felt entitled.
Following intervention to East Sussex County Council by local Councillor Rosalyn St Pierre and Norman Baker, Ben’s case will be reviewed. The County has announced that it is purchasing an EduLink and Ben’s progress will be monitored while Ben is medically unfit to attend school. Furthermore, he will receive home tuition support whilst tutors and Ben’s parents will work towards re-integrating Ben back to school and his friends.
Ben’s case may serve as a trail blazer for other children as yet undiagnosed with APD.
Commenting on the issue, Councillor Rosalyn St Pierre, shadow lead member for Learning and School Effectiveness on East Sussex County Council said: "I am dismayed that it has taken so long for the County Council to recognise Ben’s condition. I am however pleased that following my intervention, action is to be taken in the immediate future.
"I will be monitoring special needs education to see whether there are other children in our schools with this disorder."
Norman Baker added: "I am pleased to see that the County Council is now taking this matter seriously. However, this is a worrying example of how it is possible for children to fall through the system.
"I hope that the County Council will review its procedures to prevent other families suffering this experience."