Éducation précoce pour les enfants Sourds : les effets du dépistage à Saint-Étienne

Abstract

Background: Launched in 2014, the national screening program for permanent neonatal deafness has reconfigured the care of Deaf children. By bringing forward the age of the start of care, it promotes language development and allows these children to be referred to dedicated services more quickly.

Objective: In this context of epidemiological reorganization and technological change (cochlear implantation in particular), the Family Support and Early Education Services of the Loire (Safep 42) propose a reflection of the type “evaluation of professional practices” around the mediations proposed in its service and the “educational garden” framework.

Method: This mixed-method work combines composite data: activity reports, observations, interviews, experience capture, evaluation of professional practices.

Results: A decrease in the age of entry (linked to early detection) and an increase in the age of exit (due to the prevalence of children with associated disorders or complexity factors) led Safep 42 to adapt by creating new mediation, while maintaining the support provided for older children, particularly the educational garden. Safep is currently reaching its maximum capacity: in addition to this tension, there is a shortage of outpatient speech therapists and an increase in the number of deafness situations associated with multiple disabilities. The service has had to give up some of its tasks in order to be able to continue to provide proper care for the children in its care.

Discussion: The rehabilitation and family support program is accompanied by a longer period of care for the children and this data must be recorded by the funding authorities.