Deaf pupils are excluded from everyday life because they cannot communicate in ways we take for granted. Many attending Donaldson’s School also have other neurological conditions, e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Verbal Dyspraxia, Smith Magenis Syndrome, or Angelman Syndrome, all of which prevent understanding of language. While hearing can be supported using aids, technology and British Sign Language (BSL), skilled support is also essential to help the pupils both understand and communicate in a way which helps them lead as full a life as possible in a world that is currently beyond their reach. Many are denied the right to a “normal” childhood, to attend mainstream school, and have friends. Donaldson’s School helps these young people learn in an inclusive and safe environment, which promotes their individual educational, physical, social and emotional development, so they can cope with life in the community. As Scotland’s national Grant Aided Special School, for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties, we can help by enabling them to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
