DLA for Deaf Child?

Tigsteroonie

I figure that I've paid taxes for most of my life without claiming anything until 2 years ago. If the DLA scheme entitles us to receive additional benefit for our son, I'm gonna take it.

For the record though, it's not saved up and spent on huge flat-screen televisions or foreign holidays. It enables us to maintain a car, which makes it easier to take him to his numerous hospital appointments (hearing loss is not his only issue)

kst101

I have a friend with a 5 year old who has bilateral hearing loss (I think) and has recently been given hearing aids. She put in a claim for DLA and has been awarded it (not sure what level it is at). I would say you should try - often DLA requests get turned down but if you don't ask then there is no way you can get.

McKneff

Mintcar wrote: »

Hi - yes thanks!!! That's what I figure - if we get it - bonus - a university fund for him. If not, hey-ho.

Jacob would have been unilaterally deaf since 14 months after we nearly lost him to viral encephalitis. It took this long for a diagnosis!! At least we have it and thank God he is now aided! :)

Its for care and mobility needs now not a nest egg for university.

If you can put it away as such then he doesnt need it.

sueturnersmith

Well I must admit, I'm staggered!

I was born with a hearing loss in both ears, was assessed at a school for the deaf some 55 years ago but not considered quite severe enough, and offered a hearing aid with a big box amplifier ( all that was available then) which my mother refused. I learned to cope without for many years.

About 10 years ago my hearing had gradually worsened, and I was given two modern hearing aids. My hearing is now moderate to severe in both ears, and I can hear hardly anything without aids, and it is not fully remeded by the aids. The advantage is, that I can lipread, and was able to lipread all that was said at the Royal Wedding, and disagreed with some of the so called 'expert' lipreaders interpretations!

However, I didn't even mention my hearing problems when claiming DLA, because I didn't think they were relevant. I'm terminally ill with severe heart failure, and was awarded HRC and HRM as a result of this, without going into my hearing loss. If the hearing loss was my only problem, I wouldn't have even considered claiming DLA!

nannytone_2

you can't say that McKneff.
many disabled people work and earn a good income. and many that don't work, have a partner that earns well enough for them not to 'need' the money.

it's paid for 'need' (mobility and care) not because of fimancial need.

i get low rate.............i also have a bus pass. but if i want to go shopping i need someone with me.
it's not about 'not being able to afford' to pay someone elses bus fare. it's about the fact that i cant be like a 'normal' person and go alone, that i need someone with me.

the expense of the extra bus far is only because i am disabled.

does that make sense? lol

sunnyone

meluvnext wrote: »

Not all hearing loss can be rectified with hearing aids!

I think that is a terrible view to take to the OP, I believe if you are entitled to something then claim it, you can try they can only say yes or no.

Want to know a secret?

They wouldnt give a hearing aid to a child who has no caperbility of hearing in that ear

I know more about deafness than most since I am deaf, my nephew has no hearing caperbility in one ear and my other nephew is a Total.

malibu6

May I remind you Mintcar .. apply for it ! Your child will need as much support from you , people need to understand just because he speak very well is nothing to do with his hearing ! He learnt to lipread cos he had to , his eyes are his ears !! Just because he smiles and nod his head doesnyt mean he understand you fully , he just pretending to fit in with the hearing world . Does he get support in school ? to make sure he is learning alongside his peers .. 30 in a noisy classroom is hard for a deaf child. Do you provide him with technology equipments such as minicom, flashing alarm , pager, hearing aid loop system , communication support costs , ? A phone for deaf people cost £ 200 compared to normal one .... smoke alalrm for the deaf £ 150 onwards ... normal one £5 ....... loop system £400 ... hearing dont need them ....

I urge you to speak to NDCS .. if no luck .. pm me

nannytone_2

you say 'his eyes are his ears'
so is an auditory impairment less disabling as a visual aimpairment?

im not disuting the OP#s sons needs.
just opening up another line in the same thread.

Mintcar

My my....there is an awful lot of bitterness in this thread.

Let me reiterate for you all:

1. I hadn't even contemplated DLA until parents of deaf children told me to consider it.
2. I am over 40, am devoted beyond belief to my children and always put them first.
3. I was simply asking a question of others who have been in a similar situation.
4. DLA is NOT means tested.
5. It is my responsibility as a parent to care for my child and of course I bloody well would take him to appointments anyway. It is stated in some of the criteria when applying for DLA for children to mention taking him to appts, to mention traffic situations - I am only commenting on what they've written.

How dare I be judged on my parenting skills by people who don't even know me. I asked an innocent question. I am not posting here in the position where I feel I deserve an award. I was simply asking for constructive advice. Not a slap in the face and questioning my parenting skills. Pfffttt.

And yes - I said severely deaf - not profoundly deaf. That means he has some hearing in that ear which is aided - but not intelligible hearing whatsoever. How dare you post in relation to that in respect of 'let me let you into a little secret'....That is downright rude.

I get bitterness and negativity from this thread....a great shame that people want to sit at their computer and spread such aggressiveness. Have a great day.

meluvnext

Mintcar wrote: »

My my....there is an awful lot of bitterness in this thread.

Let me reiterate for you all:

1. I hadn't even contemplated DLA until parents of deaf children told me to consider it.
2. I am over 40, am devoted beyond belief to my children and always put them first.
3. I was simply asking a question of others who have been in a similar situation.
4. DLA is NOT means tested.
5. It is my responsibility as a parent to care for my child and of course I bloody well would take him to appointments anyway. It is stated in some of the criteria when applying for DLA for children to mention taking him to appts, to mention traffic situations - I am only commenting on what they've written.

How dare I be judged on my parenting skills by people who don't even know me. I asked an innocent question. I am not posting here in the position where I feel I deserve an award. I was simply asking for constructive advice. Not a slap in the face and questioning my parenting skills. Pfffttt.

And yes - I said severely deaf - not profoundly deaf. That means he has some hearing in that ear which is aided - but not intelligible hearing whatsoever. How dare you post in relation to that in respect of 'let me let you into a little secret'....That is downright rude.

I get bitterness and negativity from this thread....a great shame that people want to sit at their computer and spread such aggressiveness. Have a great day.

I really would not worry about people who think bad of anyone for wanting to claim something they may be entitled to, hip hip hooray to those who believe they are so up above everyone else that they have problems but would never believe in claiming DLA that they well may be entitled to, maybe they dont require it.

But I can back you up that the added expense of having to take children to hospital appointments is just the start of what DLA can offer to help.