The DAHIT service is free to all early years settings and state funded schools. Post 16 colleges and independent schools may be charged.
Making our services easier to access
To make it easier for deaf, British sign language (BSL) users to access our services, we provide SignVideo Web Access Points at some of our One Stop Centres and SignVideo Web Access so people can use this service from their own home.
Other organisations who work to support people with sensory impairments include:
How we can help
The Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team (DAHIT) are a specialist team who provide support to children and young people who have been diagnosed with hearing loss.
They provide support from the time of diagnosis, to when a child leaves school. This can take place at home, in an early year setting or at school.
The team will assess your child to see what communication and educational skills they need to develop, to be able to learn. If your child does need support, we can work with parents and the school to provide:
- advice on different ways to teach and make the curriculum accessible
- training and support to make sure your child is included in the school and make good progress
- advice and training on how to use specialist equipment and resources
They also offer support to deaf and hearing impaired children both with and without special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes children who are multi-sensory impaired (MSI) or deafblind.
How to refer a child
Referrals to the DAHIT are made by health services when your child is first diagnosed. Before the team can offer support, they must receive parental consent. Parents and carers can also refer their child themselves.
To make a referral call 0113 378 5296 or email educ.sey@leeds.gov.uk. If you would like to write to the team, you can post your referral to:
Sensory Service, Adam’s Court, Kildare Terrace, Leeds, LS12 1DB
After you have made a referral
After you have made a referral, the DAHIT will contact you to arrange a visit to your home. They will assess your child’s needs and provide you with advice and support to help your child's development and learning.
