Communication Methods Used at Schools for Deaf and Partially Hearing Children and at Units for Partially Hearing Children in the United Kingdom

A survey was conducted of the methods of communication used at special schools and units for the hearing-impaired in the United Kingdom. Questionnaires were returned from 73% of the 485 schools and units listed in the 1980-81 RNID Directory. Results show that the oral method is used in about 90% of the unit classes. The ratio of special school classes taught orally to those taught with Total Communication is about 6:4 at the primary level. At the secondary level of special schools, the majority of classes in Scotland are taught with Total Communication. Changes in communication method were also reported. Of the 39 total changes at schools, 38 were changes to Total Communication. When these changes are graphed year by year, a rapidly increasing trend to Total Communication is evident.