The study of the cooperation between schools for hearing-impaired students and medical institutions in Hokkaido

An opinion poll was conducted among the teachers of schools for the hearing-impaired or deaf students in Hokkaido, with the purpose of clarifying the present state of the educational environment of children with cochlear implants and to identify any problems that they might have. The results suggested the existence of adequate cooperation between the schools for deaf students, including students with cochlear implants, and medical institutions. The periodic meetings, which were started pre-surgically, were thought to be particularly effective. On the other hand, poor cooperation existed between the schools for hearing-impaired students who were not deaf, and medical institutions. When children with cochlear implants try to enter regular schools, special support from those schools and institutions is necessary and classes need to be prepared to accept children with cochlear implants. It is important not only to continue the cooperation with schools for deaf students, but also to create better cooperation with the schools for hearing-impaired students. In addition, we need to establish a system for supporting those children with cochlear implants who wish to enter ordinary schools.