This is Tom

Tom is deaf.

I haven't mentioned it for a while - Tom doesn't like to talk about it. He likes to just get along with his cochlear implants. Mostly he does... with minimal fuss.

His school is excellent in many ways... not so great in others but, in terms of Tom's needs around hearing and accessing the curriculum, we have few causes for complaint. In terms of nurturing him as he goes through the pain of realising his differences and the pain of others doing the same they show that they care and that they want to make it work.

It is undoubtedly the best place for him.

Tom's school is, however, independent which has created a number of issues. The local authority doesn't like independent schools even when they reduce their burden with regard to Special Educational Needs. They washed their hands of us some years ago. We haven't persued it.

Through some special wormhole in the complex bureaucratic galaxy of the education authority/NHS, a particular person with some particular pot of money was able to help us despite our despicable educational choice. She provided Tom with a FM radio aid. This consists of a special receiver that is attached to Tom's implants. The teacher wears a mic around her neck and the sound passes straight into Tom's implants.

It's a great thing. Thus far, along with some training for the staff at school, its all the Tom has really needed.

Today the particular person with the particular pot of money rang me to confirm that she's retiring. With her retirement goes her post. And her pot of money. The NHS are no longer contributing therefore responsibility lies solely with education... and they want nothing to do with us. While they're not taking it away, they're not taking responsibility for it either which means if and when it dies (and they don't last forever)...

And so another struggle must commence.

Our lovely lovely boy.