Deafness gene's function is found San Diego Union Tribune Science

The need for a Communication Facilitator

Have you been working with a student who has a cochlear implant? If so, what has been your wording and logic in convincing administrators/CUPE and posting/recruiting for a teaching assistant.

We have a kindergartener coming in this September and the child will be 2.5yrs post-implant. The child does not require an interpreter, but does require communication facilitation.

Any suggestions????? Thanks for any input!

Andrea Drummond, TDHH
SD#42 (Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows)

Improved Tax Fairness from www.canada.com Budget Highlights.

The Government is taking steps to make the tax system fairer for persons with disabilities or above average medical expenses and those who care for them.

Since 1996 the value of tax relief for these individuals has more than doubled to over $1.2 billion a year.

In the 2003 budget, the Government established a Technical Advisor Committee on Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities, which is scheduled to report in the fall of 2004.

Based on the Committee's work to date, Budget 2004 proposes a new disability supports deduction to reduce barriers to education and employment, at an annual cost of $15 million.

As well, additional tax relief will be provided to caregivers to better recognizse medical or disability-related expenses incurred on behalf of their dependants, at a cost of $20 million in 2004/05, easing the Transition to Post-Secondary Education.

Further, to encourage persons with disabilities who are eligible for student loans to participate in post-secondary education, a new up-front grant of up to $2,000 will be introduced. More than 6,000 students a year will benefit from this measure, at a cost of $15 million starting in 2005/06, rising thereafter.

Lister writes: "this was an interesting website for cochlear implant info including audio
simulations and resource books on rehab..."