Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
916. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports and services available to assist a child in preschool,who is not deaf, transition from Lámh to ISL; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9244/26]
View answerThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The goal of AIM is to empower early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care in any mainstream service participating in ECCE.
A core feature and strength of AIM is that it does not require a diagnosis. Instead, resources are allocated based on a child’s individual needs.
One of the CPD courses provided as an AIM support to settings is a Lámh course. Lámh is a manual sign language system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs.
Consideration is being given to how Irish Sign Language (ISL) supports could be provided in preschool settings.
