There is also the cost of speech therapy. The total cost would be more than concentrating resources in a specialist school. Deaf Communication support unit's senior lecturer Joan Flemming from Wolverhampton University said, "All specialist Deaf schools should be kept open due to the high qualifications needed by staff to teach. The same specialist attention can not be given, in the majority of mainstream schools, to individual students." Ex-pupils said to Louise that, “If this school closed down surely other deaf schools will follow. It cannot happen. We have got to fight it” But, despite such good intentions, is the writing on the wall for schools that cater for disabilities in Sefton as we have just seen the closure of Sunshine House for the Blind and also the announcement of another closure next year. Many parents and ex-pupils are now asking the question “What is the future for the deaf community?” One parent said, “It is all well and good being equal on paper. It may sound good, but in reality it only hurts and does more harm than good for some. There should be places locally for children to go to, no matter the cost, which cater for the children who cannot integrate. If not, they will fall through the net and lose the ability to be a valuable member of society later down the line. What cost is political correctness and integration going to have on our society financially and morally for the future? Our future starts in the schools. Lose them and we lose our future.” Bob Davies of the North West Regional Office for the NDCS told us, “Parents should have a choice in where to educate deaf children. For some deaf children, attending a specialist school is best suited to their needs, others with thrive in a mainstream setting. It is important that parents can choose what will benefit their child.” He continued saying “Parents whose children attend Birkdale School must, naturally, be alarmed at the possibility of its closure. We would urge these parents to contact us on the Helpline 0808 800 8880 to discuss their concerns and for help and advice.”

One parent said that; “If you think the LEA is being perverse then please write to your MP to help save the school. Help us save our school!”

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