ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims at all people who are in regular contact with a young person who needs special support when interacting in the speaking world beyond home or school. It suggests the term 'deaf is used to include any person who has a hearing loss, who may identify themselves or be identified by other terms such as 'hearing loss' or 'hearing impairment'. The book includes those who have a cochlear implant, wear hearing aids or other hearing equipment or those who don't use technology. It also includes those who communicate in spoken English or British Sign Language or those who use any combination of these languages. The book provides a valuable starting point for many more practitioners wishing to start smiLE Therapy in their workplace.
