The majority of the practical experience will take place within the specialist units and their localities. A range of placements in other areas, such as the community, residential homes, rehabilitation units and 'special needs schools are envisaged. Each of the units and SNTC are negotiating such placements. There will be an expectation for students to be placed in all three specialist units, so that they get a wider experience of the services available and approaches to care they adopt. Issues related to the specialist units Resources All the three specialist units have links with universities and higher educational establishments, local nursing colleges and libraries.
Information technology is a feature of the units operation and educational programmes.
The units provide a variety of facilities for their clients, both within the units themselves and within the local communities. These links provide a number of training courses for staff and some include access and NVQ courses for deaf people which will assist in the preparation of those individuals who wish to enter the programme but do not yet have the appropriate entry qualifications. The London and Birmingham units have residencies that students can access. The Manchester unit does not have student residencies, but other local residential facilities may be available. All the units have strong links with the voluntary sector, including SIGN, RNID, BDA, NDCS and Hearing Concern, as well as a number of local organisations.