USHER SYNDROME - INCREASING AWARENESS IN SCOTLAND

In July 1993, professionals from a number of European countries met at the 7th European Usher Syndrome Study Group. The purpose of the Study Group (which meets on a biannual basis) is to give professionals work ing in this specialized field the opportunity to share ideas and examp les of this work. People attending included medical practitioners, soc ial service workers, representatives from voluntary bodies and individ uals with Usher. The following article is an expanded version of a pap er presented at the Study Group. It describes the development of a 3 h our workshop for the wide range of practitioners a child or young pers on with Usher syndrome may meet. Through group work, positive approach es to working through the personal and practical implications of Usher syndrome are explored.