Deaf Aotearoa’s Post

A question I'm often asked... Q: What do you find the most challenging thing about being Deaf? A: For me personally it is doctors’ appointments. In my experience doctors tend to expect me to be able to lipread everything. I could try to book an interpreter, but that would often be a 2 week wait and of course I can’t always predict when I will be ill! I have Deaf friends who feel the same way. If they have hearing family members it isn’t ethical to expect them to be the interpreter. Many doctors surgeries now have systems to book appointments and view test results online which is extremely helpful; but the face to face with the receptionist, doctor or nurse is often frustrating. I am quite patient at finding other ways to communicate such as writing notes, but it is why one of our organisation’s goals is Deaf Awareness and BSL training for GP surgeries. If you're #Deaf what do you find the most challenging thing is about being Deaf? Kathleen Dot Sign Language We deliver BSL and Deaf Awareness Training (we train organisations including the NHS, Renault and Heathrow). Visit our website: www.dotsignlanguage.co.uk #BSL #BritishSignLanguage #Inclusion  #DeafAwareness

**Thinking Outside the Box for Inclusive Communities: From Birth to Death** Our organisation needs to work collaboratively to ensure our programs and supports are truly impactful and inclusive for all. It's disheartening to know that Deaf elders are sitting in nursing homes without access to their community and language. Equally concerning is the isolation experienced by Deaf youth from their culture and language. Imagine a program that bridges these gaps, connecting Deaf elders and youth, fostering a supportive community that spans generations. What would it take to make this a reality? Funding, collaboration, and the unwavering support of communities and families. We must collect data to identify isolated Deaf elders in nursing homes to advocate for the necessary funding and support. In the meantime, setting up a system similar to 'nursing homes for 4-year-olds,' where Deaf youth regularly visit Deaf elders, could be incredibly beneficial. Such a program, organised in collaboration with Deaf-led organisations, early intervention, and the education system, could enhance emotional, social, and cultural well-being. The power of connection is life-changing. This video of Oliver with his mentor Dion showcases how having the Deaf community involved in the lives of our youth can make a profound impact. Knowing and embracing the community they were born into can create positive, lifelong effects. A parent recently shared with me, “The system is broken, so now I have to find ways to meet my child’s needs within it.” This sentiment resonates deeply and underscores the need for innovative thinking and solutions. Let's work together to ensure no one is left behind.

**Thinking Outside the Box for Inclusive Communities: From Birth to Death** Our organisation’s need to work collaboratively to ensure our programs and supports are truly impactful and inclusive for all. It's disheartening to know that Deaf elders are sitting in nursing homes without access to their community and language. Equally concerning is the isolation experienced by Deaf youth from their culture and language. Imagine a program that bridges these gaps, connecting Deaf elders and youth, fostering a supportive community that spans generations. What would it take to make this a reality? Funding, collaboration, and the unwavering support of communities and families. We must collect data to identify isolated Deaf elders in nursing homes to advocate for the necessary funding and support. In the meantime, setting up a system similar to 'nursing homes for 4-year-olds,' where Deaf youth regularly visit Deaf elders, could be incredibly beneficial. Such a program, organised in collaboration with Deaf-led organisations, early intervention, and the education system, could enhance emotional, social, and cultural well-being. The power of connection is life-changing. This video of Oliver with his mentor Dion showcases how having the Deaf community involved in the lives of our youth can make a profound impact. Knowing and embracing the community they were born into can create positive, lifelong effects. A parent recently shared with me, “The system is broken, so now I have to find ways to meet my child’s needs within it.” This sentiment resonates deeply and underscores the need for innovative thinking and solutions. Let's work together to ensure no one is left behind.

“Early identification that an #infant or #child is DHH should be linked to provision of #early, #timely, and #equitable access to supports and #interventions as soon as possible in the child’s life. There are three critical aspects of providing early intervention following identification of a child who is #DHH. These include: - the need to serve children and #families as early as possible in the child’s life, -in a timely manner following #identification, -and through equitable provision of #supports.” Family-Centered Early Intervention Deaf/Hard of Hearing (FCEI-DHH): Foundation Principles FCEI_DHH 10 principles #FCEI_DHH #FCEI #familycentredearlyintervention #deaf #hardofhearing #earlyintervention Tell us about your own journey.

Students receiving special education services should learn about their unique conditions and how to advocate for their needs. Below, a Region 4 Regional Day School Program for the Deaf student in Deer Park Independent School District learns the parts of an audiogram so he can share his hearing difference with others. #R4RDSPD #selfadvocacy #removingbarriers #buildingdreams

The Rehabilitation Council Of India’s (RCI) positive step to ensure better education for students with Hearing Impairment (HI). According to the RCI circular dated 30th May 2024 having a deaf teacher/instructor is a must for special ed institutes! Here are the core highlights of the same: 1. Deaf Instructors in Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) 2. Deaf Teachers in Special Schools for HI 3. Growing Opportunities for Deaf Teachers 4. A Database of DTISL passed out students and deaf teachers will be available. PS: The move is win for inclusion, but is it enough to have one instructor for a truly rich learning environment? Link to the circular: https://lnkd.in/ducwzaG7 #Deaf #SignLanguage #RCI #ISL

Some more information from the website: Our expert panel will discuss: (1) The current challenges faced by deaf individuals in emergency situations and how Direct Video Calling addresses accessibility issues. (2) Real-world case studies highlighting the benefits and successes of Direct Video Calling in emergency communications. (3) The future of emergency response and how video technology is paving the way for more inclusive and effective public safety services.

 A question I'm often asked... Q: What do you find the most challenging thing about being Deaf? A: For me personally it is doctors’ appointments. In my experience doctors tend to expect me to be able to lipread everything. I could try to book an interpreter, but that would often be a 2 week wait and of course I can’t always predict when I will be ill!  I have Deaf friends who feel the same way. If they have hearing family members it isn’t ethical to expect them to be the interpreter. Many doctors surgeries now have systems to book appointments and view test results online which is extremely helpful; but the face to face with the receptionist, doctor or nurse is often frustrating. I am quite patient at finding other ways to communicate such as writing notes, but it is why one of our organisation’s goals is Deaf Awareness and BSL training for GP surgeries. Kathleen Dot Sign Language BSL and Deaf Awareness Training (we train organisations including the NHS, Renault and Heathrow). 👉 Visit our website: www.dotsignlanguage.co.uk #BSL  #BritishSignLanguage #Inclusion

Deaf awareness week with this year's theme ‘It Does Matter’ This topic is close to my heart as it’s something I experience daily and advocate strongly about when I provide deaf awareness training. Deaf awareness training is not mandatory in the NHS and yet it’s the 2nd most common disability in the uk. Tips for HCP: 1. Don’t say it doesn’t matter or I’ll tell you later- it’s soul-destroying when someone does this. 2. Sit face to face- not side to side or walk around in the clinical room and make sure the window is not behind you! 3. Do not over-enunciate- this will distort your lip pattern making it more difficult to lipread. 4. Book the right support- this can be a BSL interpreter, lip speaker, palantypist or other different support available. 5. Just ask! We are not the same therefore we will not have the same needs as to the next deaf person #NHS #DeafAwarenessWeek #ItDoesMatter