A talk by Merleen Watson Volunteer Speaker
I’m deaf…..not daft!
My ears don’t work too well, but my brain is ok!!
Deafness is an invisible disability It is isolating; removes confidence; denies independence.
It is often mistaken as bad manners, inattention, confusion, lack of intelligence.
Leads to accusations of rudeness, being ‘stuck up’ or ‘uncaring’
Communication – a two way process…..
It is not the sole responsibility of the hard of hearing person
It merely takes a little time and effort Include rather than exclude
Don’t leave a person out, make the effort to include them …
I’ll tell you later – will you remember to?
It doesn’t matter – yes it does or you wouldn’t have said it
It wasn’t funny anyway – so why is everyone laughing? Hard of hearing people find communication very tiring and often very upsetting:
Poor communication misunderstanding
irritation stress further poor communication more stress
So… what can you do? • Attract the attention of the person • Face them with light on your face • Sit if they are sitting, stand if they are standing • Turn off background noise • Speak with normal phrasing • Introduce the topic • Don’t shout • Be careful with your body language and expressions • Avoid jokes / comments about hearing loss
Hearing loops – what and why
A wonderful support when they work!!!
A hearing loop is a piece of equipment that allows a
hearing aid wearer to hear more clearly
When a staff member speaks into the microphone, sound is transmitted as a magnetic field which can be picked up by hearing aids when set to the ‘T’ setting or hearing loop program. Types of loops
Portable loop A portable hearing loop provides limited coverage and is designed for one to one conversation for people with hearing aids. Room loop This is designed to provide hearing loop facilities over a much wider area, for example dining rooms, lounges and bedrooms. They can even be fitted to television sets!!
Loopy points!!
Advertise the loop system to customers and staff Make sure staff know how to use the loop Make sure the loop is fully charged Test the loop regularly – when you test the fire alarm Invest in a Loop Tester kit (around £50).
A world without sound
Deafness can leave you feeling
lonely, isolated and anxious. “
“ Marly has given me back my independence and much of the loneliness I used to feel has gone.
Carol Ann Hatt with Marly
Our life-changing work
Basil has been an instrumental “ change in my life and I cannot “ begin to imagine life without him. Julian Nuttall with Basil
The history of Hearing Dogs
Gill Lacey and Tony Blunt, founder members of the Charity 1979 1990 Lady Wright and Bruce 100th dog Fogle inspired by trained seminar in United 1986 1992 States of America First training centre HRH The Princess opens in Lewknor, Royal becomes
Oxfordshire patron of the Charity 1982 1994 Hearing Dogs for Deaf Second training People officially centre ‘The Beatrice launches at Crufts Wright Centre’ opens 2010 in Cliffe, Yorkshire 1,600th dog trained
2002 2008 Charity headquarters The Beatrice moves to The Grange Wright Centre 2012 in Saunderton, moves to Bielby, Celebrating Buckinghamshire Yorkshire 30 years of excellence The journey begins We breed our own puppies or source them from reputable breeders
Breeds include English Cocker Spaniel, Labrador, Poodle, Golden Retriever and some crosses of these breeds
Puppies are born and live in the homes of our breeding volunteers until around eight weeks old
Puppy socialising
It’s very rewarding knowing“ that your work ultimately goes towards “ enhancing lives. Nicola Mills, socialiser of Myrtle Puppy socialising
• Puppies live in the homes of our vital puppy socialising volunteers for a year
• Pups are introduced to different sights, sounds and environments
• These clever pups are also taught basic obedience and attend fortnightly puppy classes
Soundwork training
When you see a dog you’ve “ trained start to bond with their new recipient, you are glad that they “ are going to help someone. Tom Hill, hearing dog trainer Sound work training
• Our trainee dogs begin sound work training around one year old
• Training takes up to 18 weeks
• Dogs are taught to respond to sounds such as the doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm, and specific sounds required by their deaf recipient Soundwork training
• Smaller dogs alert by touching with one or two paws, then leading to the source of the sound
• Larger breeds nudge with nose before leading to sound
• To signal danger the hearing dog is taught to lie down after alerting
Creating a partnership
Before Jasmine I was isolated in“ a very quiet world. Because of Jasmine I am so much happier and “ more confident. She is my best friend and loyal partner.
Sue Churchyard with Jasmine Creating a partnership
• Each dog is matched to a suitable recipient to complement their needs and lifestyle
• Recipients stay on site for one week to start bonding with their dog
• We support the new partnership in their home and make regular visits throughout its lifetime
Funding our partnerships Selection of toys and treats It costs £45,000 for the breeding, training and life-long care of each £10 hearing dog
Worming tablets for a year Dog food for a year £20 Dog grooming kit £350 £150
A hearing dog’s burgundy uniform
£30 Puppy starter pack £80
Funding our partnerships
We raise money through:
• Donations
• Gifts in wills
• Puppy Sponsorship
• Events
• Corporate support
• Merchandise And finally ……….. …………………………. Any questions?