Reading the Signs Why Anwyn Chose to Learn British Sign Language Aged 14
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11 30 46 Mum Lisa Radio aid Deaf role on daughter’s myth busting models in the moderate world of work deafness Spring 2017 Issue 44 New articles inside! I feel strongly that BSL is important for Anwyn’s confidence and identity. Reading the signs Why Anwyn chose to learn British Sign Language aged 14 Towards a world without barriers www.ndcs.org.uk School for Deaf Children 5-16 years Hamilton Lodge offers a full curriculum to deaf children aged 5-16 years in our school. We take a “child-centred communication” approach at Hamilton Lodge and we support the development of both English and British Sign Language. We focus our curriculum development on courses and accreditations that match the needs of individual pupils. We offer a range of GCSE, Entry Level, Functional Skills, Pathways, Unit Award courses and Signature sign language qualifications. We have a well-established Work Experience Programme and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, both of which focus on individuals being able to build their independence skills, confidence and self-esteem. Further Education for Deaf New Specialist Provision for Deaf Young People 16 -19 years Children with Complex Needs Hamilton Lodge College provides the right stepping stone into In 2016, Hamilton Lodge opened this provision to ensure an independent and successful adult life. Based in the heart of that deaf pupils with more complex needs could access our a vibrant city, our college students are supported to make the education. most of the city’s facilities. With support some pupils are able to transition to our core We provide FE places in partnership with City College Brighton provision but some require a different curriculum and care & Hove, Plumpton College, and St John’s College. package to meet their needs. Students attend lectures at their chosen colleges with the Our new specialist provision is tailored to meet the needs support of Student Support Workers provided by Hamilton of those pupils. It is now fully open with a specially adapted Lodge. residential house and a specialist team to ensure that these Students receive direct teaching from Teachers of the Deaf pupils have full access to a broad and balanced curriculum at from Hamilton Lodge to support their chosen courses as well Hamilton Lodge as well as a comprehensive care package. as support with life skills, driving theory courses and English & The provision is based within the school and pupils are well maths. integrated into our school family. HAMILTON LODGE SCHOOL & COLLEGE EDUCATION & CARE FOR DEAF STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY TO F.E. HAMILTON LODGE, WALPOLE ROAD, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX BN2 0LS Telephone: 01273 682362 Fax 01273 695742 Minicom: 01273 682362 Email: [email protected] www.hamiltonls.co.uk @hamiltonlodge HamiltonLodgeSC hamiltonbrighton Registered charity in England: Hamilton Lodge (Brighton) no. 307066. Registered in England company no. 544254. My deafness didn’t stop me …volunteering in Nepal I wanted to help after the earthquake. Angus“ …who is 18 and moderately to severely deaf, spent seven weeks in Nepal last year with charity Raleigh International, helping rebuild communities stricken by earthquakes. HE WAS INSPIRED after his sister didn’t treat me any differently – a lot of kinds of people. I love the Nepalese went on a similar expedition in Costa them wanted to understand how they food, especially Dal Bhat (national Rica. “It was an ideal opportunity worked and try them on!” dish of rice, lentil soup and vegetable to travel, gain new experiences and Angus, who was diagnosed as curry) and how open and kind the develop myself,” says Angus. moderately to severely deaf at two- people are,” Angus says. “The trip was As a deaf young person, Angus and-a-half years old, raised some extremely motivating and really put faced particular challenges. “I was of the money for the trip but also things into perspective for me. I’m anxious about struggling to pick received sponsorship from Witherby definitely going back.” up the Nepali language, but so was Publishing Group Ltd who generously Angus is now studying geography everyone else. I had to put my hearing matched his funding. at the University of Aberdeen. aids in a dehumidifying box overnight “I wanted to go to Nepal because Well done Angus! because of the constant sweat, the landscapes and culture fascinated rainwater and humidity. Luckily my me and I wanted to help after the For more information about audiology department provided me earthquake. It felt really special to be � deaf young people and with spares,” he recalls. “My hearing the start of something. I often bumped travelling see our webpage aids drew some attention from people into locals and it was really nice www.ndcs.org.uk/travel. in Nepal… they were surprised but having conversations with different www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 3 families Get in touch Families magazine Ground Floor South, Castle House, 37–45 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LS Telephone: 020 7490 8656 (v&t) HelloWe’re proud to present our new-look Families magazine! Fax: 020 7251 5020 As well as a new design making it easier to navigate, we’ve Email: [email protected] added a number of new articles in response to your Website: www.ndcs.org.uk feedback from our readers’ survey last year. You may have Freephone Helpline: already read our first new feature on page 3, showcasing 0808 800 8880 (v&t) how Angus hasn’t let his deafness stop him experiencing Emmie’s story life to the fullest. On pages 20–21 our new article for deaf Follow us on Twitter: how her parents young people aged 19–25 focuses on the ups and downs of @NDCS_UK came to terms 19-year-old Max’s apprenticeship. We’ve also introduced @NDCS_Cymru with her Scribble Club, an activity section for younger children @NDCS_Scotland deafness (pages 24–25). This is on the centre pages of the magazine @NDCS_NIreland p12 so you can easily rip it out and give it to your child. Don’t forget to check out our regular articles too – we Find us on Facebook: have parent advice on how to help deaf young people travel NDCS.UK independently (pages 22–23) and tips from a professional NDCSScotland supporting deaf young people into employment (page 27). If you’re considering pre-school childcare options, see Follow us on Instagram: page 28–29. @NDCS_UK Thanks again for your survey responses and we really hope you like the changes we’ve made as a result of your The National Deaf Children’s Monty’s story feedback. We’d love to hear from you at Society depends almost entirely on how a CROS [email protected]. Happy reading! generous support from individuals aid helped and organisations. The public is his unilateral responsible for 95% of our income, deafness Karen Harlow, Editor and without this we wouldn’t be able p14 [email protected] to support families of deaf children and young people. See pages 44–45 for more information on supporting our work. Contents Spring 2017 | Issue 44 Editor Karen Harlow Design Alex Jordan and Mia Tivey 3 My deafness didn’t INFORMATION, Production Manager Phillip Barros stop me… new TIPS AND ADVICE Distribution Maria Piazza volunteering in Nepal Advertising sales Isabella’s story 22 How do I… Sharon Davies, Landmark Publishing Services, how she made 5 Contents and note help my child to travel 7 Adam Street, London WC2N 6AA the transition from the editor independently? Tel 020 7520 9474 Email [email protected] from specialist 6 News and Comment 24 Scribble Club new Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing to mainstream Company www.magprint.co.uk 27 Ask the expert school YOUR STORIES Families is published by the National Deaf Children’s p16 28 Education Society (NDCS). The National Deaf Children’s 9 Superstars and learning Society is a registered charity in England and 11 Parent column Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779. 30 Technology Opinions in this magazine do not necessarily 12 Early years 32 Reviews reflect the policies and views of the National Deaf Roller-coaster ride Children’s Society. We support families to make 34 Resources 14 Primary years informed choices and no one option will work for 36 In your area all families. This magazine highlights some of these Why even one deaf options. For further information, see our website or ear matters! 43 Get involved call our Freephone Helpline. 16 Secondary years Max’s story ROLE MODELS Advertisements do not necessarily imply Best of both worlds endorsement by the National Deaf Children’s how a change 46 When I’m a grown-up Society. All rights reserved. Unauthorised in policy has 18 Young people 15–18 reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without affected his Reading the signs written permission. Photographs and artwork are accepted on the basis that the National Deaf apprenticeship 20 Young people 19–25 Children’s Society and our agents do not accept p20 new Giving deaf young liability for loss or damage to them. people a chance National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 5 Volunteer to support deaf children and their families We’re looking for volunteers (aged over 18) to support deaf children and young people and their families at our events. We currently need: ● hearing volunteers with British Sign Language Level 3 to support communication ● deaf volunteers to support deaf children and young people ● deaf volunteers to give a presentation to families with deaf Helen Goodman children about their personal MP speaks experience of deafness out for deaf ● family members of deaf children (parents, grandparents, uncles, children aunts etc.) to give a presentation on their experience of having a Last summer we heard deaf child in the family.