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HearingJune 2010 Timeswww.hearingtimes.co.uk Tinnitus ‘epidemic’ speaks volumes BSL teaching assistant wins national award Alesia Parshutsina is on her way to becoming a qualified teacher of British Sign Language (BSL), despite knowing barely any English until three years ago and being profoundly deaf The 21 year old from South Ockenden in Essex, was recognised for her dedication and commitment to learning with the Outstanding Individual Learner in the East of England award, as part of Adult Learners’ Week 15 - 21 May. Alesia’s ambition to qualify as a teacher for deaf children is remarkable, not only because she is profoundly deaf, but also because until three years ago Alarming new statistics released in Scotland show reported cases of tinnitus among the young are on she knew barely any English. the increase, raising fears that with constant misuse of music players at high volume, the so called There are few opportunities for deaf ‘MP3 generation’ is putting their hearing at serious risk and storing up major trouble for the future people in her native Belarus, so on leaving school, she came to the UK and Latest statistics released by the “Tinnitus is historically considered an Their findings, suggesting as many signed up at the City Lit on its ‘New Scottish Executive, show that over older person’s condition, yet we see the of 75% of under 55s are experiencing Start in the UK’ course. the last twelve months, approximately staggering fact that in the research, almost difficulty with their hearing and tinnitus 6,000 people under 55 consulted their as many people under 55 years old sought in particular, is supported by these new “I have never seen such GP reporting tinnitus symptoms. This treatment as those over the age of 55.” figures. This growth in reported tinnitus progress made by a foreign is in much greater numbers and at a is taking place amid a troubling lack deaf person new to the UK.” much younger age range than would World Health Organisation of awareness among the young of the be expected, prompting fears that this reports that some 4,000,000 dangers of loud music. “From the word go Alesia had a real trend is just the tip of the iceberg and people in the UK risk Initiatives such as the ‘Bionic Ear Show’ thirst for knowledge,” says Sian Reeves, set to continue unless remedial action damage to their ears by developed by Deafness Research UK in senior co-ordinator, Skills for Life, at is taken. exposure to loud music association with BUPA and Cubex’s recent the City Lit. “I have never seen such Around one in five people between ‘Love your Music? Save your Hearing’ progress made by a foreign deaf person 55 and 65 years old report tinnitus So many famous people in the campaign during Noise Awareness new to the UK.” symptoms, but as hearing naturally industry from Pete Townshend to the Week last month, have been getting the Not only has she progressed through deteriorates past the age of 55, it is the legendary Sir George Martin have all message across by taking the warnings the Entry Levels of literacy and numeracy figures showing much younger people experienced deafness and tinnitus and about hearing loss directly into schools, faster than most students, she has also consulting their GPs with tinnitus which hopefully, the young will take a tip from colleges and local high streets. taken British Sign Language, CLAIT is a real cause for concern. Some 2,798 their idols and turn the volume down. Deafness Research UK also continues and ECDL qualifications and branched people in the 25-44 age range consulted “If we do not do something about this to fund cutting edge research, while out into such diverse subjects as Thai their GP, which is nearly as many as now, we will have a tinnitus and hearing offering support and advice to people massage, watercolours and GCSE Maths. those reported consulting over 55. loss epidemic on our hands in a few suffering now. “The Scottish statistics published are years,” warned Vivienne. incredibly alarming and back up what The World Health Organisation For further information on deafness we have been saying for some time,” reports that some 4,000,000 people and deafness-related conditions, said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive in the UK risk damage to their ears by call freephone 0808 808 2222 or of Deafness Research UK. exposure to loud music. visit www.deafnessresearch.org.uk. The Ear Foundation celebrates 21st birthday In 1989 the first cochlear implant for many came to join us to celebrate the Rushcliffe, who has made The Ear a child in the UK was funded by The day – old and new friends – babies to Foundation her charity of the year. The Ear Foundation and carried out at the adults with implants – with The Ear Mayor has seen The Ear Foundation Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham with Foundation making a difference to grow from its early beginnings in 1989 much support from the local community. their lives. The sun shone as people and is delighted to support it in its 21 Today the majority of children born used the opportunity to look at The year.” profoundly deaf go on to have a cochlear Ear Foundation’s facilities for implant Marian Batt, mother of Michael, the implant and are able to hear, and attend users and their families – to see how boy who received the first implant in mainstream schools. Cochlear implants our new Sound Advice service with 1989, said last year “The change in 20 have transformed the opportunities for Maria Cameron can help them make years is unbelievable. We all had to fight these children, and for the increasing the most of their implants. They also for implantation to be available and The numbers of deaf adults who are took the time to chat and catch up – Ear Foundation funded the operations choosing to have implants. and to enjoy the activities- a magician then. Now the amazing opportunities Alesia acts as a peer teacher in class, Many of these children and adults to entertain – animals from White Post Michael has are open to all deaf children volunteers and works part-time as PA with implants enjoyed the party at Farm sanctuary to enjoy - and to show and their families.” to the Director of Empowering Deaf The Ear Foundation’s headquarters in prowess on the Wii games! For more information call Sue Archbold society and is an assistant teacher of Nottingham, as Chief Executive, Sue “We were delighted to welcome or Jo Collinson on 01159 42 1985 or British Sign Language. Archbold said, “We were delighted so Councillor Marie Males, Mayor of visit www.earfoundation.org.uk continued on page 2 2 News www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Continued from the front page... “In the UK I have the opportunity how learning can absolutely transform story to take up learning and discover Editor’s message to enjoy life fully, get education I am lives, often leading to new jobs and new opportunities for themselves.” interested in and no one pointing the careers; and helping people to cope, or Summer is just round the corner finger at me because I am deaf,” she said. even overcome, the many challenges For more information about the and here in the office we are Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns that they face. National Institute of Adult Continuing already gearing up for it! Officer at NIACE, said, “Alesia, like all Hopefully millions of adults across Education visit www.niace.org.uk. of this year’s award winners, is proof of the country will be inspired by Alesia’s The theme this month is ‘festivals and the outdoors’ and the whole issue is packed full of ideas and BSHAA Congress 2010 a success suggestions of things for you to Hearing Times recently attended the annual congress of the British do with friends and family. Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA), the professional body for hearing aid audiologists in the public sector Copies of Hearing Times will be distributed at many events The conference was hosted at the upbeat tone.” Heppell was a memorable over the next month, including ‘Theatre of Dreams’, Manchester United end to the successful congress, leaving Glastonbury Festival. Football Club’s Old Trafford Stadium. delegates with the suggestion to ‘just smile’. “Hearing aid audiology in the UK is Don’t forget, if you go to an event entering a new era in 2010 with the Lewin concluded, “We must focus you can write in and tell us about demise of the HAC and the Society aims on our core skills, such as how we can it, we might even put your letter to inspire its members to new levels of become more proficient and understand Karl Langton, Conversor with in the next issue of the paper! performance,” said BSHAA President, and engage our clients better. This is a Remco vd Kruit, Progress Hearing Roger Lewin. “In particular customer very optimistic event!” service will be a big issue for hearing As always, you can also contact aid audiology as it enters the era of self More companies than ever took part in us with your news and views, regulation.” the trade exhibition which ran alongside just email editorial@ seminars attended by BSHAA delegates. hearingtimes.co.uk “This year’s Congress is different, IAC, Mary Hare Training Services, we have changed what used to be a Arlington Laboratories, The Hearing Aid ‘scientific’ event into a ‘people’ event Repair Shop, Progress Hearing, Geemarc Take advantage of our FREE and this can only be a good thing!” Telecom, the Health Professions Council, online subscription to Hearing Gordon Morris/Comfort Audio and Times; simply go to Best selling author and business guru Conversor were all in attendance. www.hearingtimes.co.uk Andy Cope was the opening speaker, with an audience of more than 300 hearing and follow the instructions. aid dispensers and hearing professionals.

This means you can view the Delegates were then given online marketing and website tips by Hearing Times e-paper whenever The Siemens team you want and you can see all the e-commerce manager Megan Powell, to help improve the online presence of their archived issues as well. businesses. She offered advice from how to create an exceptional experience for We’re also on Facebook! your current website visitors, hints on how to increase website traffic through Helen Dewey online marketing channels. The Unitron team were out in full force Editor, Hearing Times The event closed with a seminar from Michael Heppell, author of best selling business books including Five Star Service, One Star Budget, and has worked with Microsoft, Scottish Power, What’s this? Turn to O2, Capitas, HSBC, John Lewis, and page five to find out! LloydsTSB to name but a few. He offered sage advice: “When The IAC team someone asked how you are, don’t reply with ‘not too bad’ or ‘okay’ be positive! If you have an exciting news For more information about BSHAA Reply with ‘I’m BRILLIANT’ and watch and news and events from the story to report, an opinion to those around you respond to the more express, or an event to promote Phonac & Ultimate Hearing Protection teams society visit www.bshaa.com get in touch with the team at [email protected] Mindy and Margaret Scott Contributors: Katie Partridge, Charlie Hearing Dog’s Partnership of the Month East Lothian, Scotland Swinbourne, Juliet England, Deafinitely Girly, Juliette Kemp, Ed Gould, Bryony Hearing Dog Mindy’s early life in the Mindy’s rescue to riches tale even Parkes, James Massoud, Louise Buglass Republic of Ireland is a heartbreaking featured in BBC EastEnders actress Thanks also to: Community ID, Cubex, tale of neglect. She was weak and Pam St Clement’s Diamond Dogs SignHealth, Deafness Research, LightHouse desperately undernourished but Appeal, which raised over £32,600 last Media Wolverhampton, Deaf Rave, The Ear mercifully she was signed over to a year. This not only helped fund Mindy’s Foundation, British Tinnitus Association, rescue centre where a Hearing Dogs partnership it also helped support the BSHAA, Siemens, Phonak, Signature, assessor spotted her potential. training of more special dogs like her Deafinitely Theatre, Hearing Dogs for for other deaf people. Deaf People, UK Deaf Sport, Karen Finch Remarkably, despite her shocking at the Hearing Care Centre, The Tennis neglect, Mindy was a happy, sociable Now three years old, Mindy is Federation, National Deaf Children Society dog and just what the Hearing Dogs partnered to Margaret Scott, from and all those who helped make Deaffest charity was looking for in a hearing East Lothian, Scotland, and has a real such a success. dog recruit. After several weeks in purpose in life – assisting someone the special care of a volunteer, Mindy’s Should you wish to reproduce any who genuinely needs and appreciates fragile frame was transformed from articles featured in this month’s issue everything she has to give. skin and bone to the beautiful dog you please email your request to see today. [email protected] Similarly, Margaret , 59, who is severely deaf feels her life has been Mindy thrived at Hearing Dogs’ Bielby turned around by Mindy. “As my Hearing Times is an independent training centre in Yorkshire, where hearing deteriorated I wouldn’t leave newspaper, published 10 times per year. nurture and positive training enabled my house; I’d make excuses not to go The newspaper is distributed throughout her to shine. out, even to family gatherings,” said the United Kingdom to charities, ENT Margaret. and hearing therapy clinics, audiologists, “If I did venture out, I’d find a reason hearing aid dispensers, care homes and to leave early as I couldn’t follow pleasure in, “I help in the Hearing schools as well as individual subscribers conversations. I had become lonely Dogs charity shop in Musselburgh on reaching an estimated readership of over and isolated. Now I have Mindy with Sundays, go to lip-reading classes, 15,000. The contents of Hearing Times are me, I enjoy meeting new people and sewing classes and a local women’s socialising again. Mindy has completely copyrighted and no part may be reproduced group; Mindy loves the fuss that’s restored my confidence.” made of her wherever we go.” in part or whole without prior consent from the newspaper. The opinions expressed in Mindy is Margaret’s constant Both Margaret and Mindy have found a articles, columns or adverts are those of companion and, with tail wagging, she best friend, “Mindy is so special to me. the writer or advertiser and not necessarily visibly enjoys accompanying Margaret She has changed my life completely. to the many activities she now takes those of Hearing Times Ltd. Mindy, when she was rescued in Ireland She’s one in a million.” www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 News 3 Children who receive CI before 12 months old benefit from easier communication development Research from the Indiana University School of Medicine, in the US, has led to the belief that communication development could be easier for deaf children who have received cochlear implants before the age of 12 months

James Massoud

The study was conducted among 20 cochlear implants as infants. By the age deaf infants and 20 hearing infants. of three, 25% of implanted children Using the Intermodal Preferential could understand common phrases. Looking (IPL) paradigm, the children Over 10 per cent could understand listened to a noun repeated to them conversation and 35% could use a whilst looking at two objects. telephone. A hidden camera recorded the The children’s pre-implant results children’s eye movement to see whether showed just 5% could understand they correctly identified the object to common phrases, less than 5% could the word. understand conversation and none The results showed that children who could use a telephone. had received the implants by the age of 12 months performed just as well as the The aim of the study was to children who were hearing, whilst those discover what progress the who had received the implants after this children had made in auditory age performed on average at a poorer processing of speech level to their hearing counterparts. A similar study has been carried Dr Margaret Tait at The Ear Foundation out in the UK. At the University of in Nottingham, supported by Deafness Southampton’s Institute of Sound and Research UK, compared three groups Vibration Research, researchers used The of deaf children, each of whom had McCormick Automated Toy Test (ATT). received the cochlear implant at the age of one, two or three. The aim of the Children who received the study was to discover what progress implants after 12 months the children had made in auditory performed on average at processing of speech and to witness a poorer level to their whether this changed at all when they hearing counterparts communicated. at two and three showed very little and auditory skills comparable to that of a Each child was videoed with a familiar progress. Results therefore suggest a normal-hearing child. Tait video analysis The test uses 14 toys with seven adult to see how often they reacted child who receives cochlear implants is now used internationally as one of the similar sounding pairs of words, such vocally without making eye contact. before 12 months would lead to a greater few means of measuring progress in as plane/plate. The ATT then measures After 12 months of implantation the opportunity to develop preverbal vocal young deaf infants after implantation. the child’s abilities to identify the correct results of this test were significant toy. Words were spoken through a The group who had been implanted loudspeaker with the child expected to at the age of one showed a vast What do you think about this? Have your say! respond by pointing to the matching toy. improvement in making auditory Significant progress was made responses without being prompted Email [email protected] annually with children who had received visually, whereas those implanted The History of British Deaf Tennis Deaf tennis recently celebrated the launch of a new book chronicling the history of the sport

The History of British Deaf Tennis is the product of years of painstaking research by author Bryan Whalley, a former National champion, Great Britain team official and currently President of the British Deaf Tennis Association.

Mr Whalley, a school teacher from Harrow, was awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2007 How can you get the full picture, to conduct his research into the rich history of deaf tennis in Britain, a project that has also been supported by the Tennis Foundation. The resulting book and accompanying DVD will be available at various libraries, including the Library at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, and other key outlets when y__’re o_ly ge__ing ha_f the wo_ds? as an educational resource.

Craig Crowley, who was elected as President of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) on the eve of the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics, was guest of honour at Brian Whalley and family at the book launch If you’re only getting half the words, At Cubex we are committed to helping the launch of the book and welcomed your hearing isn’t as sharp as it you hear again. As independent more than 100 guests to the launch, experiences of deaf and hard of hearing should be. Modern technology can hearing aid audiologists, we combine including past and present players people in deaf tennis and hearing tennis and many whose stories and personal environments and then tracing the fill in the blanks – but will it match superior hearing healthcare with experiences feature in the book. successes of Great Britain players in ALL your needs? state of the art technology, guiding national and international tournaments you back to the Mr Whalley launched the book with a to the present day. The book traces Conventional hearing aids force you sounds of life. presentation explaining how the project the history of deaf tennis throughout to make a choice: Great looks OR came about and a chapter-by-chapter the 20th century and ends exploring the synopsis of what readers can expect future of deaf sport, in particular tennis. great performance? But why should before then signing copies of the book you have to make that choice at all? for guests attending the launch. An accompanying DVD contains additional photos and results from The History of British Deaf Tennis tournaments over many years, including Independent Hearing Aid Audiologists since 1964 begins with general overviews of the the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei, all 020 7935 5511 history of the game of tennis and the making for a remarkable and unique Deaf Community and includes sections collection of records that undoubtedly Cubex Ltd. 25 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 8LP on the history and role of schools preserves the rich history of deaf tennis www.cubex.co.uk for the deaf, before exploring the for many generations to come.

Cubex Dual QP.indd 1 07/07/2009 16:14:11 4 News www.hearingtimes June 2010 In the News Who do you look-a-like? Hearing aids = old age Have you ever been told you look like Dionne Warwick, Bryan Adams, Annie Lennox or any other Despite all the advances in hearing celebrity? Have you ever been asked for an autograph by a complete stranger? technology over the past few years, a survey conducted by the Phonak Hear If you think you look just like the World initiative has found that someone famous you can enter our people still associate hearing aids with competition at www.cubex.co.uk/ old age more than any other accessory, promotions. including wheelchairs, glasses, canes and crutches. 4,405 people, aged Hear the World is a global from 14-65 in the United Kingdom, initiative by leading hearing system America, France, Germany, Switzerland manufacturer Phonak, created and Italy were questioned. The top to raise awareness about the three reasons given for not wearing importance of hearing. The initiative a hearing aid included not wanting to calls attention to the social and admit having hearing loss in public. emotional impact of hearing loss Despite this, 93 percent responded and addresses prevention of and that they would wear a hearing aid if solutions to a problem that affects it was necessary. “Hearing loss and the more than 16% of the world’s solutions available to treat it have long population. been misunderstood and the survey findings point to exactly that,” said Dr. More than 800 million people Craig Kasper, chief audiology officer worldwide are affected by hearing of Audio Hel Associates of Manhattan. loss, yet only 10–20% of them use “Hearing aids have come a long way hearing systems. There is a stigma and it is important to the well being associated with hearing loss and of those with hearing loss that these most people wait six to 10 years misconceptions be addressed.” before they first test their hearing with a professional. Royal reception for Deafness Research The charity marked its silver jubilee with “Today, hearing is not perceived a prestigious Royal reception in the State as an important topic,” says Jan Apartments, St James’s Palace. His Royal Metzdorff, General Manager of pose of hearing” with one hand The winning image will be selected Highness, The Duke of York KG, who has Phonak UK. “With Hear the World, cupped behind their ear. This pose by a panel of judges from the Hear been Patron of Deafness Research UK we want to put hearing on the is intended to demonstrate the the World initiative and the Cubex since 1986, met researchers, supporters agenda and start a social dialogue. importance of being aware of your Hearing Centre. Good luck! and many of those who have benefitted hearing at every age. from the charity’s work. Hear the World wants to activate “Cubex’s celebrity look-a-like contest people to think about their hearing, As a hearing healthcare professional, is designed to encourage people to think about what it means not Cubex shares and supports Hear to overcome the stigma associated to be able to hear well. We want to the World vision of a world where with hearing loss and provides an show the public what can be done to wearing a hearing system is no opportunity for people of all ages to prevent hearing loss, as well as what longer a taboo and invites everybody learn more about hearing loss and can be done to minimise its social to participate in a celebrity look-a- how to prevent it. and personal impact.” like competition. By increasing public awareness Music is a universal language that If you think you look like one of about hearing loss, we want to goes beyond geographical, social Hear the World ambassadors support Hear the World in changing and linguistic boundaries. It is the (www.hear-the-world.com/en/the- perceptions and encouraging people ideal medium to spread the message initiative/the-ambassadors.html), to protect and value their hearing of Hear the World. Dionne Warwick, send us your photo imitating the and also, to reduce the time before Smokey Robinson, Annie Lennox conscious pose of hearing and the people first have their hearing and Sting are amongst more than name of the star you look like to tested”, said Adam Shulberg, hearing 40 renowned artists who support [email protected] or 25 New aid specialist and Managing Director His Royal Highness said, “During my Hear the World and its mission of Cavendish Street, London, W1G 8LP at Cubex. service in the Royal Navy I served in raising awareness about hearing and before 30 June 2010 and you could some very noisy places and the flight hearing loss throughout the world. win FREE VIP tickets for two at the The competition is part of Cubex deck of a ship is one of the noisiest I ‘Last Night of the Proms’ at the Royal ongoing campaign to support the know. This can cause hearing damage Each Hear the World ambassador Albert Hall in London, 11 September work of Hear the World initiative that can occur through prolonged has been photographed by musician 2010, featuring special guest as and will continue with a series of exposure to loud noise. Research into and Hear the World photographer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, José Carreras Hear the World seminars in Central noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus Bryan Adams in a “conscious and Sir Terry Wogan. London towards the end of the year. is just one aspect of the vital work that Deafness Research UK supports through For more information about the Hear the World competition, please visit www.cubex.co.uk/promotions its grants programme. I am certain that through their continued work with this and other areas of deafness and importantly with our support, this Research shows rollercoasters may cause inner ear damage organisation can make a significant The thrill of a theme park ride is all part of the summer’s fun for many, however hearing may be put at risk, contribution to a positive future for the according to the latest research deaf community.” Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Ed Gould Deafness Research UK, said, “We are delighted that His Royal Highness has Medical findings in the US have shown a shown his support once again today, link between roller coaster rides and aural helping us mark the charity’s achievements barotrauma, a condition of the inner ear. over the last quarter of a century and According to a team of researchers announce our plans for the future.” at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, ear barotrauma can lead to temporary Starkey to reach wider marketplace hearing loss, dizziness, ear discomfort Starkey Laboratories, the exclusive and pain. partner of Alpine Hearing Protection “As rollercoasters continue to push the in the UK & Ireland has two new envelope of speed, doctors need to be introductory offers to assist dispensers aware of this new cause of barotrauma in promoting this highly appealing to the ear,” said senior study author range of noise protection solutions. As Kathleen Yaremchuk, Chair of the creations - [email protected] © DT consumers continue to become more Department of Otolaryngology at Henry aware of the importance of hearing Ford Hospital. from a rollercoaster happens suddenly, patient’s right ear canal was subsequently protection in their daily lives, not it is very difficult for the patient to equalise swollen and the ear drum inflamed, only in the workplace but in leisure A ride on a rollercoasters ear pressure by yawning or chewing gum however his left ear remained normal. environments too, the Alpine Hearing can lead to temporary as they might do on an aircraft. Protection products offer a variety hearing loss, dizziness, ear Her team’s findings were presented As rollercoasters get reach of noise plugs which will attract this discomfort and pain at the Triologocial Society’s annual faster speeds, doctors must important audience. Neil Pottinger, Sales meeting in Las Vegas. The work centered be aware of this new cause and Marketing Director, adds “Starkey’s According to Yaremchuk, ear on a 24 year old male who experienced of barotrauma to the ear portfolio of high quality noise and leisure barotrauma was previously associated pain and hearing problems in his right products is continuing to expand in with air travel, scuba diving and ear 36 hours after riding a roller coaster Samer Al-khudari MD, the study’s response to this growing marketplace. more recently with military personnel at his local amusement park. co-author, estimated that the patient’s The Alpine Hearing Protection solutions exposed to explosions in Afghanistan. As the ride accelerated to 120 mph in right ear was exposed to as much as are a key part of this range and will However, her team has identified four seconds, the patient’s head was turned 0.6 PSI of pressure. enable dispensers to create much the complaint as being caused by fast to the left to speak with his girlfriend. “While not enough to perforate the broader appeal to consumers and reach moving rides for the first time. This caused his right ear to sustain the ear drum, the pressure was enough to a wider marketplace”. Yaremchuk said that since barotrauma full impact of the ride’s forward force.The cause barotrauma to the ear,” he said. www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 News 5 TINNITUS CASE STUDY Glasgow DJ warns of tinnitus risks New partnership hits the bullseye John Steventon of Kirkintilloch, Glasgow developed a passion for music SignHealth, the healthcare charity for deaf people, announced their unique partnership with the as a youngster and was playing drums Professional Darts Corporation by the age of ten. Seeing live bands and listening to his personal stereo Together, SignHealth and PDC became a way of life and after leaving have launched an event, to take college he found work as a DJ. place on Thursday 21 October, where thousands of enthusiasts With typical youthful optimism, he around the UK will come together never imagined how such frequent to create the record for the largest exposure to loud noise would affect him number of people playing darts at in the future. The occasional ringing the same time. he heard after a concert or drumming session always wore off and any serious Darts is an inclusive sport consequences seemed remote. that everyone can get involved with But by his early twenties he noticed the sounds were more persistent and Top darts players Phil ‘the Power’ over the years they grew steadily Taylor, Simon Whitlock, James Wade worse. and Mervyn King are lending their support to this record breaking project. Now, aged 32, John describes his tinnitus at its worst as a high-pitched The PDC have adopted SignHealth howling sound not unlike standing in a as their official charity and will be wind tunnel and admits that he wishes providing promotional support for he’d done some things differently. the event as well as a range of other fundraising opportunities. The PDC recognises that darts is an inclusive sport that everyone can LtoR David Portsmouth, UK Deaf Darts Organisers with Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor get involved with and that deafness presents no barrier to joining in. The 15 venues that raise the most in sponsorship will receive a visit from one of the top professional darts players in the country to present prizes and stage an exhibition match. SignHealth is also Each team will seek to raise looking for the most unusual venue. a minimum level of charity How will it work? sponsorship. Teams can enter for DEAFinitely Darts (Lawrence Teams of players will register £100 per team and prizes will be on Lustig, PDC)* DEAFinitely Darts for the Deafinitely Darts event on “If I could go back in time, I would offer for the teams who raise the will be staged from 7pm-11pm a special website designed for this most sponsorship, while any team on October 21 2010 have turned the volume down a bit and exciting event. which raises in excess of £800 thought more seriously about protecting will be entitled to a refund of their * Team of eight players are my hearing but when you’re 12 you think registration fee. required to register in advance to you’re indestructible and don’t consider take part (more than one team what might happen,” he said. Prizes will include: can enter per venue) * The venue organiser whose “Wearing earplugs at a nightclub isn’t team raises most sponsorship wins * The suggested format is a what you do when you’re young and you tournament of 1001 double-in, a holiday in the Bahamas double-out format worry about being laughed at or looking * A prize of £4,000 will go to the stupid but I’m super careful now.” team who raises the most money, * Venues will be provided with in addition to an exhibition from a a limited edition dartboard per Although it doesn’t impact on every top PDC player team, darts flights and a hand aspect of his life, John says tinnitus held electronic scoring device definitely affects its quality and can be So, if you are a talented darts extremely annoying. He finds it more player or an occasional pub * The 15 venues which raise the difficult to drop off to sleep and the most in sponsorship will receive player, SignHealth and the PDC a visit from a leading PDC player noises seem especially loud if he wakes Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor is leanding his are encouraging everyone to get up in the early hours of the morning support to SignHelath’s fundraising effort involved and register now! when everything is silent.

He sometimes struggles to concentrate on conversations in busy places and says the tinnitus is more acute if he starts to focus on it. While it doesn’t seem to affect his work as an Calling all Darts Players! Deafinitely Darts editor for a television company, he is concerned about the future. Want to be part of a World Record Darts Event on October 21st 2010? “If I could go back in time, I would have turned the Deafinitely Darts is your answer! Here’s the Deal volume down a bit and Register a team for the challenge to achieve a world record for the We are asking for £100 registration fee per team (that is ONLY £12.50 per thought more seriously largest number of people playing darts at one time, whilst raising funds player). Then a suggested £50 sponsorship per player. Any team raising about protecting my hearing” for Signhealth, the Healthcare charity for Deaf people. over £800 in total will be entitled to a refund of their registration fee. Win a holiday Why Deafinitely Darts? “Work is fine now but it’s a job where The venue organiser whose team(s) raises the most sponsorship money Imagine being excluded from the chatter and buzz of your local because I have to hear everything so I do worry wins a holiday in the Bahamas. no one can communicate with you? about it getting worse and I’m not looking forward to dealing with it if it Working with the deaf community, health services and other charities, happens. I really don’t know if things Plus our mission is to improve deaf healthcare and achieve equal access for will deteriorate or what my hearing will deaf people. be like in ten or 20 years time.” • A Grand Prize of £4000 will go to the team who raises the most sponsorship money. 1 in 7 people in the UK have some degree of hearing loss, but at Music is still a big part of his life • A darts celebrity will present this and stage an exhibition match but he now wears earplugs regularly at the team’s venue. SignHealth we aim to ensure that deaf people can be included in all in noisy environments. “You can buy • All teams registered will be entered into a cash draw. areas of community life. ones designed for musicians and DJs but just a normal foam pair will make a SignHealth is the official charity of the Professional Darts Corporation difference,” he explained.

“I still DJ, go to concerts and listen to How to Register for Deafinitely Darts Main Contact Name: my iPod and sometimes think I should We would like to register for Deafinitely Darts Venue Address: give it up but I take much more care Please send us a registration pack now and will keep doing what I can to Phone No: warn other people about the risks if they Visit www.deafinitelydarts.org.uk to register or text Mobile Phone No: don’t look after their ears,” he added. DARTS to 83311 or email [email protected] or call 01494 687621 for more information. Email: www.deafnessresearch.co.uk Please complete this slip and return it to: SignHealth, 5 Baring Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2NB SignHealth is a registered Charity No. 1011056 6 Technology www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 New stem cell research could provide Gain employment skills! People in the West Midlands with hearing difficulties are getting special long-term cure for deafness support to improve their skills and increase their chances of finding work. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully created hair-cell like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells that display many of the properties of delicate inner hair cells A unique training project run by Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) is providing free training to a Leading charity Deafness Research Researchers are applying similar deaf services provider in Birmingham UK is excited about this new research, techniques to human cells in the hope of city centre. The project’s trainers are published by the American university, being able to transplant these delicate working with individuals to develop that complements stem cell research it hair cells into ears to restore hearing. literacy and numeracy skills and support funds in the UK. Deafness Research UK continues to their progression into employment or Our inner hair cells play a central role be at the forefront of hearing research further education. in hearing and balance as thousands by funding human stem cell research at of these cells convert sound vibrations the University of Sheffield. Dr Marcelo To ensure optimum delivery of the into nerve impulses which are decoded Rivolta is leading a team focussing on training course, Robert Kirton, the Skills for Jobs tutor, undertook deaf awareness by our brains. Ageing, loud noises and turning human stem cells into hair-like training beforehand. toxic drugs can kill these cells resulting cells that may be able to restore lost in deafness and until now, there was no hearing in the future. The training is backed by the West way of replacing them. Midlands Leaders Board’s and Skills In ground-breaking research, Stefan Ageing, loud noises and Funding Agency’s regional European Heller and his colleagues at Stanford, toxic drugs can kill cells Social Fund programme, and has the developed conditions to grow mouse capacity to support more than 1500 resulting in deafness and people. PPDG has teams of trainers who stem cells (blank cells that can turn into until now, there was no way other cell types) in a dish and showed are experienced in running courses with of replacing them hard-to-reach groups including people using an electron microscope that these with disabilities, lone parents and ex- hair-like cells even look like they were offenders. taken out of the ear. Dr Rivolta comments that the new research from the Stanford group Further tests show that these cells Lynda Leddington, senior trainer at responded to vibrations in a similar “is an important step forward in the the deaf services provider, said: “The way to hair cells in the inner ear. This quest for ways of making hair cells in atmosphere throughout was fantastic. research offers hope that one day it will a test tube. By exposing differentiating Stefan Heller and his collegues have I supported Robert during the training, be understood how the hair cells form in mouse embryonic stem cells to tissue developed conditions to grow mouse stem and I think it made all the difference the ear and lead to the development of from chicken ears, the authors have cells in a dish similar to human ear cells to the students that he had taken the achieved a robust differentiation of the time to complete the deaf awareness drugs that allow the ear to grow more training. hair cells of its own accord. apical hair bundle. deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing These hair cells generated in vitro impaired people. The charity supports will be excellent models for molecular “All the learners were motivated, high quality medical research into the hard-working and really engaged studies and will allow us to learn what prevention, diagnosis and treatment throughout the whole course. Hearing controls the making of a hair cell. In of all forms of hearing impairment difficulties can be very isolating, but this our lab in Sheffield, one of Deafness including tinnitus. course gave learners the opportunity to Research UK Auditory Centres of socialise and build their confidence in a Excellence, we are also exploring ways Deafness Research UK’s group, as well as gain skills necessary to to produce working hair cells but from Information Service provides a improve their chances of finding work.” human cells in order to develop a wealth of free information and potential treatment for deafness.” guidance on deafness, tinnitus For those who would like more Deafness Research UK is the country’s information on the programme, or and related conditions, and would be interested in enrolling, only charity dedicated to finding new can be contacted at please contact PPDG’s Central cures, treatments and technologies for [email protected]. Outreach Team on 0800 197 1402. Do you struggle to hear in certain situations? Even when wearing your hearing aid? Busy, noisy environments: With Conversor Pro the user can focus on the desired sound source as a directional microphone greatly reduces unwanted sounds coming from the sides and the rear. This is particularly useful when in bars, restaurants and watching TV. Quieter sounds: Conversor Pro can enhance the required sounds, allowing users to clearly hear quieter sounds in noisy environments without straining or having to turn up their hearing instrument. Conversor Pro can be used with headphones and all Telecoil enabled hearing aids.

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ToTo learn learn how how you Conversorcan hear with can clarity help and toyou find can your hear local stockistwith clarity of Conversor and to Pro find visit www.conversorproducts.comyour local stockist of Conversor or call 08700Pro, vist 663499 www.conversorproducts.com or call 08700 663499 www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Technology 7 Hear the light: the next generation of cochlear implants may use infrared rather than sound waves EXPERTS’ CORNER Many profoundly deaf people now hear with cochlear implants, which Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA work by stimulating the auditory nerve with a string of electrodes implanted in The spring and summer seasons the inner ear. While the devices enable are a special time for a hearing aid many users to converse easily and audiologist. When I’m out and about in use telephones, they still fall short of the countryside of my home county of restoring normal hearing. Now scientists Suffolk listening to birdsong, the wind at Northwestern University, in the US, rustling in the reeds at Aldeburgh or are exploring whether laser-based the sea rattling on its pebbly beach, I remember how important my work is for implants could one day outperform people who have hearing loss. today's electrical version. Without their hearing aids many people The mammalian ear uses neural firing wouldn’t be able to hear and enjoy rates as one way of encoding sound. As what I enjoy and that gives me great Karen uses a video otoscope with a patient part of a project funded by the National satisfaction. Institute for Deafness and Other Engineers work around the problem That’s what I aim to do – and what I Communication Disorders (NIDCD), by triggering only one or two of the 16 or But the summer is a busy time for us. encourage my people to do – care for the Claus-Peter Richter and his colleagues 24 electrodes in the inner ear at a time. We will be out at Suffolk Show meeting patient in such a way that I exceed their people and explaining our work, and at a expectations so that afterwards they tell have demonstrated that they can It's done so rapidly that the user has big music festival using the opportunity it everyone about us. control firing rates in the auditory nerve the illusion that all of the electrodes are offers to continue our campaign to warn of animals using infrared laser radiation. firing, but the result is still a relatively people of the danger loud music can pose As well as running my business I try and They are now trying to establish that crude simulation of normal hearing. To to their hearing. put something back into the profession it's safe to use for long periods of time many cochlear implant users, voices and for the last few years I have been and that it can manipulate neural firing sound mechanical and music sounds We’re staging an exhibition to bring very active in my professional body, the rates with enough precision to send washed out. to the wider public information about British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists useful information to the brain. hearing loss and how we can help, and (BSHAA). there’s our summer long photographic An optical cochlear implant competition to raise awareness. This year I’ve done my bit as committee member, With conventional cochlear implants, would bypass these inner ear entrants have to capture with their lens treasurer – I was even president for two electrical signals spread in the wet, salty hair cells (above), which are the essence of Music Making in Suffolk. years – but the role I’ve loved most has environment of the body, muddying the nonfunctional in many cases been running the Communications team. signal. That makes it difficult to trigger of profound deafness. Optical Back in the office I have a busy appointment specific populations of nerves inside the radiation would stimulate the schedule of hearing assessments, fittings The other day I was trying to work out cochlea. Further complicating matters, neurons that are normally and follow-up appointments. Before I sign-off why I enjoyed it so much, and then it simultaneous pulses in different a patient I might have a series of meetings twigged: it’s because it means I’m working triggered by the motion of these with them as we go through what is really a with people, and in organising our annual locations merge with each other, microscopic fibers in response to stimulating the cochlea everywhere process of rehabilitation. conference, I’m doing something that sound vibrations. others appreciate. instead of in the desired locations. Contrary to popular belief sticking a hearing aid in someone’s ear doesn’t And that brings me back to the day job solve the problem of hearing loss: that as a hearing aid dispenser. I wouldn’t - the highs and lows of gadgets & gizmos is simply the start. They have to learn to have it any other way. Product reviews hear again. The good news for me is that this is Doro PhoneEasy 409 actually the part of the job I enjoy most, caring for people. I heard an excellent Juliet England sales presentation recently in which the 5 High Street, Ipswich, speaker pointed out that the cheapest Suffolk, IP1 3JZ Like many deaf and hard of hearing form of advertising was to have a lot of Tel: 01473 230330 people, I’ve endured the misery of satisfied customers. www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk countless mobile phone ‘conversations’ which have left me clueless as to what the other person was saying. Indeed, I’ve often been tempted to avoid the wretched things altogether. So I began my trial of the Doro PhoneEasy 409 feeling fairly confident it would be just like any other mobile I’d tried– marginally better than useless, but maybe handy for texting. I genuinely found this one to be different. It’s a smart-looking clamshell style number, incredibly user-friendly, with nice large keys. I can honestly say I have rarely heard so clearly on any phone, mobile or landline. I spent much of one afternoon trying it out on bemused call centre operators, and was startled to hear each one of them almost perfectly. I was thrilled, too, when someone called me, giving me a chance to test the pleasingly loud ringer. This product, which RNID has been marketing for a year now, seems best suited to someone who, like me, has a The PhoneEasy 409 is available as moderate to severe hearing loss. a Bluetooth as well, so it can be used You can control volume and tone of with a range of Bluetooth earhooks and incoming calls, and the ringer. There’s neckloops. A neckcord is supplied, along also a hands-free function, vibration with earphones and charger. There’s no alert, and you get to choose from 20 SIM card, however, so you’ll need to ring tones and three colours – white, supply your own. burgundy or black. (Although the non- There are also other features which Bluetooth version only comes in black.) come in pretty useful whether you have The typeface of the text, and the a hearing difficulty or not – predictive graphics on the screen, are also nice texting, calendar and alarm and 300 and clear. number phonebook spring to mind. This model is also compatible with My only quibble was that, to call the hearing aids on a T setting, and in fact customer help desk at Doro, you have RNID’s own tests found the PhoneEasy to ring a premium-rate number, which 409 to be a top performer for this type seems an outrageous cheek, but as the of use. instructions supplied are pretty helpful, If you’re looking for a mobile for an you should have little reason to call elderly parent or other vulnerable user, them anyway. you may find the emergency call facility All in all, the PhoneEasy 409 is a on this product reassuring. A button stunning product which could make a on the back of the phone automatically difference to your quality of life. The sends an emergency text message price of £110 includes VAT, but you may to and calls up to five numbers when be able to claim this back. pressed. I lived in fear of activating it accidentally and inadvertently sparking To buy online visit www.rnid.org. a major security alert, but I think the uk/ht or call 01733 361199 or numbers have to be pre-set. textphone 01733 238020. 8 ENTS www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Deaf Rave is going to Glastonbury Festival The Deaf Rave team will be making their second appearance at the legendary Somerset festival as part of Club Attitude’s Glastonbury 2010 Showcase

Troi ‘Chinaman’ Lee said “Deaf Rave is looking forward going back to Glastonbury for the second year in a row. Many thanks to Attitude is Everything (AIE), they are very pro-active and strive to make live music and festivals accessible to deaf and disabled people.

“Last year it was such a wonderful opportunity, we are looking forward playing to playing again. DJ Inigo, DJ Ceri and MC Geezer will be flying the Deaf Rave flag. We will be there to show hearing people that deaf people can both play and love music!”

AIE run regular Club Attitude nights to showcase the talents of disabled and non-disabled musicians and DJ’s, and to promote best practice by demonstrating to the industry how to put on a fully accessible club night including cutting edge access facilities such as sign language interpretation of lyrics.

Previous Headliners include Mystery Jets, The Xcerts, Foals, thecocknbullkid, The Mules and Art Brut and we’ve had DJ sets from Alan McGee, Piney Gir, Alexa Chung, DJ Void and Get Cape. Wear Cape. and Fly.

Last year’s Glastonbury Showcase was the first time that Club Attitude had appeared at a major festival in the UK.

Since 2005, Attitude is Everything have been working in partnership with the Glastonbury Festival team to improve the access facilities for Deaf and disabled people on-site, as well as recruiting Deaf and disabled volunteers to be part of the Glastonbury stewarding team.

AIE also run an information tent and recruit Deaf and disabled stewards for Festival Republic events including Latitude, Reading and Leeds Festivals and work with Channelfly to improve the access at The Great Escape.

“For the first time, one of the stages has For more information about the been given over to disabled artists” musicians featured this year: – Ian Youngs, BBC, June 09 Deaf Rave DY Troi ‘Chinaman’ Lee at Glastonbury 2009 Deaf Rave DJs MC Geezer, DJ Inigo & DJ Ceri www.myspace.com/deafrave La Rebla Fam www.myspace.com/lareblafam Subscribe online for FREE Bug Prentice www.myspace.com/thebugprentice and read the latest issue Drugstore All you need is an email address and the password ‘online’ www.myspace.com/drugstoretheband www.hearingtimes.co.uk DJ Void www.myspace.com/voiddj

The Boy and His Statue directed and created by Paula Garfield with the Tricycle Theatre and Deafinitely Little In an exciting new venture, the no experience of going to theatre Tricycle Theatre has teamed up until I was about 12 years old… I with Deafinitely Theatre to create a don’t want Molly go to theatre only magical adventure for children. once or twice a year – it’s just not enough,” Paula says. Deafinitely Little is a new development for Deafinitely Theatre, This exciting project gives one of the UK’s best-recognised four to seven year olds a Deaf-led theatre companies. This fantastic introduction to is one of the first plays for children theatre, through colour, produced by the company. costume and movement It’s an exciting project because it provides children with a different Molly’s experience is not rare; it perspective on expression and gives is very common for not only deaf four to seven year olds a fantastic children, but also children for whom introduction to theatre, through English is a second language, as colour, costume and movement. well as children whose language development has been impeded Paula Garfield, Deafinitely for whatever reason, be it learning Theatre’s creative director and the difficulties or through disability. driving force behind Deafinitely Ultimately these children have very Little, is also a mother to five-year- little access to theatre. old deaf daughter, Molly; she wanted Molly to have a positive experience “This has inspired me to create with the theatre as early in life as childrens’ plays aimed at both deaf possible. and hearing children. Our goal is to create plays throughout year, not Luckily plays for children under only during the Christmas period.” three are usually very accessible as there is little language. However, The plays are performed by Deaf as soon as Molly turned four, the actors, providing youngsters with new age bracket brought language- positive role models and making them intensive plays that Molly couldn’t feel more represented in the world. understand. Special dates for schools from Sadly this means Molly has gone 5 July with a free workshop. to the theatre less and less. “It Contact the Tricycle Box Office reminds me of my childhood. I had 020 7328 1000 to book tickets!

Want to advertise your production on this page? Or online on our events page? Call us now to discuss the best marketing solution for you. tel 0845 2930688 email [email protected] www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Theatre 9

Posh is written by Laura Wade A Posh night out at Royal Court and directed by Lyndsey Turner During the interval for Posh, news spread that David Cameron had just become Britain’s Prime Minister. Which was a neat juxtaposition, because the play was all about an elite student dining club, and was inspired by the notorious Bullingdon club which once counted our new PM as a member

Charlie Swinbourne Ten moneyed young men arrive for The captioning - provided by dinner in the private room of a pub Stagetext - could not be faulted, but in Oxfordshire. They have ordered a due to the sheer number of characters caseload of wine and are intent on tucking in the play, it was sometimes hard to into ‘‘a ten bird roast’’, not to mention figure out exactly who was speaking as enjoying the company of a prostitute our eyes were darting back and forth later in the evening, before trashing the (from the captioned box to the set) place. The club they are a member of - very, very rapidly! the Riot Club - is aptly named. They ordered a caseload There’s just one problem: their sense of wine and are intent on of superiority vanishes whenever the tucking into ‘‘a ten bird outside world peeks in - whether it’s roast’’ and enjoying the the attentive pub landlord, his daughter company of a prostitute later (helping out as waitress for the night), in the evening or the prostitute who awkwardly sneaks in through the window. Whether or not Posh’s portrait of the upper The only mildly sympathetic character classes is accurate, it is funny, entertaining is the president of the group. But he and I particularly enjoyed the fantastic weakly succumbs to the demands of the scene where the prostitute somehow baying masses. The other members are manages to appear more principled than almost indistinguishable from each other the boys themselves. Where the play took a - cruel, snobbish yet remarkably witty. wrong turning for me was in the direction it took after the interval. David Dawson (Hugo Fraser-Tyrwhitt), James Norton (Miles Richards), Leo Bill (Alistair Ryle), Having started off firing verbal volleys Joshua McGuire (Guy Bellingfield), Kit Harington (Ed Montgomery), Jolyon Coy (Toby Maitland) at each other, the group’s bile is turned on the world around them, as they question whether they would sacrifice For all that, I was thoroughly lament their loss of status in a country everything in the name of the club, their entertained by Posh’s portrayal of these that has changed. Fuelled by drink, an actions equate them with the members rich young men, impressed by how the angry sense of entitlement takes over. of a feral street gang, and for me this cast brought them to life, and in awe of jarred with the mocking tone the play Laura Wade’s script. I didn’t object to the characters had adopted until that point. becoming more bitter and twisted as I walked out of the Royal Court into the play went on. But when the boys It’s a shocking ending which had me a Britain now supposedly governed by trash the room, events suddenly take an on the edge of my seat. I just wasn’t the adult version of one of the young extreme turn which felt like a step too far. sure if it was the right ending for this lads I’d just seem misbehaving on play - or whether they message that the stage. And I must admit, that thought David Dawson (Hugo Fraser-Tyrwhitt) firing While this sudden twist works (in the boys manage to escape any sanctions hung heavily on my mind on the tube off verbal volleys at fellow ‘Riot Club’ members dramatic sense) by leading the boys to afterwards could really ring true. journey home.

Deafinitely Creative, the UK’s only playwright development programme exclusively for Deaf writers, is searching for new talent For too long, Deaf writers have been on the fringe of the theatre world, not through lack of talent but because of lack of access. This programme, run by the UK’s most prominent Deaf-led, professional theatre, Deafinitely Theatre (DT), has developed six Deaf playwrights over the past 3 years and is on the hunt for new talent for the next phase. This year DT is holding a contest to find four new Deaf playwrights. From September 2010, the four finalists will attend workshops led yb professional playwright and DT’s own dramaturg, Andrew Muir. These workshops will help each of the finalists develop their ideas into their own 30-minute play. These will be showcased in London in March 2011. One writer from the programme will be chosen by a judging panel to create a new full-length play for DT. In addition to Muir, the panel will include George Perrin, Artistic Director from Paines Plough; Nina Steiger, Writers’ Centre Director from Soho Theatre; and Poppy Keeling, Education Coordinator from Complicite, in addition to DT’s own Artistic Director, Paula Garfield. As Steiger has put it, “Deafinitely Theatre’s Creative workshop is an indispensable resource for deaf artists from any level of experience. It nurtures the creation of vital new work and offers fresh approaches, perspectives and stories to the wider theatre ecology.” Muir is also thrilled with the next phase of Deafinitely Creative. “With so few opportunities for deaf writers, [Deafinitely Creative] has provided a consistent platform from which the writers on the course have been able to share, explore and work on various ideas and themes within a professional environment, and without fear of failure… Deafinitely Theatre is a company that encourages deaf artists to not be afraid.” To participate, you only need to be a deaf person living in the UK over the age of 16 with an idea to share. No other experience is necessary. To Apply: 1. Think of an idea 2. Create a short script. This may be submitted in BSL (as a 5-minute DVD) or in English (no more than 2 pages) 3. Send a summary (in writing or on DVD) detailing a basic summary of your idea 4. Send contact details. (NAME/AGE/ADDRESS) Include these in either a covering letter or at the start of your DVD and tell us why you want to participate and what the project means to you Submissions should be sent to: Deafinitely Creative Competition Deafinitely Theatre Deane House Studios 27 Greenwood Place London NW5 1LB Deadline for applications is by Wednesday, 14 July 10 Arts www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 The illustriously annual film festival Deaffest has once again returned to the Light House Media Centre, Deaffest 2010 providing a weekend of revel Louise Buglass Deaffest, the UK’s only Deaf led Film This was followed by a brief talk about and Television Festival has recently the future of the Zoom scheme project. taken place in Wolverhampton, running Families and visitors delighted in their fifth year since 2006. themselves by watching Young Organised by Deaffest Co-ordinator Deaffest in the afternoon and the Marcella Stratton and her assistant children indulged in face painting led Louise Buglass with support from various by Jacqueline Law and Pat Norton from organisations, this event has achieved the Wolverhampton Arts and Museums This month, I’ve been learning all the ambitions of celebrating the talents Service. Balloon entertainer Bryan about the power of Twitter! of Deaf filmmakers and media artists Gibson captured the visitors with his and bringing them to recognition. mesmerising balloon sculptures with As a regular tweeter, I spend my the twisting artistry of flowers, bicycles days following chick lit author and even cowboys! Jenny Colgan for humorous Six British Deaf filmmakers The afternoon continued with the Vaughan Rebecca insights, fashion guru Gok each were given £2,000 to screening of Anna’s Silent Struggle, The weekend celebrated the talents of Wan for hilarious outbursts, produce a short film as Deaf filmmakers and media artists part of the BSLBT Zoom a heartfelt documentary directed by Stagetext – for most the exciting Short Film Scheme Tom Linszen and Willy Lindwer from “I can’t believe it. It was a shock developments, such as captions at the Netherlands. International films because I genuinely felt it was a tough The Globe in London. All in all, I produced by directors from France, competition,” said Stephen. “Now I am love my daily Twitter feed. Director of Zebra Uno Marilyn Bueno Finland, Australia, Singapore and Hong excited to put together my vision into Del Carpio hosted the festival, which Kong were screened. reality and want to thank everyone for Anyway, as you will know, I am provided interpreters and screened their support in believing in me.” now the owner of an iPhone 3G. English captioned films produced by UK There were opportunities Judge panellist and previous Ben Steiner Over the last few months I have and international filmmakers. to network with UK and Bursary winner, Bim Ajadi, said, “I’m gradually got used to it – but Deaffest launched on Friday night international filmmakers, really pleased Stephen won the bursary what I had begun to notice, was with visitors welcomed at an open drinks media artists and directors as he’s someone who will bring something reception. The opening speech was that, when I did switch on the 3G, refreshing to Deaf films and fully deserved made by host Marilyn who commented The Gateway to Mainstream slot was it. His pitch was outstanding and really there was no coverage – not even on the exceptional quality of the films presented with a talk by Richard Warren drew me into his story.” a phone signal. to be screened over the weekend. on his role as a Programme Manager in The evening concluded with the Thinking it was my iPhone playing On Saturday morning visitors were Encounters International Film Festival screening of the Best of British presented greeted by an information fair in the up, I made an appointment – set in Bristol. by the Encounters International Film Light House courtyard. Deaffest saw the return of The Ben Festival and the announcement of the online – with the Apple shop in With an early start at the cinema, Steiner Bursary. Deaf film makers Best in Festival where a certificate London where I was told that the short films produced by British Deaf presented their pitches and answered went to Deaf TV and film director Louis problem was not my phone, but in filmmakers were displayed. questions from the judging panel: Neethling for his filmDeparture Lounge. fact my SIM card. At 10 years old, The BSLBT (British Sign Language and Bim Ajadi, freelancing film-maker and There was also an opportunity to it didn’t have 3G capabilities. It’s Broadcasting Trust) gave a talk about last year’s winner for his film Dead network with filmmakers, media artists, simple, I was told. Ring O2 and their organisation and a presentation Money; Deaf TV and film director Louis directors, and UK and international you will be sent a new one. given by former Secretary of the Deaf Neethling; Senior Lecturer in video visitors at the end of the night. Broadcasting Council and Chair of and film production at the University The event closed on Sunday with a free ‘Harumph!’ I thought. I can’t ring British Deaf Association Austin Reeves. of Wolverhampton Tracey McCoy; and screening of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. my service provider. Six British Deaf filmmakers were producer, director and video editor of The Gala Awards will be making a given £2,000 each to produce a short Funf media Austin Duffy. return at Deaffest 2011, to be held in May, However, being stubborn, I had film up to 15 minutes in length. The Congratulations go to new Ben Steiner with more films and bigger ambitions! a jolly good go at ringing O2, but resulting films from the BSLBT Zoom Bursary winner Stephen Collins, 25, for Information will be made available after the 50th pardon, 20th ‘please Short Film Scheme were then shown. his pitch for his film titled Luke Starr. at www.deaffest.co.uk. repeat that’, and 3rd ‘I’m hard of hearing. Is there another way to do this?’ I hung up, defeated. Okito, the Dutch magician with a Japanese name - performed in mime to overcome the challenge of his Trawling O2’s website for another It’s a kind of magic profound deafness - and is still renouned, respected and solution, I could only find an emulated by magicians worldwide online query form, which offered a Jane Adams reply in 24 hours – instead of the Writing years later, Theo said, “I was instant response you get on your The 13th World Deaf Magicians Festival took place in Cattolica, Italy in May with nearly deaf and the doctors were unable phone. And so I whizzed off an international showmen and women to cure me. This was particularly serious email to them and waited. competing to mystify and entertain. because our profession traditionally demands And then I got impatient of This biyearly event offers an excuse to that the magician talks to the audience. “I asked my father, ‘What would waiting, so wrote a blog on celebrate the life of pioneering deaf magician Tobias ‘Okito’ Bamberg, born in 1875, who you think if I could do magic without Deafinitelygirly.com about how performed entirely in pantomime. speaking?’ My father thought I was annoyed I was. And then, I got After a tragic ice-skating accident in absolutely insane to entertain such a even more impatient of waiting, his teens, Tobias was left profoundly deaf notion… ‘How could you get away with so I sent a link of my blog to the after plunging into the frozen canal. He it?’ he asked. O2 press office peeps on Twitter. refused to allow his deafness to stop him following his forefathers in taking Instant reply! Hurrah! The Bamberg Dynasty a place in the Netherlands’ celebrated was an unbroken chain of After much too-ing and fro-ing, Bamberg Magical Dynasty, and remains magicians, embracing seven they promised to resolve the an inspiration to magicians everywhere. consecutive generations, The dynasty began in 1760 with the spanning 200 years issue and, even better, another birth of Eliaser Bamberg, the first link in an Twitterer contacted me and let unbroken chain of magicians, embracing “Well, I could pretend I was a foreigner me know about a disabilities seven consecutive generations, spanning who couldn’t speak the language – such email I could use for O2 – about 200 years. as Japanese or a Chinese.” [email protected]. Eliaser (1760-1833) lost a leg in a Theo travelled the world as Okito wartime explosion on board a Dutch man- (Okito being a rearrangement of the city Okito created a silent act and developed Amazing! I thought, and of-war ship and used his hollowed out Tokio, which was the spelling of Tokyo at a world-renouned shadography routine immediately wrote to the press wooden leg to make objects disappear in the time). Theo added, “Life has not all been a office to ask why this email was early professional magic routines. Using authentic oriental costumes bed of roses for me, but after many years not listed on the O2 website. Eliaser’s eldest son, David Leendart he created a silent act and developed of struggle and discouragement, I finally They didn’t answer. But it doesn’t Bamberg (1786-1869), was court a shadowgraphy routine that was to have reached the apex of my career.” matter because it’s now going to magician to King William II of Holland. become world-renowned. He originated Theo retired in Chicago and made be listed here, so if you’re with Then came Tobias Bamberg (1812-1870), many magic tricks and illusions, including magic props for Joe Berg the magic O2, add it to your email address David’s eldest son, who could perform in the Okito box (used to make small items dealer, he passed away in 1963 and was book and give it a go. four languages, followed by his only son, appear to vanish) and the famous Okito succeeded by his son David ‘Fu Manchu’ David ‘Papa’ Bamberg (1843-1914), a Floating Ball which still amazes today. Bamberg, who toured the world with his Honestly though, I have no idea sleight of hand magician so good he had In 1925 Theo wrote, “My show is own illusion show. what the response time is like the Imperial Court of Holland coat-of- now at its height. I have an enormous The Bamberg’s magical dynasty ended for it, but it’s got to be a start, arms over his door. collection of real Chinese costumes, over when David broke with tradition, calling Tobias Bamberg was nicknamed ‘Toby’ surely! And in the meantime, I’m 80 in all, representing a fortune in value. his only son Robert, who never became a and his English wife, Lily, didn’t like it. She I work for 45 minutes on stage, one trick professional magician. still going to try and find out why changed his name to what she considered following the other in rapid succession – it’s not on their website, and try a more respectable ‘Theodore’. all Chinese and oriental. For more information about the and make them change this. After At the age of 11 he performed magic “I carry four illusions, a staff of four history of the Society of World all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. for the Dutch royal family alongside his people, including livestock, all decorations Deaf Magicians visit And this one, is deafinitely worth father, but his world changed at the age and scenic effects. Altogether, I carry two www.2010wdmf.com/wdm-society.htm asking for. of 18 after the ice-skating accident. tons of baggage.” www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Arts 11

Charlie Swinbourne interviews... Aliya Gulamani Aliya is a young deaf playwright who has recently been accepted to the Royal Court’s prestigious Young Writer’s Programme, after two years as a member of Deafinitely Theatre’s young writers group

When did you first start writing? I started writing poetry when I was 8 or 9 years old, and I’ve loved writing short stories for as long as I can remember. My venture into playwriting began when I joined Deafinitely Theatre’s ‘Deafinitely Creative’ group.

How did that help you? The course taught us how to observe the world to feed our imagination. One example was creating stories from newspaper headlines! The group were all writing plays for the first time and we even went on a residential where we ate, lived and worked together for one week, so we built up a close bond!

What’s the difference between writing a play for a deaf or hearing audience? Hearing plays are often more language based, and involve reading between the lines. Deaf plays can be more direct, visual, and use gesture and physicality more.

What was your experience of growing up deaf? I have one older deaf sister, and two younger hearing brothers. My mother is now an interpreter, and along with my brothers she worked hard to give us access to both worlds. As a deaf child, you are aware of being ‘different’ and there’s times when you miss out on things, but I felt I had the best of both worlds.

You’re studying for a degree in English and Drama at the moment. How does working with hearing people compare to a deaf group? At university I’m the only deaf person, so I have to work extra hard to reach the same level as my peers. But drama throws you into interacting with others and I really enjoy mixing with the people on the course.

Do you get to act on the course? Yes - and I really enjoy it! I’ve just acted in a short film which was a lot harder than acting on stage. When you have an audience there, you feed off the fact that they visibly respond to your character, whereas on camera you have to work harder to get into that frame of mind, and as an actor, it’s a bigger challenge. But writing will always be my first love.

How do you get an idea? It’s hard to explain! It’s a bit like there’s lots of little fishes swimming through my brain and it takes me a while to recognise and catch the one that’s swimming the fastest. (laughs) But when I finally get it, it unfolds and expands in my mind, and then using a pen and paper, I write down the visual images in my head. Then you start to mould it into a piece of fiction.

Playwright Aliya observes the world to feed her imagination How did it feel to get selected for the Royal Court’s Young Writers Programme? I was and channels everything she learns in life into her writing amazed, completely amazed. It’s exciting to meet new people, learn new techniques, and to be going on a new adventure. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’d like to travel, and work with different theatre companies and be What’s your biggest inspiration? Firstly, life. Everything you learn from life can be channelled into an established writer. Physical theatre, in particular, is your writing. Secondly people, whether you know them yourself or observe them from afar. Thirdly, something that I love and hopefully in 10 years time I’ll books. Growing up being deaf, reading was a way of escaping into a fantasy world when you can’t have created some powerful physical performance pieces for always access the world around you. the stage.

You’re also going to Israel soon, tell us about that. Yes I’m working with a deaf-blind theatre Starting this month, Charlie will be interviewing company, called Nalaga’at. They’re coming to perform at the London International Festival of Theatre, up and coming deaf people in the arts. Why not this summer. Alongside the show their cafe, staffed by deaf waiters, will be recreated in North suggest an interesting person he could feature in Finchley. I was lucky enough to be selected to be trained as one of the waitresses! the next issue? Email [email protected] Subscribe online for FREE to read the latest issue Just subscribe using your email address and the password ‘online’ www.hearingtimes.co.uk Evelyn Glennie to take part in IF: Milton Keynes International Festival The annual multi-arts festival has announced that world-acclaimed percussionist Evelyn Glennie is among the stellar line-up of international artists and performances featured throughout the city’s 10 day-long programme on 16-25 July The biennial event celebrates the city’s unique architecture and utopian vision of its 1960s’ founders and will make use of the landmarks, parks, boulevards, disused buildings and unusual locations of central Milton Keynes in an ambitious programme of performances and family-friendly events, both ticketed and free, which include new circus, theatre, dance, music, visual arts and sound installations. This year there is a strong music and sound theme underpinning the festival. Evelyn will perform with New York based guitarist Fred Frith in the UK premiere of Late Night Lounge, an improvised concert in the City Church. Evelyn’s collaborations have Clockwise from above: Evelyn playing persussion on film cans; Evelyn & seen her work with some of Fred Frith; percussion at a farm! the world’s leading orchestras and contemporary artists including Bjork, Sting and Bela Fleck. Fred Frith co-founded the British underground band Henry Cow in the late’70s before moving to America where he began composing for dance, film and theatre. Be transported to new music horizons with this late night lounge under the magnificent dome of The City Church, which will be illuminated to amplify the ambient sounds of this unique collaboration. We suggest you bring a cushion or yoga-style mat to recline on if you buy a Floor Space ticket! Details: 16 July 11pm, The City Church, tickets £20 Floor Space or £25 Seated. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ifmiltonkeynes.org 12 Festivals www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Festive weekend promises arts, crafts, disco & poker Update from The Midlands Camping Festival 2010, presents a range of entertaining activities, workshops and entertainments from 27 - 30 August at Sandon Hall, Staffordshire The Louise Buglass Organised by Staffordshire based Deaf Circle, with contributors Paul Deaf Boult, Sonia Albon and Ian Rayner, this action-packed Deaf event aims to bring d/Deaf people and sign language users One together to get engaged in challenging games. “Every time I read a newspaper, I Hearing aids are marvellous always see events where people can inventions. Cochlear implants are have an enjoyable weekend out. I also high up there. There are so thought to create one for mainly Deaf many different devices around people,” said Paul. Organised events involve reunions, to help a Deaf or hard of hearing meeting and greeting new and familiar person, have some sound in their faces, tours and festivals involving lives. activities and performances suitable for a wide range of people including But what happens if one of these families and children. technology marvels doesn’t work? The festive weekend promises day- What if you are completely Deaf, time workshops involving arts and with no sound at all? crafts, led by Deaf sculptor Linda Bagnell, pole dancing taught by Kat I recently lost even more Humphrey and an opportunity to learn about astronomy using a telescope. hearing, so much so that not even Exciting activities will include sumo a hearing aid can help me. As I am wrestling, water sliding, bungee still struggling with my cochlear jumping, climbing, dragon obstacle implant (which is very rare, I must course, surf simulator and of course, Returning to the stage is our infamous Deadline to buy tickets is the end of July. stress) I am now joining the ranks the tug-o-war. There is even a chance BSL comedian John Smith who has For more information and ticket pricings, of many totally Deaf people in the to get engaged in super hero wrestling previously performed at Remark Awards visit www.deafcircle.org. UK, living a life of complete silence. involving Deaf professional wrestler and Deaffest 2009. Sean Midnight. Challenging games A Power Trip Wrestling will be Adult (age 16 and over) £60 I am not sure if it’s permanent will occur where teams of five have to shown performed by Deaf professional Youth/child (age under 16) £30 yet. But either way, it’s made me participate in order to win! Sean Midnight along with well known Toddler/baby (age under 5) £FREE The notorious ‘Deaf hold ‘Em wrestlers Tracey Kilby and Petey Family (2 adults & 2 children) £160 extremely grateful for what the Poker’ from Facebook will go live as a Staniforth. A Deaf Talent Show, sign Groups (10 adults @ £50 each) £500 little hearing aid that sat behind tournament at this festival with a trophy songs and a disco will be taking place. my ear for so many years gave for a prize along with some winning Campers have the choice of bringing Prices as above, until 31 June 2010 me. I didn’t look after it very well. money. There will be a competition to then the ticket price goes up to either a tent or a caravan to make your Adult £70, Child £35, Family £190, Several hearing aids in the long win a prize for wearing the silliest outfit. home for the weekend. Toilets, showers Group £750 and baby £Free. and distance past reached rather In the evenings dojo drummers will and a mobile canteen are available along Ticket sales will close at the end of grisly ends. One found a watery use Taiko drums to give us a taste of with a BBQ and perhaps an opportunity july 2010 OR when booking full. grave, when it got dropped down the Japanese drumming. to burn some marshmallows. Grab your ticket before they sell out! the toilet. Another hearing aid was pulled out of my ear by an enthusiastic toddler and needed a trip to the hearing aid repair clinic Love festivals? Then love your ears! Sex, plugs and rock & roll! to have the tube replaced. Loud noise exposure can cause significant hearing loss early in life. It does not take long term exposure to loud noise to permanently damage hearing I can also remember a time, where it got kicked around a dance The amount of damage done to the structure of the ear floor in the middle of a nightclub depends on the level of noise and how long the ear is exposed whilst I scrambled around trying to the noise. Any noise louder than 100 decibels can begin to permanently damage hearing after only a few exposures. to catch it! *note to self, do not change a hearing aid battery anywhere near people who are If you cannot understand what the person waving their arms to YMCA. next to you is saying or if you have to yell for others to hear you, you are in a It’s not complete silence for hazardous noise situation me in that I have rather a lot of tinnitus to occupy my brain but Some events that range in the 100 plus decibels include rock concerts, close range gunfire, loud headphones day to day sounds are now out of and loud power tools. Normal levels of noise, under 85 reach. Everything is dull, with just decibels, can be sustained for longer periods of time without my memory imagining what things permanent damage. sound like. It is sometimes difficult to tell if a situation is loud enough to be hazardous to your hearing; not everyone walks around I miss hearing my daughter’s with a decibel meter on their person. voice, I am finding microwave There are a few easy ways to tell if a situation is too loud popcorn a nightmare to do, I am for your ears. If you cannot understand what the person hearing, ear plugs are an inexpensive method to protect your getting a sore neck from checking next to you is saying or if you have to yell for others to hear ears from damage. for cars coming, while I cross an you, you are in a hazardous noise situation. Another easy way to protect your hearing is to listen to the Headphones are another serious hazard to hearing if headphones with the volume loud enough for you to hear, but entire stretch of road. Even though they are used not loud enough for others to hear. I have always been profoundly at a volume so If steps are not taken to protect your hearing from loud deaf, the hearing aid did just what high others can noise exposure, you could encounter serious hearing problems it says on the tin, it aided my identify the music later in life. Unfortunately, hearing damage is not always easily hearing. It gave me a lifeline. playing. identified. Excessive There may be a ringing in the ears after the noise exposure, I will adapt, like I did when I exposure to but this may go away and leave you thinking your hearing is went from two hearing aids to loud noise can completely back to normal. one a mere 10 years ago. I will be avoided and If there is permanent damage to your hearing after the be fine, but there are quite a few controlled. If noise exposure, you should consult your hearing professional you are aware for a hearing diagnosis test. The sooner any hearing loss is adjustments to make. I need to you are going diagnosed, the sooner treatment can be given, including the encourage my children to sign all to be entering a effective use of hearing aids to compensate for permanent the time to me now; I need to situation that is hearing damage. be more upfront with the general hazardous to your Article reproduced courtesy of www.dontlosethemusic.com public that I simply cannot hear. I am extremely lucky that I have such a supportive network around me but most importantly I know I Online subscription is FREE! am not alone. Just subscribe using your email address and the Read more from the Deaf One password online at www.thedeafone.co.uk www.hearingtimes.co.uk www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 Community 13 Look at Me – It’s Deaf Awareness Week! Deaf Awareness Week: a history

Communication is at the heart of the theme for this year’s Deaf Awareness www.remark.uk.com REMARK! by Photography The first Deaf Awareness Week Week, which runs from 28 June to 4 July under the banner Look at Me was held in America in 1951, and has continued to educate people about Juliet England the many issues and difficulties that face deaf people in the world today. Deaf Awareness Week aims to to a reception at the House of Commons increase understanding of the many on 30 June to raise awareness of In the UK, Deaf Awareness Week different ways in which deaf, deafened, deafness and hearing loss. sees a wide range of national and deafblind and hard of hearing people NDCS national vice-president local events taking place across the communicate with each other and those Malcolm Bruce MP, the Liberal Democrat country to “promote the positive aspects of deafness, social inclusion who can hear, from sign language to member for Gordon, who chairs the All and raising awareness of the lipreading. Party Parliamentary Group on deafness huge range of local and national Dozens of deaf charities and other and has a deaf grown-up daughter, is organisations that support deaf groups across Britain are coming the keynote speaker. LOOLOOKK AT AT ME ME people and their family and friends.” together for this year’s event, which is Since I’ve retired my social life has really taken o . My hearing Special events in the past have being co-ordinated by the UK Council on The campaign will promote aid helps me to get the most from time spent with family and included shows at theatres like The Deafness (UKCoD), the umbrella body positive aspects of deafness, friends. I enjoy seeing the smiles on my National Theatre with speech to text for all voluntary organisations working social inclusion and raise grandchildren’s faces and eye to eye contact ensures I keep up with transcriptions, tours of museums for the deaf. awareness of the range of local all their chatter. This applies to others too – so remember when you for the hard of hearing, workshops As usual, the week will involve a and national organisations andImeet – look at me. to assist with doorbell, phones and series of national and local events. who support deaf people smoke alarms, meet a hearing- As part of the campaign, the National dog sessions, sign language taster Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and A spokesperson for NDCS said, “This 28th June - 4th July classes and a chance for deaf people event will give MPs, especially new ones, 2010 RNID are joining UKCoD in inviting MPs Deaf Awareness Week is co-ordinated by the UK Council on Deafness. Registered Charity No. 1038448 www.LOOK-AT-ME.org.uk and hard of hearing to meet with a fantastic opportunity to find out what EQUALITY • ACCESS•RIGHTS specialists for advice. © REMARK! www.remark.uk.com htgah yRMR!www.remark.uk.com REMARK! by Photography action must be taken to improve the lives of deaf people and those with hearing loss.” This year, over one hundred RNID said, “We hope to help new The national charity also aims deaf charities are uniting beneath MPs to understand the importance of to highlight the often unnecessary the umbrella organisation The UK Council on Deafness. putting deafness and hearing loss at communication barriers facing people the top of their agendas. We will ask who are deaf or hard of hearing in The theme aims to highlight the them to make themselves accessible shops, services and workplaces during different types of deafness and to deaf or hard of hearing constituents awareness week, with a special focus explain the many different methods of by using meeting venues with working on the lack of working induction loops. communication used by deaf people. induction loops and holding face-to- It plans to hold local events across the face conversations in well-lit places.” UK throughout the week. The word deaf is used to describe RNID Scotland is to host a At the same time, the charity is a whole range of conditions relating parliamentary reception in Holyrood, urging businesses to sign up for deaf to deafness: according to figures t from the World Health Organisation, LOOKLOOK AT AT ME ME where public health minister Shona awareness training, and apply for there are currently 278 million deaf Robison MSP and the opposition RNID’s Louder than Words charter, people across the world, 80 per spokesperson on skills, John Parks MSP, awarded to organisations meeting best Running around, playing cent of which live in developing games and sharing jokes with my friends. The will speak. Access to health services and practice in their communications. countries; of these, 25% became deaf. My friends know it’s important for me to lipreading classes will top the agenda. UKCoD said, “We’re really pleased deaf as children. see what they are saying too – and so should you. So remember – RNID Cymru is planning an event to to be bringing together the all-inclusive look at me . highlight its research into the barriers Deaf Awareness Week campaign, Other types of deafness include facing deaf and hard of hearing people promoting positive aspects of deafness, people who have become deafened when accessing public services. At social inclusion and raising awareness later in life, deafblind people, the hard of hearing and people affected 28th June - 4th July the same time, it will also launch a of the huge range of local and national 2010 by tinnitus, all of whom use different Deaf Awareness Week is co-ordinated by the UK Council on Deaf ness. Registered Charity No. 1038448 www.LOOK-AT-ME.org.uk campaign to improve access to the arts organisations which support deaf people forms of communication. EQUALITY • ACCESS • RIGHTS and entertainment venues. and their family and friends.” © REMARK! www.remark.uk.com

Explore the Lake District from peaks to fells The good weather has finally arrived and now is the perfect time to plan your a trip to one of the most beautiful and scenically breathtaking parts of the UK, the Lake District

P H Leadbeater From its majestic peaks, to hidden Enjoy awe-inspiring views, from the fells, and from quaint villages nestled craggy Langdale Pikes to the west, to against brooding crags, to serene lakes; the mighty Helvellyn range in the north. this popular part of our country has The village of Grasmere, regarded by it all. For the serious fell walker there many as the heart of the Lake District, numerous trails, an ascent of Helvellyn features many interesting shops, and from Grasmere, or a day climbing pubs. A weary walker can visit the Scafell, England’s highest peak, to tranquillity of William Wordsworth’s name two. grave or take afternoon tea at the cafe on the bridge, which hosts huge selection A weary walker can visit the of homemade mouth-watering cakes. tranquillity of William Wordsworth’s There are many guest houses and grave or take afternoon tea lodges to suit all tastes and pockets in at the cafe on the bridge the area. If you prefer to self cater, then Springbank Farm Lodges at St Bees has For the less ambitious, there are many self catering chalets that sleep four equally rewarding routes; Ambleside to or five, and are part of the National Grasmere is a beautiful half day hike Accessible Scheme, run by Visit Britain. suitable for all walkers. An excellent If this has whetted your appetite, the way to see the sites is to park at the Lake District National Park Authority is southern end of Lake Windermere in holding its annual Ullswater Outdoor Bowness and take the boat which Festival 2010, over nine days from the cruises its way up and down the lake 25 September. at regular intervals throughout the day. All of the walks are guided and The cruise takes about 35 minutes free, for more information visit and docks close to the town centre. www.ullswater.com. 14 Puzzles HT www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010 H�l�n Sudoku HT : J�n� WordsearchHT Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each RNNBT����NDF�D�����DH�l�n 3-by-3 block contain all of the HT : J�n� digits 1 through 9 THP�R�R���R��D��T��� NN�� T � T�P���T���RD�� Medium �H������TL����RNT�N�RNNBT����NDF�D�����D �NH���THP�R�R���R��D��T��� �VT�D����DLNR� 2 7 9 6 NN�� T � T�P���T���RD�� PT����H����RN����T�R�H������TL����RNT�N� V���L�T�NB��T� �BLNFR 7 3 2 5 1 �NH��� �VT�D����DLNR� �HN�L���N�RL�DTL���NPT����H����RN����T�R �N�T�LLTV���L�T�NB��T� �����R��NVD� �BLNFR 6 8 �T������TR��N��D�H���HN�L���N�RL�DTL���N 9 1 4 �N�T�LLT �����R��NVD� LFLNHRTN����N�RLP��N�T������TR��N��D�H�� 1 7 3 ��RLN��B�PHFV���L�RN 5 7 4 6 LFLNHRTN����N�RLP��N D��FN�N����RLN��B�PHFV���L�RN T���N������ 4 9 5 RTNF���D��FN�N�� ���L��R�R��RT T���N������ RTNF��� ���L��R�R��RT

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A miscellany of theatre, film, charity and fundraising events to keep readers informed of happenings in deaf Events Guide and hard of hearing communities STAGETEXT provides captioning for theatres and other arts venues to provide access to live performances for If you go to an event why not write Theatre deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people Community and tell us about it? We might put it in June June the next issue of the newspaper! Monday 7 Saturday 19 8:00 PM The Crucible 2:30 PM Canary BSL tours of the Royal Courts of NDCS Activity Weekend Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge Justice, London 25-27 June Centre Parcs, Nottinghamshire London 10 June 11:00-13:00 This weekend is specifically for deaf 7:30 PM Dinnerladies children and young deaf people Tuesday 8 Theatre Royal, Plymouth Take a tour of the building and who also have complex needs, 7:30 PM Canary discover more about the art, Wednesday 23 architecture, history and the working whether it be additional physical or Hampstead Theatre, London 2:15 PM The White Guard of the courts. learning disabilities. Centre Parcs National Theatre, London 7:30 PM King David - Man of Blood For more information and to check offers activities including: archery; Mercury Theatre, Colchester Saturday 26 availability, contact the tour guide, via swimming; ten pin bowling; nature Wednesday 9 7:30 PM The Ragged Trousered email at [email protected] trails and lots more! 7:30 PM The Hobbit Philanthropists During the evenings there will be time Liverpool Everyman, Liverpool Liverpool Empire, Liverpool Codpuk Family Day Out in Butlins! to relax and socialise. 7:45 PM Blood Brothers July Sunday 13 June 10am til 8pm Throughout the weekend your child Phoenix Theatre, London Thursday 1 Codpuk (Children of Deaf Parents UK) will be supported by a team of NDCS volunteers who will assist with Thursday 10 7:30 PM The Late Middle Classes are holding an exciting day at Butlins, 7:30 PM Whistle Down the Wind Donmar Warehouse, London Bognor Regis, for the family where communication support and personal care needs. Theatre Royal, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne 7:30 PM Calendar Girls there are activities suitable for all Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham ages children. Reduced fees are being For more information visit www.ndcs. Saturday 12 org.uk or call freephone 0808 800 8880 2:30 PM Spamalot offered to Codpuk members, if you Saturday 3 would like to become a member and The Royal Centre, Nottingham, 2:30 PM War Horse Nottingham New London Theatre, London register your interest in this event, visit www.codpuk.org.uk and click July Monday 14 2:30 PM Canary on ‘events’ and also ‘become a 7:30 PM Holding the Man Theatre Royal, Brighton Trafalgar Studios, London member’ as soon as possible. Preparing for Further Education Thursday 8 3 July £30.00 (per family, so Wednesday 16 7:30 PM Love the Sinner National Association of Deafened parents, you can come too!) 7:30 PM Dreamboats and Petticoats National Theatre, London The Ear Foundation, Nottingham NG7 2FB Playhouse Theatre, London People (NADP) 25th Anniversary 7:30 PM Dinnerladies Saturday 26 June This is a one day information event Thursday 17 Theatre Royal, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Ranelagh for young people and their families to 7:00 PM The Tempest Place, Liverpool, L3 5UL find out information about what sort Unicorn Theatre, Southwark Friday 9 of support they can get and how to 7:30 PM Hay Fever NADP annual conference and AGM 7:30 PM The Hobbit West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds in Liverpool. Speakers will cover arrange it, what uni life is like for a Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol themes such as the development deaf person, how to make friends and Saturday 10 Friday 18 of access to music, theatre and what its like coping with the work. 1:00 PM Morte D’Arthur A great chance to ask questions and 10:30 AM The Tempest RSC Courtyard Theatre, Stratford- telecommunications, and will end with Unicorn Theatre, Southwark upon-Avon a review of the part NADP has played meet other young people who have by one of our Trustees. already moved on to FE. For more information visit www.nadp.org.uk For more information visit www.earfoundation.org.uk New Seekers teach the world to sing Glastonbury Festival 2010 A magnificent marquee in SOLD OUT but if you’re going, pick up 3rd annual Deaf Parenting UK conference the beautiful grounds of you free copy of Hearing Times from 7 July The Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA. Beaconsfield Golf Club in Seer the Deaf Zone! `Are We Equal?’ in access to health, Green will play host to an It is the largest greenfield music and exclusive New Seekers concert in Social Services and education performing arts festival in the world The conference offers an excellent aid of SignHealth, the healthcare and a template for all the festivals that programme of speakers for Deaf parents/ charity for deaf people have come after it. professionals, as well as an exciting Glastonbury Festival offers more programme of family activities including The New Seekers shot to fame in 1971 opportunity than any other happening face-painting and a magic show. when they recorded the iconic song I’d to have the best weekend of the year Cost: Deaf parents/ families £5, Like to Teach the World to Sing inspired students £10, professionals/ service from a radio advert for Coca-Cola. The or even of a life-time, Gates open at 8am on Wednesday 23 providers £80 song was a world-wide success, selling Book before 25 June. June – Sunday 27 June seven million copies, and placing the Email [email protected] or SMS group at number one in 20 countries. For more information visit www. 07789 027186 (text only) or e-fax 0871 Sign2Sing is SignHealth’s glastonburyfestivals.co.uk 2643323 The concert on the afternoon of national campaign which aims Did you know - there are more than For more information and the booking Sunday 27 June 2010, is to launch to break the Guinness World 700 metres of urinals at the Festival? form visit www.deafparent.org.uk SignHealth’s national fundraising Record for the highest number campaign Sign2Sing and The New of people in different venues, Seekers will be performing many of simultaneously signing a song Bryony Parkes their popular hits from the 70’s as well and raising over £125,000 for Photo of the Month as some of their newer material. SignHealth. The attempt will take Are you enjoying the approach to summer yet? The sporadic wet weather does place on Friday 18th February bring out some garden delights such as this frog who does not look entirely The New Seekers manager Nic 2011 and the charity is aiming Culverwell says, “It is an honour for happy with having his photo taken! Taken with a Nikon D90 at 1.200 and f/2.0 to sign up at least 500 UK you cannot help but love the detail in these fantastic amphibians. The New Seekers to be associated with schools, clubs and organisations SignHealth and a delight for them to be to participate. A re-recording appearing at Beaconsfield Golf Club. It’s of The New Seekers’ Teach the a local gig for most of the group so spirits World to Sing will be merged will be high. A live show is always special with a BSL training video, and and the reason for them remaining dispatched to each participating together after all these years”. venue in September. On the day, participating schools or Tickets cost £25 and include a organisations will use a webcam luxury afternoon tea and are to broadcast their performance available from SignHealth on 01494 live onto a streaming website. 687600 or e-mail Georgia Romeril at [email protected].

Want to advertise your production on this page? Or online on our events page? Call us now to discuss the best marketing solution for you. tel 0845 2930688 email [email protected] 16 Sport www.hearingtimes.co.uk June 2010

This talented 15 year old from Herefordshire is aiming for glory, with Hearing Times interviews... national championship status in his sights, after having qualified for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships Sam Furnell Equestrian

Juliette Kemp Young equestrian, Sam Furnell is It wasn’t long before he was competing winning his way through to the nationals riding high in the world of dressage. in the dressage events where he has at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, in Dressage sees horse and rider perform maintained a steady winning streak. July. “I don’t get nervous. I think I will complex manoeuvres which, to the Sam, who will be riding RDA horse beat the seniors too,” he says. “It feels untrained eye, can look like dancing as the Gypsy, his mount for the last two years, good to win, I am very competitive.” rider communicates with the animal in a performs his routines from memory. The nerves are left to mum and dad series of subtle motions and shifts in weight. “They do call out the instructions but I and brother Owen, who are always Since he started competing in can’t hear very well,” he says. Instead, he cheering him on from the sidelines. dressage at junior levels in 2002, Sam, first learns the routine from his instructor. “We’re just really proud of him who has had severely limited hearing and always amazed because he is so since birth due to a genetic condition, “It’s been nice to find confident, he doesn’t seem nervous, we has achieved first or second place every something where hearing are!” says Hannah, Sam’s mum. year in RDA contests. isn’t an issue” “Riding has really brought on his In a room full of rosettes and trophies, confidence, he feels successful and he Sam, from Ross-on-Wye, explains how “She will show him where he’s does have an affinity with animals. he took up riding after being offered supposed to position the horse by “I don’t know if he picks up how to the opportunity through his primary walking it in front of him,” explains speak to them through body language school’s special needs provision. Hannah. “He struggles with the but they just seem to like him.” His natural ability was quickly commands when they’re new but he Sam simply wants to continue spotted, though remains a mystery to just learns the order and she shows him competing in dressage for as long as he his parents Simon and Hannah. “I don’t again and he does it through repetition can. “It’s been nice to find something know where Sam gets it from. It’s not and, magically, remembers it all.” where hearing isn’t an issue,” he said. in the family, we’re not horsey people,” An inherent ability and focussed “I just do it and am good at it.” admits Simon. determination sees Sam confidently Sam with RDA horse, Gypsy- horseriding has boosted Sam’s self confidence Bethany Brookes nets smashing family double Turning ash into cash at the London Marathon Surrey’s Bethany Brookes followed in her mother’s footsteps to win the Some people will go to any lengths to support the vital work of women’s singles title at the 2010 National Deaf Tennis Championships charities like Deafness Research UK; but America’s Sean Murphy is one man who refused to let the Icelandic ash cloud get in the Marshall Thomas and Nicola Higgs, Tennis Foundation way of taking part in this year’s London Marathon, and raising over £5,000 for Deafness Research UK The Gosling Tennis International High Performance Centre, Welwyn, also saw As news of the ash cloud broke, with Peter Willcox, a coach currently based the closure of all UK airports, the dreams in Surrey, clinched his ninth men’s of Sean, 45, from Denver, Colorado singles title. became clouded in uncertainty. Runner-up at the 2009 National However, Sean was not prepared Championships, Bethany won all of her to see an ash cloud, cancelled flights matches in a roundrobin competition, or astronomical expenses ruin his big dropping only one game to Maisy Gibbs day. He remained determined to reach as she went on to claim the crown that London in time for the marathon and her mother won four times between see it through, no matter what – in aid 1984 and 1988. of Deafness Research UK. She added to her success in the mixed “When I decided that I was interested doubles, partnering Taipei Deaflympian in running a marathon, I knew I wanted Jamie King to a 6-1, 6-3 victory in the to run in a major one,” explained Sean. final against Gibbs and Bedfordshire’s London is one of my favourite cities Max Thorne. and I really liked the idea of running Bethany was also named ‘Most for charity, though I never anticipated Improved Player’ at the British Deaf having such a problem getting there.” Tennis Association AGM during the When Sean’s direct flight from Denver to weekend, marking a great year for the London was cancelled on the Tuesday and As UK airports opened on the sixteen-year-old, who now looks forward the airport closures dragged on, it was Thursday, Sean’s family and friends to again trying to emulate her mother difficult for Sean to see a way forward. including brother Matt and wife Jocelyn © Roy Smiljanic Photography by becoming a future Deaflympian. After hours of desperate phone calls flew in to see him cross the finish line at Bethany was recently named ‘most “I’m feeling really good at the improved player’ by British Deaf tennis with officials, family and friends, Sean Buckingham Palace. moment, I’m really happy with how the decided literally to go for broke in an Sean chose to run for Deafness weekend has gone for me, and hoping lost his focus after a controversial net attempt to reach London no matter what Research UK as his mother-in-law it’s the first title of many more to come,” call in the first set tie-break of his semi- the cost and by any means possible. He supports the charity, “Kathryn is a big said Bethany, who recently sat her final against 1997 and 1998 champion headed for Chicago airport, where he fan of Deafness Research UK and the GCSEs and currently trains four times a Daniel Tunstall and Tunstall went on to persuaded United Airlines (after paying work they do,” explained Sean. “I am week, with matches at the weekend and earn a 7-6(3), 6-0 victory. them a small fortune) to put him on the hard of hearing myself and since the tournaments every school holiday. Meanwhile, top seed Willcox beat first available flight to Paris. condition runs in my family, it seemed Hampshire fourth seed King 6-1, 7-5 in The ash cloud meant severe disruption the perfect fit.” Bethany went on to claim the other semi-final as sliced through the to all travel to the UK, including boats Vivienne Michael, CEO for Deafness the crown that her mother top half of the draw and into the final. and trains, so reaching Paris only solved Research UK, said, “Everyone at won four times between In the final, Tunstall, the brother of half the problem. While Sean was en Deafness Research UK would like 1984 and 1988 award-winning singer-songwriter KT route from Chicago, family and friends to congratulate Sean and thank all Tunstall, served for the opening set had to swing into action to find some those who raised money for us in the Mother and daughter then went at 5-4 up, but Willcox broke back and means of enabling Sean to complete London Marathon. Sean has shown such head-to-head in the women’s doubles, went on to force a tie-break. In a series the final leg of the journey from Paris determination and courage just to get to with Fiona Brookes winning her sixth of tense exchanges the advantage to London. After hours in queues at St London and his family and friends are National women’s doubles title. She changed several times before Willcox Pancras and days on the internet, Team right to be very proud of him indeed. partnered Gibbs to a 6-0, 6-2 victory closed out at the tie-break 9-7 and he Sean snared a Eurostar ticket and an end Without Sean and people like him, over Bethany and Sophie Paul. then stepped up a gear in the second set, to his incredible journey was in sight. our vital work could not continue and All four seeds progressed comfortably powering to his ninth Championships Having made it to the start line, Sean the hope of finding new treatments to the men’s singles semi-finals, but title after a 7-6(7), 6-0 victory. ultimately completed the marathon in and cures for deafness would diminish three-time champion Sidney Falconer a five hours and four minutes, raising considerably. We all hope Sean had an “I’m really happy with how £5,750 for Deafness Research UK. easier time getting home!” the weekend has gone for me, and hoping it’s the first titles of many more to Tears, tenacity and triumph for teacher come,” said Bethany Karen Bumby, a science teacher at King Edward VI Community College in Totnes, Top seeds Willcox and Falconer faced Devon completed the Virgin London second seeds Tunstall and King in the Marathon in a highly respectable 4 hours final of the men’s doubles. With all 45 minutes and 39 seconds, raising four having reached the men’s singles £2,000 for Deafness Research UK. semi-finals, this promised to be an Both staff and pupils helped fundraise entertaining encounter and so it proved, through cake stalls, car washes and a ‘ladies night’. with defending champions Willcox and Falconer earning a 6-3, 6-2 victory and For more information about raising money to support

© Roy Smiljanic Photography retaining their title. After a series of tense exchanges, top seed Deafness Research visit Willcox won his ninth championship title www.tennisfoundation.org.uk www.deafnessresearch.org.uk