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HearingSpring 2015 Timeswww.hearingtimes.co.uk Deaf children slip further behind as latest figures show drop in GCSE pass rates Only 36.3% of deaf children in England have left secondary school having hit national GCSE benchmarks, according to the Department of Education (DfE) figures released recently. This compares with 65.3% of their hearing classmates, highlighting a disturbing widening gap

Alongside these results, a recent report has never received the help she needs to do issued by the National Deaf Children’s well and was turned down by the local authority Society (NDCS) on behalf of the Consortium when she applied for specialist support. for Research in Deaf Education (CRIDE), shows that England’s local authorities have “Jodie has never received any kind formal reported a continued drop in the numbers of support with her education. Time and again qualified Teachers of the Deaf. I’ve raised concerns and begged for help, knowing how badly she was struggling and The NDCS report indicates the lowest failing to keep up with her classmates and ever number of qualified Teachers of the that when crunch time came she’d be falling Deaf, which has dropped from 1,031 to 999 off the edge of a cliff. and shows the damaging erosion of vital specialist support which allows deaf children “Now that she is going to be faced with to thrive. sitting her GCSE’s and is already bogged down with catch-up and revision, I’m not very The report suggests the situation hopeful about the grades she will get. If Jodie Bruce and Ben Fogle go walkies for is only going to get worse for had received the extra help that I was fighting England’s deaf children, with over for, who knows what she could have achieved Hearing Dogs for Deaf People half of all Teachers of the Deaf due and where life could have taken her.” Father and son duo Bruce and Ben Fogle are encouraging the public to join to retire in the next 10-15yrs the first ever Great British Dog Walk in aid of national charity Hearing Dogs This is particularly concerning given that Commenting on the recently released for Deaf People the numbers of deaf children in England figures, Susan Daniels, CEO, at the National Bruce Fogle MBE co-founded Hearing Great British Dog Walk is a great chance identified by local authorities has risen to Deaf Children’s Society said, “Deafness is not Dogs for Deaf People over 30 years ago, with to explore the British countryside and over 40,600 this year, up 7% from 2013. The a learning disability so having a widening gap the aim to train dogs to assist severely and spectacular National Trust properties with all findings also suggest that the situation is in GCSE attainment is simply unacceptable. profoundly deaf people. TV presenter and the family. The charity is a cause that is very only going to get worse for England’s deaf The dwindling support from local authorities writer Ben Fogle, is a celebrity ambassador close to my heart, and every penny raised children, with over half of all Teachers of the for qualified deaf teachers is resulting in for the charity. will help to train more puppies to transform Deaf due to retire in the next 10-15yrs. deaf children being set up to fail and lagging the lives of deaf people.” behind throughout their education. Both Ben and Bruce Fogle recently visited Elayne Nunan’s 16 yr old daughter, Jodie National Trust’s Osterley Park in West The Great British Dog Walk will take place suffers from moderate hearing loss in both “It’s crucial that the Government takes action London with their own dogs, Storm, a 4 at ten different National Trust and National ears and is preparing to sit her GCSE exams to clarify how local authorities will be properly month old black Labrador, Bean a 7 year old Trust for Scotland locations across the UK. in June. Elayne is adamant that her daughter held to account for failing deaf children.” Golden Retriever, and Plum an 8 month old Golden Retriever to launch the Great British Bruce Fogle said, “Deafness can be a very Dog Walk. isolating and lonely disability, but a hearing Car dealer first to offer online customer service in BSL dog makes a life-changing difference. Each Arnold Clark has partnered with SignVideo to enable them to communicate The duo also met some of the Charity’s dog will learn to recognise important sounds with members of the Deaf community using SignVideo BSL Live hearing dogs - Bruce, Nia and Tuesday. like the doorbell, alarm clock, and fire alarm, The dogs gave a demonstration to show the and will give their deaf owner a nudge or a BSL Live is a secure and easy-to-use independent motor dealer. Being such a large amazing work they do to help deaf people. paw to notify them of a sound. British Sign Language (BSL) online video company, Corporate Social Responsibility interpreting service. By simply clicking on a (CSR) is extremely important to them. Ben Fogle said, “I am delighted to be “Not only do these intelligent dogs BSL Live icon on the Arnold Clark website, launching the Great British Dog Walk with my help deaf people feel safe, but they also Deaf BSL users will connect to a professional Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark Managing father Bruce, and it is always a joy to watch provide a greater sense of confidence and BSL interpreter within minutes and have Director said, “Arnold Clark is delighted these clever little dogs in action. As a family, independence in everyday life. By joining the their call relayed to Arnold Clark customer to be the first motor dealer to increase the we are huge animal lovers and we’ve just Great British Dog Walk, you will be raising services. accessibility for Deaf or Hard of Hearing welcomed a new puppy called Storm into the funds to help more deaf people receive the people who use British Sign Language, who Fogle household. life-changing gift of a hearing dog. ” With over 8000 staff across 200 branches up until now have been unable to interact nationwide and a turnover of £2 billion, with the business via this channel.” “Over the years I must have walked For more information Arnold Clark is proud to be Europe’s largest Continued on page 3 thousands of miles with my dogs, and the visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org

If you no longer wish to recieve the newspaper, please return it to Hearing Times C.I.C. | The Lansbury Estate | 102 Lower Guildford Road | Woking | Surrey | GU21 2EP 2 News Hearing Times Spring 2015 New centre for charity designed for a multi-sensory experience A note from the Editor Glenn Howells Architects and national deafblind charity Sense have won planning permission for a pioneering new £14m centre called TouchBase for disabled people and the wider community in Birmingham

As a community interest The purpose-built facility for Sense – an TouchBase also aims to promote social company Hearing Times relies organisation that supports and campaigns inclusion through a substantial volunteering on advertising to fund it’s for children and adults who are deafblind programme, develop integrated services running costs. This includes our or have sensory impairments – has been for people with disabilities and the wider staff, freelancers, printing and designed specifically to cater for those the community and encourage further research postage costs and our office. charity supports. opportunities. Alongside the neighbouring life sciences campus, this centre will contribute Widened corridors can be navigated to the regeneration of the area. We would like to thank through differing floor surfaces and ‘sensory’ everyone who has supported gardens contribute to a complex experienced Architects worked closely with the centre is arranged around a series of outdoor us since we first launched in in revolutionary new ways. Glenn Howells deafblind collaborators to create gardens that serve as public, semi-private and 2008 and a special thanks to Architects worked closely with deafblind the perfect building private spaces those who continue to advertise collaborators (TouchBase Champions) to make sure the building makes the maximum jobs, events, products and create the perfect building for the end users, The project has already received £2.1m positive impact to this part of Birmingham but more! producing 3D physical models to convey the from the Government’s Regional Growth also improves the quality of life for the people proposed layout inside and key features of Fund - a scheme to create sustainable who use it through the careful consideration the site. employment across England. of the parts of the building that help assist in We are offering 30% off our overcoming disabilities.” rate card advertising costs if Designed as four interlinked ‘suites’, the Sense Chief Executive Gill Morbey said, you quote HTSPRING2015 centre is arranged around a series of outdoor “We are delighted that planning permission Lord Digby Jones, Baron Jones of when booking an online advert gardens that serve as public, semi-private has been granted for TouchBase. The centre Birmingham said, “I'm delighted to support for April. and private spaces – these areas have will provide integrated services for people Sense with their ambitious new centre in Selly been created in partnership with Coe Design with disabilities and the wider community and Oak. It's wonderful to see a major charity For daily news from deaf and Landscape Architecture. in time we hope it will become an exemplar investing in Birmingham and I'm delighted model of care. We are also bringing that in addition to that, Sense is embracing hard of hearing communities The sensory gardens will reconnect the considerable investment and substantial a social enterprise model to respond to the visit www.hearingtimes.co.uk. users to the landscape through smell, touch social and economic value, supporting the challenges of supporting some of the most and light, while also shielding the sensitive area’s regeneration and creating 130 jobs.” vulnerable people in our society.” ground-floor spaces from the noise and If you have any news to tell us, activity of the nearby Bristol Road. Architect Glenn Howells said, “This is an TouchBase will offer a range of fully then please get in touch: we’d important project in that it has the opportunity, accessible facilities for people with love to tell everybody we know. A cafe and community space occupy a through the amazing work of Sense, to disabilities, businesses, other charities and prominent position at the northern tip of the transform people's lives and integrate the wider community. building, spilling out onto a newly created people with sensory disabilities with the local Send us a quick email to public plaza overlooking the canal. community. It will include direct Sense service [email protected] provision, day care services, arts and well- Construction of the building will commence “Throughout the design process we have being activities, a family and children’s area, in late 2015 with an opening in 2017. been working closely with the Sense team to conference facilities and a public café. Helen Dewey Editor BSHAA gets new Chief Executive Actions speak Professor David Welbourn has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for louder than words the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) and will replace Alan Contributors: Deafinitely Girly, Dan Torbet who retires at the beginning of May on Valentine’s Day Sing, Denise Muno, Violet Oliver, Guy David is a visiting professor at Cass the essential ingredients on which future Peppiatt, Alfie Loki, James Richards, There are many ways to say “I love Business School, at London University and success will be built. you” - but deaf people showed that Matt Chesnay, David Trendall, Chris is founder and Managing Director of Eutropia actions speak louder than words on Peacock, Sophia Gold, Murray Renton, Ltd, a change management consultancy. “Nowhere is this more important than Valentine’s Day Kirsty Dalgairns, Stephanie Meli, Natalie in raising the profile of professionals, and More than 30 volunteers and service users Dibsdale, Faye McGinn, Helen Drever, A specialist in governance, leadership and strengthening the part they play in both of Nottinghamshire Deaf Society taught Tessa Dawson, Emel Augustin information, he has previously worked in leadership and effective governance. couples in Old Market Square how to use the health sector for 12 years including the sign language to show their love for each Hearing Times is protected by copyright. role of Executive Director of Performance “In recent times we have seen the other on Saturday. To reproduce articles featured in this month’s issue, email your request to and Chief Information Officer for a strategic pendulum of regulation swing to an extreme Advertisement [email protected] health authority. focus on process compliance. Some of the critical value of professionalism has been The demonstration was part of a campaign He was also commissioned by NHS eroded as a result. to raise £125,000 and awareness of the Hearing Times is an independent England to produce a good practice guide charity to mark its 125th anniversary. newspaper, published four times per year. and by the Department of Health to develop “This is happening right across the The newspaper is distributed throughout the United Kingdom to charities, ENT evidence based guidance on best practice regulated industries with sometimes Chief executive Irene Andrews said, “On and hearing therapy clinics, audiologists, leadership of innovation. disastrous consequences to both service Valentine’s Day it has more impact to use hearing aid dispensers, care homes quality and public confidence. sign language - it’s more romantic because and schools and individual subscribers , In a message to members, David said actions speak louder than words. reaching a readership of over 23,000. he's delighted about the appointment. “My “I look forward to the opportunity to work The contents of Hearing Times are copyrighted and no part may be portfolio of interests focuses firmly on the with the council and the wider membership More than 30 volunteers and service users reproduced in part or whole without prior link between excellence in leadership and to continue to make the case for a strong and of Nottinghamshire Deaf Society taught consent from the newspaper. governance.” respected profession" couples in Old Market Square how to use The opinions expressed in articles, sign language to show their love for each columns and adverts are those of the “Against the increasingly difficult challenges To download David’s message and read other on Saturday. writer or advertiser and not necessarily of providing high quality healthcare these are his CV visit www.bshaa.com. those of Hearing Times C.I.C.. Continued on page 4 Hearing Times Spring 2015 News 3 Car dealer fined £7k for Brothers put the spark into national entrepreneurial scheme selling dangerous vehicle Two deaf brothers are taking part in the UK-wide Entrepreneurial Spark programme, launched in Birmingham this to deaf customer month in partnership with the NatWest Bank, as they develop their communication support website, Cseeker.co.uk Guy, 30, and Alex Orlov, 35, are among 80 A dealership owner who advertised small businesses and start-ups participating a dangerous vehicle as an ‘ideal first in the city’s first intake of the scheme. car’ and sold it to a deaf customer must now pay nearly £7,000 Guy has already taken part in a three- day intensive business bootcamp, and the Nawaz Mahmood, 33, owner of AM Motors siblings have moved to Birmingham from in Heald Green, Stockport, admitted seven their respective former homes in London and offences under the Road traffic Act at the Leeds to engage in the scheme. town's magistrates court. Birmingham is home to the first of eight He was fined £500 for each offence and new “business accelerator hubs” where told to pay £2,085 in costs as well as £1,018 entrepreneurs can access mentoring, compensation. workspace and 18 months’ worth of advice, support and funding clinics. Budding Mahmood, of Heald Green, committed entrepreneurs also get to network with each offences including selling a dangerous other, and equally Guy and Alex will have the vehicle and recklessly engaging in unfair chance to pitch to prospective investors and commercial practice. for “growth awards” of up to £50,000 cash injections. Magistrates ruled that he knew the car - a Citroen C2 - had not been through any The website allows deaf people to safety test. His crime was made worse by the directly book the right Language vulnerability of his victim, who had carried a note Service Professional (LSP) for their written by her family to ask if the car was safe. needs, based on searches focused Guy and Alex Orlov: Their company has hundreds of professionals and deaf service users registered on cost, distance and feedback to use its subscription plans and they look forward to taking the business to the next level The customer complained to Stockport All accelerator services are provided from lipspeakers and speech to text reporters winner, restaurateur and entrepreneur council’s trading standards as the car was free of charge and, unlike Dragon’s Den, to interpreters and note takers. Yasmina Siadatan. advertised as ‘an ideal first car’ and in ‘good entrepreneurs do not give up any equity. condition’. Cseeker.co.uk (the “c” being short Alex said, “The event was fantastic. We The launch of these hubs follows the for Communication) was set up in early spoke to many potential investors who were But an independent engineer confirmed success of Entrepreneurial Spark in Scotland, August last year and now has hundreds really interested to see our live site and it was unroadworthy after finding a total of where it was founded two and a half years of professionals and deaf service users growing LSP database. 17 faults, including dangerous tyres and ago. Now Birmingham is the first of eight registered to use its subscription plans. steering issues. cities across the UK where the programme, “It was already so exciting setting up which has its roots in similar models in the And Alex, who has a cochlear implant Cseeker.co.uk, and this superb opportunity Trading standards then took the matter to US, is being rolled out in partnership with and uses sign language and lipreading, just takes it to a whole new level. We’re court after investigating. NatWest. even used the service to book an interpreter thrilled to be living in Birmingham, and to be for himself and Guy for the launch event embarking on this wonderful scheme. We’re Coun Martin Candler, the town hall's Guy and Alex’s business is a website for Entrepreneurial Spark. (Guy is more confident it can open up so much for us.” executive member for communities, said: which allows deaf people to directly book the dependent on sign language.) “This is an excellent result and testament to right Language Service Professional (LSP) For further information about Cseeker the work of the trading standards staff that for their needs, based on searches focused Taking place in Birmingham in February, visit www.cseeker.co.uk. it was attended by potential investors, brought this matter before the courts. on cost, distance and feedback. For further information about city council representatives and NatWest Entrepreneurial Spark visit “Unroadworthy vehicles represent a great It takes out the “hit and miss” element directors. Also there was former Apprentice www.blog.entrepreneurial-spark.com danger to the travelling public, and we will of some web searches and eliminates the continue to take robust enforcement action need to check professional qualifications. All against any car dealers who fail to ensure that listings are for professionals with National the vehicles they supply have been properly Registers of Communication Professionals checked and are in a safe condition.” working with Deaf and Deafblind people Looking for a bigger pond? (NRCPD) registration, or the Association of To report the sale of a suspected Notetaking Professionals (ANP). unroadworthy vehicle contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 404 0506. Various kinds of professionals are listed, Visit www.hearingtimes.co.uk/jobs & training for daily updated job listings Continued from front page opportunity and to create and make inroads In 2014, SignVideo celebrated its 10th into this new and untapped customer market anniversary of delivering professional online segment. SignVideo is about enabling local sign language interpreting services nationally and national businesses to follow suit by and internationally. Being a deaf-founded, using the latest video technology to demolish deaf-owned and deaf-led organisation with barriers to full participation and inclusion for its home in the BSL community, SignVideo is deaf people." perfectly positioned as a bridge between BSL and English. Arnold Clark offers car sales, servicing, MOT & repairs, parts and accessories, tyres, Jeff McWhinney, SignVideo’s Founder and car rental and insurance, all of which can Chair said, “Arnold Clark are to be applauded now be discussed in sign language through for their vision and innovativeness, partnering the BSL Live link or booked online Monday to with SignVideo to open up telephone access Friday, 8am to 6pm. to its call centres for the UK’s deaf BSL- using community. They are the first in this Find the BSL Live link at arnoldclark. industry sector to recognise this business com/customer-services 4 News Hearing Times Spring 2015 Lottery gets behind charity’s efforts Ayrshire deaf support group face funding axe A leading sensory support group are on the lookout for new funding after to make Shropshire deaf friendly losing vital Scottish Government money A new scheme developed by hearing loss charity Signal to bring Ayrshire’s only local deaf support charity confidence to deaf and hard of hearing people throughout Shropshire, has had vital funding axed, leaving hundreds Telford and Wrekin has won funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching of people in limbo. Communities programme The scheme aims to reach hundreds of community activities, both building networks The Sensory Impaired Support Group people, both people with hearing loss and and raising awareness of deafness among relied on Scottish Government funds to run the people around them, over three years to the public. community projects. remove the barriers to inclusion in family and public life that lack of hearing can bring. It will The new funding will further enable Signal Denise McClung, project manager at SISG, particularly target people whose hearing loss is to deliver awareness and communication revealed that the cash was vital in helping hidden and encourage them to seek support. workshops for families, friends, carers people with both hearing and sight problems. Post Euan McCall/Ayrshire and other contacts of people with hearing The project’s government money comes Denise McClung, project manager at SISG, hopes the NHS will recognise the work of the charity James Cousins, Signal’s UK Operations loss, because communication is a two-way to an end in September, with no sign of a and provide financial support for its services Director, commented, “Hearing loss is process. renewal, meaning a tough year of fundraising something that affects nearly three quarters for Denise. MSP John Scott spoke out against the of people over the age of 70 and its effects The charity will deliver similar workshops cuts to sensory services that won’t just affect can be severe. Yet it is little talked about for local information, advice and long-term She said, “With that money we ran a lot of SISG, but another sensory support charity, and can be surrounded by stigma. People befriending organisations, building their sensory support groups. Our main job is the the Royal National Institute for the Blind. who struggle to hear often respond by capacity to cater for people with hearing same as the national charity – and we see withdrawing into themselves and avoiding impairments. up to 2000 people a year. We have to look He said, “I have concerns over the social situations. to bodies like the NHS or we’re going to lose long-term future for both the RNIB and “People who struggle to hear that funding, and we need that money.” SISG. This will mean that there will be an “This type of social isolation is one of often respond by withdrawing increased impact on services at both Ayr and the biggest problems facing the UK today into themselves and avoiding Denise has worked alongside the NHS for Crosshouse hospitals when volunteers are and in particular Shropshire with its ageing social situations” 15 years, but called on them to provide more willing and happy to do the work.” population. Isolation can shorten life James added, “Helping people to address support for the charity. expectancy and reduce the quality of life.” their hearing loss at an early stage through “It now appears that the services of awareness raising will reduce long-term She said, “We have a service agreement volunteers in the third sector are being Signal will recruit volunteers who pressure on the NHS, as well as helping with the NHS but the strangest thing about it replaced at a measurable cost to NHS themselves have experience of hearing loss other people to understand what it is like to be is we must be the only charity with a service Ayrshire and Arran.” to provide a befriending service to people deaf. Providing information about technology agreement with no money attached. It’s not who are hard of hearing, especially older and local services will improve the quality just about the money – it’s about the fact that For more information about Ayrshire people. The volunteers will help people of people’s lives locally and our befriending we’ve been doing work for 15 years without Sensory Impaired Support Group visit www.sisg.co.uk access information and services and build service will give people the chance to re- that financial recognition.” confidence and communication strategies. engage with society, gain confidence and Trained volunteers will also demonstrate independence and get out and about more. assistive devices, including devices to adapt Centre for disabled people opened in Barnet telephones and TVs to people’s needs. “Signal has developed this project in consultation with a number of local Sense, the national deafblind and sensory impairments charity opened TouchBase South East recently, a fully refurbished centre for people with Under the scheme, Signal will also expand organisations and groups and we are thankful disabilities in Barnet its outreach service, offering information, for everyone’s input. There is so much work communication support, social contact and to do and so many people to reach. This is TouchBase South East provides a high guidance with day-to-day difficulties to deaf why we are determined to make the most quality service for people with sensory people who use sign language. Signal’s of this funding and make a difference to the impairments, learning difficulties and outreach worker will also support deaf people lives of people with hearing loss by making profound and multiple disabilities. It also themselves to develop different social and Shropshire a deaf friendly county.” offers support to other groups with complex needs in the community. Continued from page 4 Formerly known as the Anne Wall Centre, The demonstration was part of a campaign Sign language tutor Robert Powell, who the day service first opened its doors in 1994 to raise £125,000 and awareness of the is deaf, used a puppet called Signing Olly to to support people who have both sight and charity to mark its 125th anniversary. teach children. The 67-year-old said, “It was hearing impairments. Gill Morbey, Sense CEO, David Longstaff Cllr, a perfect chance to tell people about what we Kris Murali Sense Finance Director Chief executive Irene Andrews said, “On do on Valentine’s Day. The building has been refurbished facilities to even more people with complex Valentine’s Day it has more impact to use extensively, so that it can provide a high needs. From our arts and music rooms to IT sign language - it’s more romantic because “It was nice to be able to go up to couples quality environment that is fully accessible and cooking there is something for everyone actions speak louder than words. and help them learn new skills by showing throughout and facilitate a wide range of at the centre to enjoy.” them how to say ‘I love you’ in sign language.” social and learning activities. “We stopped couples and children, who we The day centre comes equipped with taught to say ‘I love you’ to their mum and The society provides social activities TouchBase South East offers specialist an adapted kitchen for cooking lessons, a dad. for deaf people, training courses and an support for people with disabilities to hydrotherapy pool for relaxation and a multi- interpretation service. enjoy meaningful activities that promote sensory room. “You’d be amazed at how many people the development of life skills and creative we met actually knew some sign language. Beeston resident Tim Going, 69, and his expression. A music suite for creating and recording A lot of people know a little bit because it’s wife Helen, 67, are both deaf and said they music, IT rooms, as well as a well-equipped so intuitive and much of it is using facial couldn’t cope without the service. Sense’s CEO, Gillian Morbey, said, “We art room and a café area open to the public expressions.” are delighted to be opening TouchBase South will be operating in the facilities. Mr Going, a retired gardener, said, “Without East, a centre for disabled people that aims Members of the public also learned how it there would be nothing for us - it would be to become a hub of creativity and support for There is also an allotment for growing to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” - by clapping boring. We’d be in a hearing world but unable the local community. organic vegetables and fruit, which are then their hands, creating a heart shape and to communicate, whereas the deaf society used in the cooking sessions. making a sunrise motion. helps us.” “This new centre means that we can offer our specialist support and accessible Visit www.sense.org.uk Hearing Times Spring 2015 Advertising 5 6 International news Hearing Times Spring 2015 Friends’ pact to translate Jordan initiative helps deaf children hear Bible into South African Jordan has launched a new initiative called “Hearing Without Borders”, a programme that aims to help deaf children hear sign language and learn how to speak

The Bible is to be translated into sign The initiative, launched by Crown Prince ceremony. “I met parents who were waiting language to make the text accessible Hussein bin Abdullah II, includes implanting for the day when their child could hear their to the deaf – the first time such an cochlear devices into the ears of qualified love and prayers for him, and they could hear attempt has been made in South Africa candidates free of charge; establishing his words spoken to them. A child deprived It is being done by Hands With Words, a rehabilitation centres across the kingdom for of hearing the world, is a child the world is Cape Town religious organisation that works children who undergo the implant procedure; deprived of hearing.” with deaf people. and training speech rehabilitation specialists and parents on how to help their children The initiative seeks to help alleviate the Hands With Words executive Lisa Craye speak, according to a statement issued at the financial and psychological burdens on the Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II was a sign language teacher before she conclusion of the launch ceremony. families of deaf children who need cochlear at the launch of ‘Hearing without Borders’ founded the project with friend Agnes implants, said the initiative’s director Sakher Kunene. “In one of my missionary trips to The initiative also seeks to raise awareness al-Fayez. “The cochlear implant process is very Namibia, I discovered a school for the blind of the causes of hearing disabilities, such as expensive, and the treatment and post- and deaf and I came back and told Agnes meningitis. Cochlear implantation and subsequent procedure follow-up is even more so,” he said. about it. The following year, she and her rehabilitation costs around 16,000 dinars husband Richard (both are deaf) joined me In addition, it intends to survey the ($22,560), and annual education costs for “The most important aspect of the initiative on the trip,” she said. population to identify and diagnose all a deaf child amount to approximately 6,000 is that it will conduct post-procedure follow- cases of deafness and ways to treat these, dinars ($8,460), he said. Al-Fayez added ups free of charge, and this is necessary for Craye had just enrolled at a local Bible in collaboration with hospitals across the that the cochlear implant procedure enables the patient to regain his ability to hear, as well college and wanted to do something for deaf kingdom; to determine the number of a person to fully communicate and interact as speak.” South Africans, so the three made a pact to children qualified to benefit from the initiative; with his community, and thus increases do something big when they returned home. and to build a database to store the results of individual productivity. Mohammed al-Azzam, a father whose A conversation with a Malaysian woman in hearing tests conducted on new-borns. daughter was born deaf said he sought help 2010 inspired them to translate the English Approximately 172,000 children are born for a long time. Through a royal grant, he Bible into South African sign language. The Jordanian Royal Medical Services in Jordan every year, and two children out continued, his daughter was able to undergo is implementing the initiative in partnership of every 1,000 births are born deaf. There a cochlear implant procedure. “Deaf people, who don’t know how to read with the Ministry of Health and King Abdullah are around 19,000 deaf citizens, most of the printed Bible, have been unreached for a University Hospital. whom cannot fully communicate with their “This initiative will change the lives of long time, so we wanted to make it accessible community, despite learning sign language, many,” he added. “The procedure is very to them as well in the language that they “Two years ago, I met children who were he said. expensive and only the affluent can afford to understand,” she said. deprived of their sense of hearing, and pay for it. the thought never left me of a small child Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Zuhair They started working on it in 2013 with the going to sleep and waking without hearing Alyan said he believed the initiative would “I think the initiative will help many poor Kunenes joining the team of translators. The his parents’ voices, songs or stories,” the greatly help to alleviate the pain patients and people and contribute to a better future for Bible will not be available soon, but they are crown prince said at the initiative’s launch their families suffer. these children and their parents.” finalising 32 evangelical tracts which they hope to distribute on September 23, which is World Deaf Day. First international sign language application created “In total we need to translate 110 texts, JustIn Sign app is an educational app that teaches the international sign language in an easy and funny way. Its mission but we are lucky that the Deaf Opportunity is to break communication barriers and connect the deaf community all over the world with a single language Outreach (in Kenya) has done the translation, so we are using their work as an example,” The app solves the problem that every (International Signs) gestures they can use world came together to fine tune content, said Craye. single country and even a region within a anywhere in the world. Gestures are taught with financial support backed by Cinnamon country uses different signs. That’s why throughout a series of levels and lessons, Group. “We need about R1 million a year, but we’ve we further developed an international sign after which the user may test his or her had some organisations and individuals language that is based on the “Gestuno” skills with a quiz. Quiz results can be shared JustInSign is available on the iOS platform making donations.” system. The JustInSign project was managed directly to Facebook, making JustInSign the and is available for free in the App Store. At under the supervision of people from the deaf connection between fun and education. this time, the app is optimized for iOS 8 on Craye said they were looking for a born- community and met with great enthusiasm the iPhone 4s through iPhone 6 and iPhone deaf translator, a deaf editor and a deaf and positive feedback. Sign language is a natural form of 6 Plus as well as Apple tablets from the consultant. communication for the hard of hearing which, iPad 2 on. In the future we hope to release The goal of this project is to reach out to the much like spoken language, has many JustInSign for smartphones and tablets on “We have hearing experts on the team, hard of hearing and their loved ones, essential languages and dialects. Sign language is not the Android platform as well. but it’s important that we get specialists in individuals in the sign language community. yet universal. Although some sign languages sign language to help with fluency of the Most people do not know that a Deaf person may use similar gestures, every national This unique project has the power to reach translated text,” said Craye. from the USA cannot communicate with a sign language has its own standard set of international results. We firmly believe that Deaf person from Asia without first learning gestures as well as variations by region and this modern approach to IS has the potential The Bible Society of South Africa is also an entirely new sign language. This could all school. to be the difference in communication beyond working on the English Bible for the Deaf change with JustInSign. borders, not only for the hard of hearing, but which will be translated from the biblical These regional and national sign languages for anyone wishing to communicate on a languages, including Greek and Hebrew. The project is directed towards those who are not a reliable tool for understanding professional level. already use sign language on a daily basis, during international events, thus an “We’ve done one in Afrikaans and it was as well as those wishing to learn for their International Sign language was created. But Thanks to the strong initiative of the Deaf received well. The English one will not be in own benefit in everyday situations and on a not everybody has access to the educational community and the financial support of our sign language but simple English language professional level. The app itself is structured material needed to learn IS. JustInSign investors, a promotional video cover and which some deaf people understand,” said to teach several basic words and phrases was made to solve exactly this dilemma, making-of video of Pharell’s hit song, Happy, the society’s Mims Turley. during the first level, using real life situations, connecting users on an international level at was released using IS. free of charge. conferences, festivals, and more. For more information e-mail Craye at For more information visit lisa@handswithwords .org.za or call 082 JustInSign is a one of a kind educational In order to create the app, select members www.justinsignapp.com 547 6329. tool, using video to teach users up to 3,000 IS of the deaf community from around the Hearing Times Spring 2015 Community 7 Reaching the peak of hearing loss friendly holidays Peak District holiday accommodation providers, Felicity and David Brown, the owners of Hoe Grange Holidays near Matlock in Derbyshire, have become the first to achieve the Sounds Good Charter Mark PlatinumAward for excellence in meeting the access needs of guests with hearing loss

This highest level of accreditation is offer a familiarisation tour, demonstrate any awarded for exceptional customer service specialist equipment and assist with the and accessibility. luggage. Booked your holiday yet? On their blog, Felicity said, “It is fantastic “The facilities in our luxurious log cabins to have been awarded the highest Platinum have been assessed by Hearing Loss At the risk of coming across like Award of the Sounds Good Charter Mark, Friendly against criteria which highlight what a hairdresser, we were wondering which shows guests that our facilities are is done for those guests with hearing loss. if you’d booked your summer truly hearing loss friendly and gives them holiday yet. confidence to book with us. “From simple steps such as good lighting, which makes lip reading easy, TVs with Jetting off to sunnier climes, “We support all the steps along the visitor subtitles, hearing dogs welcome free of Hoe Grange Holidays offers exceptional trekking off on an exotic family customer service and accessibility journey and aim to make booking a holiday charge, and access statements and fire adventure, or just camping or as easy as possible. We provide a wealth of evacuation plans with reference to provision “It was clear that there are offering glamping more locally? Whatever information on our website, online booking for guests with hearing loss, to more complex accessible accommodation of the highest you’ve decided, Deafax would like with the option to select specialist equipment, requirements including specialist equipment, standard. to know how easy or otherwise the such as a hearing loop and a flashing/ such as a portable hearing loop, and flashing/ holiday experience is for people vibrating fire alarm. vibrating fire alarm. “We could think of no further with different communication recommendations to enhance their offer to needs. “We provide a mobile number so people can “All these measures are designed to make guests with hearing loss and that's why we text us rather than talking on the phone, and our log cabins accessible for everyone so that presented them with our Platinum award.” Helping you choose: give easy to follow written directions making you can truly relax and enjoy yourselves.” In these days of online finding our log cabins in the Derbyshire hills information, do you still use the a breeze. Founder of Hearing Loss Friendly, Angie For more information about accessible services of a travel agent and Aspinall said, “We were greatly impressed with holidays for people with hearing loss, were they able to give you the visit www.hearinglossfriendly.com. “Our self-catering log cabins are set the information on the Hoe Grange Holiday information you needed in a way in peaceful rural farmland which is really website and, during the assessment process, Become a member today to receive which suited you? Perhaps you’re appreciated by those who need quiet space. Felicity showed an in-depth understanding of updates and special offers. more of a DIY booker, and rely on On arrival we personally welcome guests, the needs of guests with hearing loss. printed or digital information – how accessible was that? CODALAND: The quintessential Coda conference Travelling: From check-in and boarding, This conference is specifically aimed at hearing adults aged 18 and over with one or two Deaf parent/s. Parents through the in-flight or equivalent themselves may communicate orally or through sign language experience, to passport control Millie Brother, founded Coda in 1983 as Coda has moved from a small, grassroots Pre and Post Conference activities have and customs, there are so many a result of research she did as a graduate organization to a worldwide entity with strong been organised for Windsor Castle and a stages where communication is student at Gallaudet University. “I sent out familial bonds reaching overseas. Our cruise on the Thames. If wish to volunteer vital. What is the service like now the first Coda introductory newsletter and shared family experience has transcended your services, do let us know. and how could it be improved? coined the term “CODA – Children of Deaf global boundaries, languages and cross- Maybe you’ve a brilliant example Adults” referring to hearing offspring of Deaf cultural divides. “We are aware that individuals from far and to share. parent(s). wide, may struggle to attend without financial “Our mission is to raise funds for deserving assistance. Coda International has a financial When you’re there: “Research has shown that approximately Codas for continuing education. The annual aid scheme that individuals can apply. Regional signing may be in 90% of the children born to Deaf parents conferences, retreats and meetings allow decline (HT/Community and are hearing. I was one of them and set out for self-exploration of our bilingual-bicultural “This scheme also welcomes sponsors elsewhere) and there’s a lot to organize our widely dispersed group. My heritage.” who may wish to donate to assist those in around at the moment about life was full of constant movement between achieving a once in a lifetime opportunity to International Sign Language, but Deaf and hearing worlds. I felt comfortable The July 2015 Conference will be a further attend”. what issues do sign language in both but not fully immersed in either. opportunity for participants to discuss and users and other D/deaf and hard explore elements of what makes a CODA For more information visit of hearing travellers encounter at “The Coda world would become my third Quintessential as well as entertainment, www.coda-international.org home and abroad? www.codaukireland.co.uk banqueting and fun/relaxing activities. option where I felt balance between my Deaf www.codaland.co.uk and hearing cultural experiences. As part of a wider project on improving access to information, advice and services, Deafax is Ironing service smoothing the way for deaf employment working with the academics, visitor attractions and others to gauge DEAFinitely Creaseless was launched as a pilot in October last year and was set up with the backing of disabled charity the Shaw Trust and trustees from the Reading Deaf Centre who provided the business with their Cardiff Road office where the big gaps in service are. Have your say: take our short A sudden influx in customers has meant with other deaf people is so much fun. My survey (http://deafaxholidays. the business is seeking new recruits to ease confidence has grown and I am so excited for questionpro.com ) or send your the workload of its ironing technicians. the future of DEAFinitely Creasless.” examples, good and bad, to [email protected] and we’ll report DEAFinitely Creaseless coordinator Karen The business is currently being run by three on the findings in a future issue of Boswell, who has been deaf since birth and women who have acquired their disability in Hearing Times. unemployed for 12 years, said, “Before I different ways – one employee’s mother had started work I was really worried that I would German measles while pregnant and another never get a job because I also suffer from had an accident while young. Photo caption: LtoR: Sharon Agard, Karen Boswell, co-ordinator, Anne Vandenberg Fibromyalgia which restricts what I can do, and Marie Taylor, interpreter and business but my role here is really flexible and working Continued on page 9 development director 8 Arts & Culture Hearing Times Spring 2015 University to sponsor Deaffest Emerging disabled artists to be The University of Wolverhampton will be the main sponsor of Deaffest 2015, the UK’s leading Deaf-led film and arts festival, Organised by ZebraAccess showcased in new exhibition A new exhibition at Shape Gallery, the ‘pop-up’ space of disability-led arts Deaffest will take place in Wolverhampton Awards Gala with live entertainment, a stalls organisation Shape Arts, has launched showcasing a dynamic mix of from 14 to 17 May 2015 and is celebrating fair, arts and films seminars for all ages and emerging talent and established artists in the heart of Westfield Stratford City its10th anniversary this year. film screenings from across the globe. Exhibiting artists new to Shape include: The University is a long-standing supporter As part of the University sponsorship, there Michael Brown, who produces melancholy of the event, which will take place at the Light will be opportunities for student volunteers to portraits and ceramic figures exploring the House in the city. work as interpreters at the event. everyday lives of elderly people; Susan Kruse, whose weather paintings are a Deaffest is organised by Zebra Access, the The University has almost 60 deaf celebration of the science and beauty of charitable arm of specialist Sign Language and hearing impaired students, who are nature; and Michael Nash, whose casts of Interpreting services and Media company supported in their studies by an expert team manhole covers become everyday entrances Zebra Uno that is based at the University of of trained interpreters from the Student to an underground world. Wolverhampton Science Park. Enabling Centre. Other artists include: Shape Open 2014 Vice-Chancellor of the University, The University offers BA (Hons) degree alumni Amy Nettleton, who produces two Professor Geoff Layer, said, “Deaffest courses in Interpreting (British Sign and three-dimensional works exploring is a dynamic and vibrant festival, which Language/English) and Deaf Studies, and is fragility, and winner of the People’s Choice celebrates the talents and achievements of one of only three in the country to do this. Award, Jack Haslam, whose illustrations Foam Depressing, by Tony Fisher deaf filmmakers and artists from around the There are currently around 160 students on capture a lively sense of personality; Kathryn world. Our staff and students have supported the seven courses at Wolverhampton. Sawbridge exhibits dramatic masked Gallery opening hours: 10.00 – 18.00 Wednesday – Saturday and indeed contributed to the growing self-portraits printed onto silk; Vivi-Mari success of Deaffest for many years, so we The BA(Hons) Interpreting: British Carpelan and Dene Leigh both show mixed selections from Richard Butchins, Brendan are delighted to show our enthusiasm and Sign Language/English degree recently media collages; Georgina Fowler displays Wilson, Tony Fisher, and Mark Tamer’s support for this excellent event.” received the highest possible level of earthenware vessels shaped from moulds of Suffolk series ‘No Horizon’. accreditation from the National Registers of paper models; Linda Ponor creates striking Deafest was launched with Communication Professionals working with works from slashed canvases; painter John Shape Gallery a purpose to provide deaf Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD). It is Jennings employs bold colours; and Sarah 155 The Street filmmakers with an opportunity to the first BA route in the UK to achieve this Hill, who produces intricate illustrations. Westfield Stratford be recognised for their talents to endorsement. E20 1EJ show their work and be supported in achieving their aspirations. Photography is strongly represented by 0208 503 1465 Graduates from the Interpreting and Deaf Nikki Stratton and Marilyn Willrich, Studies courses go on to enjoy a range Directors from Zebra Access and Zebra of employment opportunities, including Remark! divisions form new venture: Uno, said, “It is indeed an absolute privilege working at the Foreign Office, teaching, to have the continuing support from the speech therapy and counselling and have an Flashing Lights Media University of Wolverhampton. employability rate of almost 100%. Remark! Media and Remark! Access today announces its new trading name and identity Flashing Lights Media Ltd. “The University has stood by us from The department also runs a unique day one and we cannot underestimate how annual seminar series for Sign Language The new venture was created following Sign Language. Our market leading Access sincerely grateful we are. Deaffest, the UK’s interpreting students and alumni of the a management buy-out of the Remark! service continues to work with clients to only Deaf-led Film and Arts Festival, has interpreting programme, the International division to form a streamlined and dedicated make content on any digital platform fully been a festival that has gone from strength to Research Interpreting Seminars (IRIS). media company. In operating terms, the two accessible for deaf, hard of hearing and strength and we are incredibly proud of what companies will be separate but acknowledge visually impaired audiences. we have been able to achieve. The support Zebra Access celebrated winning the a special relationship. from the University of Wolverhampton will Outstanding Organisation Achievement Camilla Arnold, Creative Director of ensure that our10th year anniversary will award at the 2014Signature Annual Awards. Headed-up by Mark Perry, Camilla Arnold Flashing Lights commented, “We are certainly be a festival to remember.” The charity scooped the award in recognition and Simeon Klein, Flashing Lights Media Ltd incredibly excited about this new chapter! its work to ensure that deaf people enjoy is a dedicated media company, offering two We have big ideas and we are starting to Deaffest, the Deaf Film and Television equal participation and access to further core services Media Production and Access, realise them. The Media team is already out Festival, was launched in 2006 by Zebra education and employment without any to create and make accessible content. shooting all over the UK and the Access team Uno, LightHouse and the University of communication barriers. are handling exciting projects with more in Wolverhampton. It was launched with a Flashing Lights Media Ltd. will continue the pipeline”. purpose to provide deaf filmmakers with an For more information about Deaffest, visit to create and deliver award winning and opportunity to be recognised for their talents www.deaffest.co.uk accessible TV programmes, documentaries, Mark Perry, Director of Flashing Lights to show their work and be supported in For more information about Deaf Studies current affairs and popular children’s added, “We are ambitious and want both achieving their aspirations. and Interpreting courses at the University programmes, such as CBeebies Magic Flashing Lights and Remark! to be hugely of Wolverhampton, visit www.wlv.ac.uk Hands - a pre-school series featuring successful and deliver outstanding quality. This year’s Deaffest will feature a Film poetry for children, translated into British We will continue to build on the legacy”. ODEON partners with the NNDCS to offer subtitled films for kids ODEON has announced a partnership with the NDCS which will see subtitled kid’s film screenings for children trialled at cinemas across the UK From early Februa ry 14 ODEON cinemas with their families and friends, as they are all particularly our younger guests, including “This partnership with ODEON is a positive around the country will host subtitled kid’s entertained by their favourite films on the big those who are hard of hearing.” step forwards for deaf children and young film screenings, so that young people who screen at their local ODEON. people who can now visit cinemas with their are hard of hearing will be able to enjoy some Susan Daniels, Chief Executive at the friends and family to see films at pocket of the best films including Alexander and the Andy Edge, Commercial Director at National Deaf Children’s Society, said, “We money prices. We’d like to thank all those Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. ODEON, said, “We’re excited to introduce believe that every deaf child has the right involved in making this happen.” these special screenings in association with to the same opportunities as their hearing Both ODEON and the National Deaf the National Deaf Children’s Society, as friends and this includes being able to enjoy For more information on locals and titles Children’s Society hope the trials will help we are committed to providing innovative films with subtitles. visit the NDCS website. unite more deaf children and young people and engaging experiences for everyone www.youngpeople.ndcsbuzz.org.uk Hearing Times Spring 2015 Arts & Culture 9 Secret Fatboy Slim set benefits the BTA Superstar DJ Fatboy Slim aka Norman Cook took to the decks in a secret set last night, helping to raise awareness of tinnitus and the work of the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) Norman – and a host of other world famous DJs, including Danny Howard, DJ Hype, Jaguar Skills and Erb N Dub – were Unlimited arts commissioning playing at the after party at Cargo, London to celebrate the launch of Jessica van der programme celebrates first year Weert’s FlipSide exhibition. Unlimited, the £3million programme delivered by Shape and Artsadmin, has BTA staff were on hand to offer information concluded its first year supporting outstanding work by disabled artists, about tinnitus and hearing protection, and a making an unprecedented impact on the cultural sector collection was taken from party goers. Renowned photographer Jessica van der Fatboy Slim DJing at the FlipSide after-party The work of nine artists was commissioned of the project is fantastic. It is large-enough Weert has spent the last two years shooting Jess. It’s for a very good cause, supporting and showcased throughout 2014, appearing scale (and with sufficient funding) to make some of the world’s biggest and most the British Tinnitus Association.” influential dance music producers and DJs, at many events across the UK and five considerable impact and get noticed. following their passions away from music – Explains Jessica van der Weert, “FlipSide overseas countries, reaching a total audience The brand feels cool and contemporary and and the resulting exhibition, called FlipSide, isn’t just about me having a great time with of over 14,000 through 309 performances. not preachy. The first round of commissions features 28 world famous superstar DJs and all my favourite DJs. It has a serious aim too. Unlimited also funded 17 artists through a and the festival at Southbank have felt really music makers, including Fatboy Slim, Carl Clubbers and DJs alike are more likely to be research and development phase and co- vibrant. Celebrating difference rather than Cox, Boy George, Judge Jules. affected by tinnitus. Through a worldwide exhibition, FlipSide aims to raise awareness commissioned an additional digital work with tip-toeing around it.” Each picture presents the DJ showing off of tinnitus.” The Space, the arts portal created jointly by “Unlimited continues to exceed their interests which range from racing classic Arts Council England and the BBC. cars, Brighton and Hove Albion football club, Helen Goldsby-West, Head of Fundraising expectations - proving not just Coronation Street to the film Platoon. and Development for the British Tinnitus the quality of art from disabled The works came together at Southbank Association said, “We’re thrilled to be a artists but the demand for this The exhibition was at the Hoxton Gallery, part of such an innovative and fun project, Centre’s week-long Unlimited Festival, an work from festivals, programmers London until 4 March. The exhibition was free that not only showcases some outstanding international level showcasing opportunity and venues in the UK and to attend, but donations are being collected portrait photography but raises much needed that gained widespread attention from the internationally. for the BTA. Donations of £5 can also be awareness of tinnitus.” press, arts industry and general public. made by texting SIDE15 £5 to 70070. Unlimited senior producer Jo Verrent More information, including images of Comments Norman, “I’m part of FlipSide Artist Jess Thom (Touretteshero) commented, “Unlimited continues to exceed some of the FlipSide photographs can be because it’s an original project with some found at www.facebook.com/JVDWStudio commented, “It exceeded my wildest expectations - proving not just the quality insanely good pictures from the amazing or twitter.com/JVDWStudio expectations. It was amazing to have an of art from disabled artists but the demand audience of people from all over the world, for this work from festivals, programmers as well as key programmers from the UK.” and venues in the UK and internationally. Its success really is all down to the quality of the Artist Sheila Hill commented, “Our work work that is out there.” has reached a large and diverse audience more quickly than we would have anticipated. Unlimited may be celebrating its first year I don’t think this would have been the case of success, but this is just the beginning without the skilled support of the Unlimited of the programme’s long term objective team.” to significantly change the perceptions of disabled people within the arts. Unlimited now has over 90 allies. These venues, festivals, producers, promoters and Jo continued, “Having selected this work individuals share Unlimited’s aim to change and these artists, our job really begins - we the perception of disabled people within have to make sure the cultural sector is the arts. Through mentoring and festival ready to respond. That means conversations attendance and direct support for artists, about programming, representation, visibility, 80% of these allies have directly engaged language, access, audiences and much, with the Unlimited programme. much more.

Further growth in engagement is expected “We all know one size doesn’t fit all, so over the next year with 55% of allies offering it’s about sharing a range of approaches mentoring to disabled artists, 40% offering that work for different organisations - which programming opportunities and 40% seeking is why we are so pleased that our allies are further support with wider issues connected growing and are increasingly diverse.” to programming. Unlimited is funded by the Arts Council Fierce festival’s artistic director Laura England (ACE), Creative Scotland (CS), McDermott commented, “The overall tone Spirit 2012 and Arts Council Wales (ACW).

Continued from page 7 The self-funded project, which is on Ironing technician Anne Vandenberg said, trial until later this year, aims to buy more “I hadn’t had a job for 15 years and was advanced equipment and have its own van looking for something for so long which was to enable a more mobile service for clients. really hard for me but working here I feel confident and comfortable with all my work For information on DEAFinitely colleagues. Creaseless call 0118 327 1013.

“This job has really changed my life and I What do you think of this? hope we can keep growing and employ more staff in the near future.” [email protected] 10 Technology Hearing Times Spring 2015 Smartphone app enables deaf YouTube: We know automatic people to make phone calls subtitles aren’t good enough A new smartphone app has launched in the UK, giving deaf and hard of YouTube has said it “fully admits” that automatic subtitles, or closed captions hearing people the freedom to have real time phone conversations (CC), for deaf and hard-of-hearing users are “by no means good enough yet” From booking a table at a restaurant, to calling a plumber or talking to the local doctor, The firm, speaking to BBC Radio One’s the new app called ‘Pedius’, harnesses voice Newsbeat, added improving them is “a big recognition and speech synthesis technology priority”. to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing remain as independent as possible The pledge comes as a campaign and confident using their phones. launched by hard-of-hearing vlogger Rikki Poynter continues to win support. Available on iPhone and Android devices, Pedius is designed to make everyday life easier the app works by the user either speaking or everyday life easier by offering a more She says the automatic service “makes typing a text message on their smartphone, accessible way to communicate whenever absolutely no sense 99% of the time”. which is then translated to speech in real time they like over the phone,” said Di Ciaccio, for the recipient of the call. Their response is CEO, Pedius. “I can look up a video about concealers Rikki Poynter, a US vlogger who has hearing loss has launched a campaign to improve CC then converted back into text and displayed and somehow the automatic closed on the user’s phone. Unlike the textphone, Pedius does not captioning will be talking about zebras,” she require both users to have specific hardware told Newsbeat. closed captioning then I fell like maybe they ‘Pedius’, harnesses voice and all communications and interactions are should just do without it because just seeing recognition and speech synthesis private, unlike some alternative services Her campaign, which asks YouTubers to it knowing that it’s completely nonsensical is technology to help HoH people that are facilitated through a call centre or manually subtitle their videos, has gained the just ridiculous.” remain independent operator. attention of high profile vloggers including Pedius was created by Italian entrepreneur, Tyler Oakley and Laci Green. In response to Rikki’s comments YouTube’s Lorenzo Di Ciaccio, in response to a story of The app, which is free to download, can also product manager Matthew Glotzbach said, a deaf man whose car broke down and was be used by businesses and organisations to Rikki, 23, said it’s great that awareness of “Although I think having auto caption is better unable to communicate by phone, meaning communicate with deaf members. Calls are closed captioning videos is increasing but it’s than nothing I fully admit and I fully recognise that he had to wait for hours hoping that cheaper than the average mobile phone call taken a lot of time and effort, including hand- that it is by no means good enough yet. someone would notice and help him. and from March, users will receive 20 free writing to popular YouTubers until “my hand minutes to use each month. wanted to fall off”, to get to this stage. “It’s an area that we’ve been committed to “Being able to make a simple phone call is really from the beginning. something we often take for granted. There Pedius launched in Italy in 2013 in She added, “It’s pretty frustrating because are over 70 million people in the world who collaboration with the deaf community. It is we’ve been trying to do this for years. “Frankly, it’s really hard computer science have profound to severe hearing loss and are also available in the US and France with problem that hasn’t been solved that scale unable to use phones. plans to expand further into Europe. “We’ve also contacted YouTube yet.” themselves. A smartphone is something most people For more information visit Article source: Jimmy Blake, Newsbeat have, so Pedius is designed to help make www.pedius.org/en “If they couldn’t try to improve the automatic www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat Development Bank of Jamaica provides $7.3 Songbirds inspire next generation million to develop software for deaf students hearing aid, faithful to the human ear The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has provided $7.3 million to the Scientists at University of California are developing a next-generation University of Technology (UTech) to continue the development of the U-Touch hearing aid inspired by songbirds that emulates the human ear as multi-media software, designed to enhance the learning process for deaf and realistically as possible hearing impaired students All hearing aids have the same basic parts: a hearing aid, which amplifies everything.” A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) a microphone, the tonehook or earhook, was signed between the parties on 14 the volume control, the on/off switch and Image your sitting in a crowded bar, at a January to undertake phase two of the the battery door. The microphone picks table with your friends. Despite the racket project, U-Touch 2. up sounds and sends them to an amplifier and rattle around, you have no problem that makes them louder. The hearing aid having a conversation with your friends The signing, which took place at UTech’s will make some pitches of sound louder because the human brain and ear work Papine campus in St Andrew also involved than others, depending on the shape of the together beautifully to hone in on a particular the Lister Mair Gilby School for the Deaf, hearing loss. signal – the rest is just background noise that (LMG) which has been partnering with UTech isn’t processed consciously. With a hearing since the development of the software in But hearing aids aren’t effective for aid, this sort of differentiation is very difficult. The new understanding will continue to ensure 2010. the improvement of language and reading skills everyone. Hair cells in the inner ear must So, the ultimate goal is to build a hearing aid pick up the vibrations that the hearing aid that transmits signals and processes audio The software uses both Jamaican sign UTech’s commitment to improving the lives of sends and convert those vibrations into much in the way the brain would. language and Jamaican Standard English marginalised groups. nerve signals. So, you need to have at and functions on both computers and android least some hair cells in the inner ear for it Humans aren’t the only ones capable of platforms, to improve the understanding and “I feel very pleased that UTech, as a result to work. Moreover, most devices aren’t that differentiating between audio signals. Among use of the English language and enhance of this particular project, will be identified in well-tuned, so must of your environment gets other animals that are very apt at this is the reading and comprehension skills, among the public mind as being a good citizen, and equally amplified – this can drive anyone songbird. deaf and hard of hearing students, at the pre- also committed to the service of the people,” crazy. primary to high school levels. he said. For the past two years, Theunissen and “In a crowded place, it can be very difficult colleagues have analyzed the brain imagery Speaking at the signing, Acting President, He thanked DBJ for supporting the project to follow a conversation even if you don’t of songbirds to understand how these can UTech, Ambassador Burchell Whiteman, said and “enabling it to take wings and reach higher have hearing deficits,” said UC Berkeley distinguish between the chirp of a mate from the project is “satisfying” as it demonstrates levels and impact significantly more people.” neuroscientist Frederic Theunissen. “That dozens if not hundreds of strangers... situation can be terrible for a person wearing Continued on page 11 Hearing Times Spring 2015 Technology 11

Continued from page 10

The team eventually identified the exact Rechargeable battery chemistry first developed for neurons involved in this process which tune into a signal and remain tuned indifferent of NASA and the military will soon power hearing aids how noisy the environment is. Theunissen ZPower, the first developer of rechargeable, silver-zinc batteries for hearing aids, will showcase its new technology calls this an “auditory spotlight”. Imagine for Active Duty Service Members and Veterans of the Armed Forces at the Joint Defense Veterans Audiology (JDVAC) you’re looking for your car keys on the dinner conference in Orlando from March 2-4th at the Doubletree Hotel at Universal Studios table. You have this particular shape, texture and colour that you’re searching for among Silver-zinc battery technology was first plates, breadcrumbs and cats. In a similar developed for NASA and the Military and is way to the eye, the ear searchers and finds now being applied to hearing instruments particular pitches and frequencies – say the and wearable technology. This new solution, voice of your friends at the bar. which converts new and existing hearing aids to rechargeable, will be available in the latter “Our brain does all this work, suppressing half of 2015. echoes and background noise, conducting one battery per hearing aid per year. • No battery handling or hard-to-remove auditory scene analysis,” Theunissen said. “We’re committed to serving our Veterans tabs and Active Duty Service Members with better “Soon, audiologists can fit patients with • Only one battery needed per hearing aid The “auditory spotlight” process has hearing solutions,” said retired Air Force the wireless hearing aid of their choice and per year been reproduced in an algorithm, and now officer Dr. Ross E. Dueber, President and have confidence it will provide a full day of • Interchangeable with traditional zinc-air the UC team is working with a company CEO at ZPower. continuous power even with streaming,” said batteries to test whether the company can improve Barry Freeman, Ph.D., Past President of the • Developed for multiple hearing aid performance if installed on conventional “Frequently handling tiny batteries is American Academy of Audiology and current products and models hearing aids. This next generation of hearing difficult and frustrating for many hearing Vice President of Business Development at aids will detect the features of the signal aid wearers, and especially for those with ZPower. In addition, ZPower silver-zinc rechargeable and separate it from any background noise. diminished dexterity and sight. With our batteries are fully recyclable and mercury Unlike a traditional hearing aid, it will have rechargeable solution, there are no hard- The ZPower Rechargeable Solution for free. The solution offers a significant a variable gain so that signal sounds get a to-remove battery tabs and no need to ever Hearing Aids will offer: environmental benefit when compared to boost without distortion, while background handle batteries.” • Full day of power with wireless and disposable hearing aids. Currently 1.4 billion sounds are attenuated without being streaming products disposable hearing aid batteries are dropped completely muffled out. When using the ZPower Rechargeable • Easy overnight charging into the waste stream each year around the Solution, an average patient will need just • Excellent electroacoustic performance world. “This hearing aid should not eliminate all of the noise or distort the signal,” Theunissen said. “That wouldn’t sound real, and the real Got a product you want reviewed? sound is the most pleasant and the one that Ask our independent reviewers to look into it! Email [email protected] we want to hear.”

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Call: +44 (0)870 066 3499 Conversor Ltd Lansbury Estate, Email: [email protected] 102 Lower Guildford Road Visit: www.conversorproducts.com Woking, Surrey GU21 2EP, England 12 Health Hearing Times Spring 2015 Communication needs of people with a hearing loss increasingly diverse Millions left with ringing The communication needs of people with a hearing loss in the UK are in ears after NHS cuts becoming more varied, according to recent research by The Ear Foundation and Signature Only two-fifths (41 per cent) of NHS audiology departments give tinnitus sufferers access to four key services needed to help manage their condition, Providers of communication support said “It is quite a skill to listen and process according to a new report from charity Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the needs of people with a hearing loss are information, lipspeak clearly and RNID) launched to mark Tinnitus Awareness Week (2 – 8 February) more diverse than in the past and forecast simultaneously add signs to support related them to become more so. vocabulary.” One in 10 people in the UK are affected by everyday tinnitus – ranging from a light The main reasons are increases in the The providers who responded to the survey buzzing to a constant roar in the ears and use of cochlear implants and an increasing were mainly sign language interpreters and head – with 600,000 seriously affected by number of people living in the UK whose communication support workers. The vast the condition, which can have a detrimental main language is not English. majority, 96 per cent, provided sign language effect on quality of life from bouts of anxiety interpreting. 65 per cent provided sign with to difficulties socialising or concentrating at Sue Archbold, chief executive of The Ear speech (mainly sign) and 42 per cent speech work and problems sleeping. Foundation, said, “This diversity of need with sign (mainly speech). results in changing roles and responsibilities Freedom of Information requests, issued in the long run. We need governments and for providers of communication and language Just over half said variety in the form of by the charity to every NHS adult audiology commissioners to develop a forward-thinking support, particularly in education. They communication used had increased, as provider across the UK, reveals a postcode plan that will enable frontline staff to deliver will need to consider how they deliver their had the need for flexibility. A similar number lottery of care for tinnitus patients with six every patient the advice and support that services to take advantage of this diversity, thought this would continue, with 45 per cent audiology units not providing any tinnitus they have the right to expect from our NHS.” which is only set to increase, and think about concerned they would have difficulty meeting services at all and a further nine units having their changing training needs.” the needs of a group. had to reduce services over the past two The charity’s report shows little over half years. of providers (56%) offer access to Cognitive Jim Edwards, chief executive of The service most frequently used by “Tinnitus can be a torturous Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is one Signature, said, “These findings are crucial people with a hearing loss is a palantypist condition, so it’s deeply of the most effective tinnitus treatments for organisations such as Signature, the or subtitles. 52 per cent of respondents said concerning that millions of patients available and Department of Health leading awarding body for qualifications they used a palantypist or subtitles and would do not have access to effective recommended. in communication with deaf and deafblind continue to do so in the future. support services.” people, in developing its strategic direction. However the majority of audiology Those involved in delivering education will While 37 per cent used a sign language Paul Breckell, Chief Executive of the departments (77%) do deliver essential also want to reassess their offer, if they aren't interpreter, 41 per cent would do so if they UK’s largest hearing loss charity, Action services such as information about products, already. We have demonstrated the demand, had the choice. 36 per cent used a notetaker, on Hearing Loss, said, “Tinnitus can be a specialist support and Tinnitus Retraining and we hope it will help to stimulate supply.” but 40 per cent would like to. And eight per torturous condition, so it’s deeply concerning Therapy (TRT). cent used a that millions of patients do not have access to Lesley Weatherson, chair of the Association lipspeaker but 13 per cent would like to. effective support services. Action on Hearing Loss provides free of Lipspeakers, said, “Professional support and information for people with lipspeakers have been playing an important But the biggest difference between “NHS audiology and tinnitus provision tinnitus through our Tinnitus Information part in supporting the communication needs current use and future preference related must be protected, as short-term savings will Line, 0808 808 6666, tinnitushelpline@ of deaf and deafened people for many years. to communication support workers using a only lead to higher NHS and social care costs hearingloss.org.uk or visit their website. However, our roles have changed by demand mixture of speech and sign. 24 per cent used and now vary from providing lip pattern a communication support worker, but a third with finger spelling to full signed supported would do so if they had the choice. Deaf people’s lives cut short by poor health care lipspeaking. Many of us hold both lipspeaking and British Sign Language qualifications. The report is available online at provision - study published in two health journals www.earfoundation.org.uk The world’s first large scale study of the health of Deaf people, compared with the hearing population, was published in two medical journals recently

BTA calling for Large Research BMJ Open and the BJGP (British Journal at consultations, inadequate booking of General Practice) both carry the results of procedures, and almost non-existent Project Scheme applications the research. It revealed shocking inequality health information in sign language. in treatment, which means that some Deaf Poor communication is leading to missed The British Tinnitus Association is calling for applications to its Large people are at risk of reduced life expectancy. diagnoses and ineffective treatment. Research Project Scheme which will help lead to improving the lives of people with tinnitus: Deadline for applications: Thursday 30 April at 17.00 The papers show that Deaf people are “This is unintentional neglect, likely to There is a total of £75,000 available in David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the twice as likely to have undiagnosed high lead to shortened lives”, said Steve Powell, the current round and it is anticipated that BTA said, “The BTA is delighted to be able blood pressure as the rest of the population. Chief Executive of the Deaf Health Charity the BTA will commission 1-2 projects of high to commission substantial pieces of research If they have been diagnosed, it’s three times SignHealth. “A basic lack of knowledge on quality. and looks forward to receiving applications more likely that their treatment isn’t working. the part of health professionals is leaving from across the UK. Research into tinnitus is a vulnerable community with inadequate Applications are actively encouraged in the of vital importance in the race to find a cure SignHealth have suggested simple healthcare”. following areas, although all applications will or ways to help alleviate the condition for the measures which professionals be considered: thousands of people who experience it.” can adopt easily, to improve health Health economists have estimated that • Mechanisms of tinnitus/identifying outcomes, and save money. the poor diagnosis and treatment are costing potential therapeutic targets Only applications led by a UK institution the NHS £30 million a year. SignHealth • Existing and novel practice/treatment will be considered and applications from More than half of Deaf people with heart have suggested simple measures which • Prevention individuals will not be accepted. Applications disease aren’t being treated properly, and the professionals can adopt easily, to improve • Population/demographic/epidemiology/ will be judged on scientific rigour as well as same is true of diabetes. health outcomes, and save money. economic studies clinical impact. Deaf people with high cholesterol are The findings have influenced the Applications will be reviewed by an For more information please go to half as likely as hearing people to be on forthcoming NHS Accessible Information expert panel with decisions being notified to www.tinnitus.org.uk/lrps or contact David medication to bring it under control. Standard, which is designed to improve successful applicants in early summer. Stockdale at [email protected] access and communication for patients who The causes include a lack of interpreters currently face difficulties with healthcare. Hearing Times Spring 2015 Health 13 Deaf teen to hear again with brainstem implant Children who have been deaf since birth are able to hear for the very first time thanks to a device being tested by researchers across the world

It's called an auditory brainstem implant "For someone who has never heard, suddenly possessed. Five months later, she (ABI), and it's a surgically inserted electronic the perception and awareness of sound is is using sign language to identify certain device that provides a sense of sound to extremely helpful," said Dr. Semaan. sounds she hears, like a cough or a dog's people who are profoundly deaf due to bark. retrocochlear hearing impairment — auditory She cried the first time her device nerve damage caused by injury or illness. was switched on, not out of joy, She is also beginning to babble like a baby, but because she was afraid of with speech therapists working to improve The technology is similar to cochlear the bewildering new sense she her vocal abilities. Maggie’s hearing will come from a tiny radio implants. But instead of applying electrical suddenly possessed receiver sending signals directly to her brain stimulation to the cochlea, the auditory In Gleason's case, her father's low voice portion of the inner ear, the newer implants What do Gleason and other children was heard most clearly. "I always felt I would Medicine, told USC News. “These children stimulate the recipient's brainstem. implanted with the devices hear for the have a lot to say to her when the moment would otherwise never hear or develop first time? The Associated Press asked came," her father, Frank Gleason, told verbal speech in their lives.” Consisting of a tiny radio receiver inserted audiologist Laurie Eisenberg of the University WKYC. "But I was left speechless." under the skin and minuscule platinum of Southern California, a longtime leader There are, however, significant risks. electrodes implanted in the brainstem, the in ABI research involving children, what ABIs aren't new. They have been around prosthetic hearing device stimulates neurons recipients experience when a whole new since the late 1970s, when pioneering Italian “We're talking about real surgery to go into directly at the stem, completely bypassing world is opened up for them. doctor Vittorio Colletti began implanting a deep area of the brain," Dr. Marc Schwartz, the auditory nerve. them in deaf adults. But in recent years, a neurosurgeon with the House Clinic and "She isn't going to be hearing like a 3-year- researchers have been exploring the exciting Huntington Medical Research Institutes in Maggie Gleason, 14, who was born without old," Eisenberg said of Angelica Lopez, possibilities for the devices to give the gift of Los Angeles who is part of the USC study, cochleas, recently heard sound for the first a toddler born without functional auditory hearing to children who have never known it. told the AP. "This is a precise operation that time in her life when hearing specialists at nerves who was fitted with one of the requires exacting technique.” University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical revolutionary devices. "She'll be hearing like “Hundreds of children in the US can benefit a newborn." Center in Cleveland, Ohio gave her an from ABI surgery,” Mark Krieger, a pediatric Tell us your news ABI. One of Gleason's surgeons, Maroun neurosurgeon at Children's Hospital Los Semaan, told a local news station that the Lopez cried the first time her device was Angeles who also is associate professor of Email [email protected] teen may be the first recipient of ABIs for switched on, not out of joy, but because she clinical neurological surgery at the University missing cochleas. was afraid of the bewildering new sense she of Southern California's Keck School of Volunteers needed for summer holidays that make a difference If your resolution for 2015 was to do something good for charity, or to spend your time doing something rewarding, why not volunteer and help on a charity holiday programme? National deafblind charity Sense is looking difference to the lives of deafblind people and for volunteers to join its annual holidays their families. If you want to do something programme, which takes place in various really rewarding this year, and want to spread locations across England and Wales – from some good while enjoying some time away, the beautiful Dorset countryside to the we would love to hear from you.” stunning Yorkshire Dales. Sense is particularly looking for male Sense holidays give deafblind children and volunteers, people with experience of caring adults the chance to get away from it all, try for others (could be their own children or a something new and have a lot of fun on a relative or in a paid capacity) or people with week-long summer holiday in July or August. sign language skills, but anyone is welcome They also give a much-needed break to to sign up. families who support a deafblind person. Deaf and the Hard of Accommodation, food and activity costs Accommodation ranges from outdoor are covered by Sense. Hearing Learners’ Open Day activity centres to cottages, farms and barns. Villas and barges are also available. Activities Sense has more than 40 years’ of Wednesday 15 April 2015 are fun and varied and can include kayaking, experience arranging holidays and this year horse riding, camping or making sandcastles is offering a total of 22 holidays, in different on the beach. locations. Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? Want to know more about university? Sense holidays programme manager If you would like to get involved, visit www. Helen Tonge said, “The ratio of holidaymaker sense.org.uk/content/volunteering-sense- Find out about careers and your degree. to volunteer is at least one-to-one. holiday, where you will find all the information At the University of Wolverhampton’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing you need, including the 2015 holiday Learners’ Open Day (accessible in BSL and English), you will be able to: • find out about courses “This personalised approach to planning brochure with all the holiday locations. • meet current Deaf and Hard of Hearing students holidays means that we can support people Alternatively, call 0300 330 9250 or email • find out what support is available to do what they want to do – however simple [email protected]. • look around the University campus or complex this seems. • visit student accommodation. Please endeavour and get your applications For information and to book your place, Register “Our volunteers are a vital part of what we in before the end of May because volunteer today! visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays do and without them we could not provide the places fill up very fast. holiday service which makes such a huge 14 Education Hearing Times Spring 2015 New infographic designed to educate Deaf student given green light about the facts behind hearing loss to take legal action over cuts to According to Action on Hearing Loss, it is estimated that by the year 2031, the number of those suffering with hearing loss in the UK will have increased from 10 million to 14.5 million Disabled Students’ Allowance Student Zanna Messenger-Jones’s legal team has been given the green light to The causes? There are plenty… launch legal action against the Government over its failure to consult disabled - The UK’s aging population students on proposed restrictions to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) - Increase in exposure to loud music With the support of the National Deaf through MP3 Players, Nightclubs and gigs Children’s Society (NDCS), Zanna, from - Added awareness to those who may not Ireleth, Cumbria can now proceed with a realise they’re suffering from hearing loss judicial review to challenge whether it was - Increase in the armed forces activity unlawful for the Department of Business (exposure to jet engines etc) Innovation and Skills (BIS) to ignore disabled students when consulting on its proposed Despite this worrying statistic, hearing changes. Granting permission, Mrs Justice loss is still something of a phantom problem, Entitled ‘The Science of Hearing’, it looks Lang said she was “not impressed” with rarely being discussed to the extent of into three areas of interest: the argument that there was no duty for the other conditions. It’s for this reason, Hidden - The biology behind how our hearing works department to consult. Hearing have developed a comprehensive - The warning signs that could indicate infographic detailing interesting facts about hearing damage Zanna, who is profoundly deaf in her Zanna is “shocked” that disabled students aren’t being consulted before changes are made the ears, what could go wrong and why. - What to do when things go wrong… right ear and severely deaf in her left ear, is applying for Art and Design or Fashion Susan Daniels, CEO for the National Deaf Design courses at several universities but Children’s Society said, “This is really positive Sisters set up community interest without a DSA, it is uncertain whether she news for students like Zanna, who heavily will get the support she needs to follow group rely on the Disabled Students’ Allowance to company for children with deaf parents discussion classes and Q&As between provide the vital support needed to access Sisters Sharon and Marie Dimond have set up support groups for children teachers and other students. their course. with deaf parents – after suffering the taunts of bullies We should be encouraged to go “Having worked very closely with many The pair started CODA (Children of Deaf to university but instead it feels young deaf people hoping to pursue higher Adults) UK and Ireland a community interest like the Government is intent on education, we are extremely concerned that company (CIC) in 2012, having been inspired making it more difficult. changes to the DSA will mean that their by the support they received from friends. access to Higher Education will be severely The allowance, which is given to over compromised, and we will see deaf students Now the CIC currently runs two support 60,000 students each year to help pay for fall behind their peers, or worse still, drop groups – one in Stoke-on-Trent and the other specialist support such as equipment and out of university thereby jeopardizing their in Derby – to help youngsters whose parents accommodation, is vital in allowing people employment prospects and their future. are deaf. with disabilities to study at university. Restrictions to the grant will prevent some “The government needs to stop this Sharon, aged 25, of Levita Road, Oakhill, Sharon and Marie with their mother, Julie, who disabled students from being able to reckless attempt to reform the DSA without said, “I felt very isolated when I was growing was born deaf complete their studies – or even start a putting in place proper safeguards to protect up because of my parents’ disabilities. interpreter and she met a few a people who degree programme at all. deaf student’s support in higher education. decided they wanted to get involved with the As a priority, it must ensure that the impact “When I was in primary school, I was project. Together, we started CODA UK and The Department for Business, Innovation on deaf students has been fully considered bullied by other children who would make fun Ireland.” and Skills (BIS) is planning to cut back through an open public consultation, before of the fact I had this other language. on the DSA and will effectively be handing any changes can be implemented.” The community interest company runs run universities the responsibility of bankrolling “I didn’t know many children who had deaf monthly workshops for youngsters in Stoke- the needs of these young people. Zanna, who currently writes a blog about parents so I did feel different from everyone on-Trent called CODE:R. her deafness to raise awareness, said, else. Supporting Zanna’s case, NDCS has put “There is a major need to break down It also stages an annual holiday for forward a witness statement expressing that barriers facing young disabled people. We “This is why it was so important for me to children. young service users. BIS has failed to open a public consultation should be encouraged to go to university but make sure that young people who have deaf on its proposal for the DSA and has failed to instead it feels like the Government is intent parents had somewhere they could go for Marie, aged 27, of Clayton, said, “When I give disabled students any real legal rights to on making it more difficult. I am shocked that support.” was young, I was looking for something like do anything about it. the Government openly says that they do not this but there was nothing out there in terms feel the need to consult disabled students, Sharon and Marie attended an international of support. The charity also states it is unrealistic to and it makes me feel that they think disabled conference for children of deaf adults in expect Higher Education Institutions to cover students have nothing useful to say. Barcelona in 2007, which helped her to gain “I always felt like I was stuck between two the costs and that no clarification has been confidence. worlds: the hearing world and the deaf world. given on how they would be held to account “I feel we have a right to be consulted on However, I felt like I didn’t really belong to if they don’t make reasonable adjustments to such major changes which could affect our Sharon said, “I was about 18 when I went either. financially help disabled students. future prospects in life.” to this conference and it completely changed things for me. “For me, these support groups are about giving children back a sense of identity and “There were these people from all over the helping to boost their confidence. Julie, aged 54, who worked as a sign- world who had similar experiences to what I language lecturer at Stoke-on-Trent College, Tell us your news had when I was growing up. “I want to give them the support I never said, “I used to feel guilty about the fact my and we’ll tell everyone! had.” children were being bullied because they “I was really inspired by the people I met were different. and it was after that event that my sister and Sharon and Marie’s mum Julie was born Email the HT team now at I decided to set up our own support group. deaf whereas their father Steven became “But now, they have come through the [email protected] partially deaf at the age of 7 after becoming other side and I am really proud of what they “My sister worked as a sign language ill with mumps. have achieved.” Hearing Times Spring 2015 Games 15

Wordsearch E T A C U DEDICWE Twitter HUFEDO I AODE F lottery ITISTN EDUTST volunteers TAL L OWA N CEAA disabled charity SDMASN OITP AC I'm off to Rotterdam (or anywhere) soon and this has meant for the last few weeks, deafblind I've had the ear worm (yep, even through my hearing aids) of that catchy song by E LMEER GLYUET success The Beautiful South. However, the only words I know are 'Rotterdam or anywhere, FUARDHCBTDGE HearingLossHour Liverpool or Rome' and then I am stumped. FSKC FOE F I SOO rebound I did't even know what the song was about until I found a subtitled YouTube video ASEOUARARRLS CODA last night. allowance I remember realising I couldn't hear song words four years before I knew I was deaf. EGRRSEHEAEDN student I was six years old and my grandparents gave me a red Walkman cassette player DISABLEDHSDS educate and a Kylie album for Christmas. The first thing I had to do was crank the volume undiagnosed up to the highest level and even then with those fetching foam covered flimsy 80s N EAOTTAACEKS headphones, I could hardly hear it – but I assumed that this was just something that health everyone struggled with. And then I remember truly believing that pop stars didn't RCUTN WR E S A T E research sing song words. I thought they just mumbled the words and that it was your job to NNEUOT I OUREB ringing guess what was being said. DTLOI CN TBCTN generation On a totally separate subject, I actually used to think that was the whole point songbirds of Dictation exercises at school, too and often used to used them to creatively COGE TGGGTHN D enhance the story instead of writing what was being said as I couldn't hear what subtitles was being said. And then was totally gutted and confused when I did badly in them. VEERABLA I EOR captions Anyway, back to those song words. The first time I realised that song words actually UL L I RLOTTERY Deaffest did exist was when I started singing my own version of Hand On Your Heart by Kylie HADME T SS L CDE filmmaker with some friends from my class on the rounders pitch and they all started laughing course at me. Mortified, I found the words in the cassette cover and memorised the whole L NNE N USEE IGT lot to prevent it happening again. Assuming that this is what all my friends had done in the first place. UDHBEEHOSDWS On discovering I was deaf, a lot of things started to make sense – dictation at S E T T G I OV KWE F school was in fact a test of your ability to follow and write down a story without making errors, French listening was actually to see whether you understood the LLAS ISUCCESS words, not whether you heard them, and the violin – those high notes, well that G N IGN I RRASCE wasn't guess work, normal people could actually hear them. And don't even get me started on the fact that birds actually sing.

Anyway, back to those song words. Back in the 90s, there was no internet to Google lyrics on, so instead I spent all my pocket money on Fast Forward and Smash Hits magazines so I could tear out the lyrics pages and learn them after Sudoku recording the Top 40 charts off Radio 1 onto my pink and white cassette recorder.

For years, my bedroom cupboards were plastered with the lyrics to Chesney Medium Hard Hawkes, New Kids On The Block and most importantly Kylie. 1 2 7 2 6 3 Next, came a rather amazing school friend who wrote all the lyrics I requested into a 9 6 1 9 book for me and another friend who mouthed them to me with hilarious home-made sign language that I can still remember to this day. 8 3 9 2 4 4 It worked – and it's these songs that I can still remember all the lyrics to. 5 4 3 8 7 6 2 8 By university, lyrics websites had popped up and so I printed and learnt the lyrics to 7 6 1 4 9 8 4 the songs that I needed to bounce around to in the Students Union – storing them 2 1 8 in a ring binder, creating quite a library. And then all of a sudden came the Sound 2 5 1 Hound and Metro Lyrics apps which worked with your smartphone and literally

3 9 5 8 7 turned it into a Karaoke machine and the rest is history. Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru - Generator Sudoku by Created

9 7 6 http://sudoku.smike.ru - 4 Generator 6 Sudoku by 1 Created To this day however, I still don't really get the importance of lyrics. In fact, quite

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9 not more than an octave and a half above middle C. 8 4 9 2 1 6 3 5 7 4 8 5 6 3 2 1 9 7 6 9 2 7 3 8 4 5 1 4 1 3 9 8 5 7 6 2 2 8 3 4 7 5 9 1 6 But for the sake of my sanity, I did google the lyrics to Rotterdam Or Anywhere and 6 7 5 4 1 2 3 9 8 7 5 4 1 9 6 2 8 3 Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru they're really quite weird, but I'm going to learn them, if only to get me out of the 8 2 9 7 3 6 1 4 5 1 6 9 8 2 3 5 4 7 2-line repetitive rut I am stuck in. 2 5 1 6 4 8 9 7 3 9 2 7 3 5 1 8 6 4 3 6 7 2 9 1 8 5 4 5 1 8 9 6 4 3 7 2

9 8 4 3 5 7 6 2 1 3 4 6 2 8 7 1 9 5 So if you hear someone singing The Beautiful South, horribly out of tune in a check

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2 1 9 3 6 2 4 5 1 7 8 16 Sport Hearing Times Spring 2015 New ‘real PE’ initiative is improving Harlequins show their softer sides physical ability for deaf pupils as they sponsor hearing dogs Pupils at Doncaster School for the Deaf are taking part in a new physical Two hearing dog puppies in training, cocker spaniel Asher and labrador education (PE) initiative which is helping to improve their physical ability, Vulcan, visited the Quins after a training session at Surrey Park for a cuddle mental agility and social skills Each hearing dog puppy trains for 18 The school is taking part in an initiative We are already seeing a positive impact in months to learn to respond to sounds such called real PE which aims to put PE at the other lessons from the enthusiasm picked up as the alarm clock, doorbell and smoke heart of learning. This values based approach in the real PE work.” alarm and once qualified, will offer life- has been created to have a wider impact on changing independence, confidence and the whole curriculum. Doncaster School for the Deaf is one of companionship. the oldest Deaf Schools in the UK with a 185 Jane Goodman, deputy head teacher, for year history of providing specialist education. To find out more about sponsoring a Doncaster School for the Deaf, said: “This It is part of Doncaster Deaf Trust which puppy, visit hearingdogs.org.uk/puppy or call 01844 348100 program has inspired our pupils to participate comprises of a nursery school and college. in PE and Sport and improve at their own pace and ability. Create Development launched real PE in 2013 to give all children the physical literacy, “It focuses on the physical building blocks of emotional and thinking skills to succeed agility, balance and coordination, promoting in PE, sport and life. Over 2000 schools THE NEWS : IN BRIEF teamwork and helping to build confidence are now using the real PE approach and which is great for our pupils. The sessions have participated in the real PE training EE signs up to improve access and user experience for Deaf people are based around structure and challenges programme. EE, has teamed up with sign language interpreting agency, Sign Solutions, to improve which really get our pupils involved and access and user experience for its Deaf customers. The InterpretersLive! service will mean engaged with the lessons. For further information about real PE visit that Deaf customers can now communicate more easily with EE when making calls to the www.createdevelopment.co.uk company’s customer service department.

Tell us your news and we’ll tell everyone! New resources now available to support fostering deaf children The National Deaf Children’s Society has developed two resources, one for foster carers Email the HT team now at [email protected] and one for care workers in short break services, which provides handy tips for those who will be caring for and fostering deaf children. Tips include, communication do’s and don’ts, hearing aid maintenance, technology FAQs, and myth busters such as ‘deaf children cannot enjoy music’. Rebound therapy proves a bounding success 9-year-old wins charity award for raising awareness of deafblindness A specialist Doncaster college is using rebound therapy to help students Tyrese Dibba, a 9-year-old boy from Birmingham has won a national award by deafblind move better and improve balance charity Sense for going out to the community and teaching local businesses how to interact Communication Specialist College, with people, who like him, are both deaf and blind. Doncaster, part of the Doncaster Deaf Trust is using the trampoline based therapy, as part Charter ‘Sounds Good’ to the hospitality industry of the curriculum, to provide opportunities for Deafened entrepreneurs, Angie Aspinall and Julie Leggett, have launched their Sounds enhanced movement patterns, therapeutic Good Charter guidance booklets for the hospitality industry. They are directors of Access positioning, exercise and recreation for a Solutions, a company which supports the hospitality industry to become more accessible wide range of students with additional needs. to the one in six people in the UK who have hearing loss.

Dave Clark, rebound therapy tutor, at the Centre for disabled people opening in Barnet college said, “Rebound Therapy is proving Sense, the national deafblind and sensory impairments charity has opened TouchBase really popular with our students. It is used South East, a fully refurbished centre for people with disabilities in Barnet. It will provide a to facilitate movement, promote balance, high quality service for people with sensory impairments, learning difficulties and profound promote an increase or decrease in muscle and multiple disabilities. It will also offer support to other groups with complex needs in the tone, promote relaxation, promote sensory community. integration, improve fitness and exercise tolerance, and to improve communication Army of volunteers needed for world-famous horse trials skills. Sense is calling for volunteers to muck in at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May this year. The charity is looking for volunteers to help out with a host of activities, “We have used rebound therapy with lots Dave Clarke, rebound therapy tutor, including charming the wellies off of visitors during the bucket collection. of our students to great effect. We work in demonstrates some of the movements taught conjunction with occupational therapists with NHS postcode lottery of care for 10 million hard of hearing wheelchair users to conduct physiotherapy they become accustomed to being on the Two in five NHS audiology departments (41%) are being forced to cut core services due to on the trampoline as well as using less taxing trampoline and then they can start to use shrinking budgets or increased demand, affecting hundreds of thousands of people across exercises with other students who have the trampoline themselves if possible. The the UK, according to a report by charity Action on Hearing Loss launched recently. physical disabilities.” grades progress gently until the students can do more complex exercises. First #HearingLossHour a success There are eight grades of Rebound Therapy #HearingLoss Hour brings together social media users with hearing loss to discuss the and some of the students in Doncaster have “This therapy is proving to be good for challenges of living with hearing loss, to share tips and make new friends. #HearingLossHour reached grade six to date. communication, balance, co-ordination, is one hour a month dedicated to tweeting about living with hearing loss. Everyone who wellbeing and fitness. There has been a takes part is encouraged to share successes, tips, experiences, product ideas and blogs. Anna Knee, rebound therapy tutor, added, great improvement in our students and this Keep an eye out for the next one and log in to Twitter to take part! “Rebound Therapy is not trampolining, it is has been backed up with glowing reports a form of exercise on a trampoline which from parents.” involves the student being moved/bounced For daily news visit www.hearingtimes.co.uk on the trampoline in various positions until For further information visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk

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