Subscribe for FREE! Want EXTRA COPIES for to read the latest issue online at your waiting room? www.hearingtimes.co.uk call 0845 2930688

®

HearingNovember 2010 Timeswww.hearingtimes.co.uk Audiologist of the Year 2010 UK winner European winner

A hearing expert who drove over 200 Germany’s Marc Donner is a Euro star miles to help a patient is the pride of after being named Europe’s Audiologist Scotland after being named the UK’s of the Year for 2010 for the second time. Audiologist of the Year for 2010. The hearing professional from Buchen David Bryce from Aberdeen has been in Germany is the toast of Europe after chosen as the nation’s top hearing scooping the continent’s premier prize professional in a competition voted for for helping a young cancer patient with by patients around the UK. his hearing problems. David Bryce (centre) with Rob Metcalf Marc Donner with colleague Maren Bleyer (left) and Colin Brinson-Pyke of Rayovac at EUHA 2010 in Hanover, Germany David, who runs the Aberdeen he is doing and discuss any technical Marc picked up the award, which trip by providing two new devices and Hearing Services Centre, is the first issues. This includes spending significant is judged by an independent panel of sorting out the travel insurance claim. He Scottish professional to win the award amounts of time trialling new settings on international industry experts, at the has also painted pictures of cars on each which has been held for the last three his hearing aids to find the perfect one. European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians hearing aid to ensure Luis likes them. years for the 2,500 plus hearing care He also highlighted how David’s (EUHA) Congress in Germany. He has continued to provide ongoing professionals working in the UK today. attention to care extended to driving He received the accolade ahead of a support to the family and even visits He is an experienced professional who more than 200 miles to visit him at home shortlist of Europe’s top audiologists from Luis’ nursery to talk to the children and has been caring for patients for over 20 in Thurso and getting to know his family. France, Spain, Sweden and the UK. parents about how their ears work and years and was nominated for the award The award continues to attract a Marc said, “I’m very happy to win this what noise does to them. by regular visitor, Brian Johnston. growing number of high-quality entries award. It’s a great competition and it’s year-on-year and was judged by an always good to be recognised for your Marc stepped in to help the “David cares deeply for his independent panel of industry experts work, particularly when it comes direct family when Luis lost his patients, showing sympathy including Alan Talbot, head of the British from your patients. Winning a couple of hearing aids on a school and compassion and works Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists years ago was fantastic for me and it’s trip by providing two new incredibly hard to help them” (BSHAA), Tom Davison, a consultant even sweeter this time”. devices and even sorting out at the RVI Hospital in Newcastle, and Audiologist of the Year encourages the travel insurance claim “Brian is someone who’s been coming Gillian Lacey from Hearing Dogs for hearing patients to recognise to my clinic for many years, so I’m very Deaf People. professionals across Europe who go Marc recalls, “Luis has been coming to touched that he went to the effort of Paula Brinson-Pyke of Rayovac said, above and beyond the call of duty to help. see me for over two years with his mother voting for me,” said David. “David demonstrates all the qualities Marc was nominated for the award by and is a real inspiration to everyone at the “I feel very proud to have won and of an outstanding hearing professional. the parents of five-year-old Luis Czerny practice in the way he has been able to happy that the service I provide is He cares deeply for his patients, shows who praised him for support he provided deal with his problems and the progress appreciated by patients like Brian. It’s great sympathy and compassion and to their son in overcoming hearing loss he has made in that time. very much a team effort as well, as I works incredibly hard to help them get problems as a result of chemotherapy “I’m very thankful to them both for rely a great deal on my colleagues to the support they require. treatment. voting for me and happy that I’ve been provide ongoing support and aftercare “David is a fitting winner of the award, Luis’s nomination caught the attention able to help them.” to patients.” which has once again demonstrated of the judges in the sensitive way he was Paula Brinson-Pyke from Rayovac In his nomination, Brian praised the outstanding level of care and able to diagnose and fit exactly the right said, “To win the award for a second the high quality of David’s care, commitment provided by audiologists hearing aids at a time when the patient time is outstanding and underlines his highlighting his knowledge of hearing, around the UK.” was recovering from treatment and didn’t talent as an audiologist. The judges his compassion and understanding of Besides the winner, sixteen other want to undergo any more tests. were impressed by his sensitivity and patients’ problems, particularly the hearing professionals were highly Marc also stepped in to help the family willingness to do everything he could to time and care he takes to explain what commended by the judges for their work. when Luis lost his hearing aids on a school help Luis and his family. The competition is run by hearing aid battery maker, Rayovac, the manufacturer of the world’s number one selling zinc air hearing aid batteries. It encourages patients with hearing difficulties to nominate professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty in the provision of care. For further information about the Rayovac Audiologist of the Year competition visit www.audiologistoftheyear.eu Film created by teenagers from Northern Ireland premieres in Belfast An inspirational film created by local deaf young people from Portaferry premiered at Odyssey Cinemas in Belfast as part of a film project run by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)

Ciara Hart, 16, and Rohan Woodcock, activities due to a lack of communication 15, were among 12 deaf young people support. With the right support, however, who created the short comic film, there is no reason why deaf children entitled Duffy the Vampire Player, about cannot do anything other children can a boy who believes he is a vampire. do,” added Ms Kilpatrick. The film was made through the NDCS Summer Film Project with invaluable “Many deaf children find it support from BBC Blast. difficult to participate The unique project has been running in out of school for six years, bringing together deaf activities due to a lack of teenagers aged 13-19 from across communication support.” Northern Ireland to develop their film-making skills and enhance their Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat confidence. Convery, said, “The NDCS Summer Stacey Kilpatrick, NDCS Arts Officer, Film Project has helped those involved said, “The deaf young people did a superb to develop creatively and socially, building job of leading all stages of film-making, their confidence and independence. of arts activities and events for deaf including acting, directing, filming and “Their imagination and hard work has children, their siblings and families in The film is available at editing material from the week. now paid off and NDCS deserves credit for Northern Ireland. www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/ “Access to the arts is extremely providing such a unique opportunity for the The arts programme in Northern schools/11_16/blastni/ important for deaf children, as many find deaf young people”, added Mr Convery. Ireland is supported by the Arts Council it difficult to participate in out-of-school NDCS coordinates a wide range of Northern Ireland. 2 News www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Removal of tooth from Devoted hearing dog pays tribute at funeral Editor’s message King, an eight year old Cocker Spaniel x Havanese, does not only ear cures man’s deafness assist his profoundly deaf recipient Carole Tweedy, from Wokingham In this issue of Hearing Times: In a rare medical case a former by alerting her to household sounds and danger signals but also miner, Stephen Hirst, had a tooth proved to be a great comfort to Carole’s elderly, bedridden father We have an exclusive interview stuck in his ear canal “When my father was ill and in a lot with Stephen Lloyd MP, who talks of pain, King used to gently jump on his candidly about his hearing loss and This lead to severe head aches and bed and lie with him” explains Carole. infection for as long as 14 years which how it affects his day-to-day life in confused and baffled doctors. the House of Commons. “One night, at three o’clock in the morning King jumped on my bed to wake This also lead to Mr Hirst going me up. I immediately knew something STAGETEXT celebrate their 10th partially deaf. was wrong and went to check on my anniversary this month, check A persistent nurse from the hospital father. He had fallen out of bed and staff was determined to find out that was lying on the floor. He had been out which shows they will be cause of his pain and deafness and captioning on their website calling me and of course I couldn’t hear after probing for a long time found that so King had come to fetch me”. www.stagetext.org.uk. a tooth was jammed in his ear canal. Carole, 61, received King from His jammed tooth was surgically King alerted his owner when her father Our events page is absolutely Hearing Dogs for Deaf People six years was calling for help and she didn’t hear removed and he has been able to since ago when she was suffering from bouts brimming this month. Just because sleep peacefully without the unbearable of depression. Carole and King travel that he had to be persuaded to leave the weather is getting chilly and constant pain in his head after a everywhere together and have recently his bedside. doesn’t mean you have to stay long period of 14 years. He is 47 now started giving Hearing Dog presentations and is also able to hear clearly which inside all weekend! Why not get in the local area. Since having King, “At my father’s funeral service I was such a problem due to the stuck tooth out and try something new? Carole has not suffered from depression giving a tribute in British Sign Language; was earlier. and is far more assertive. I stopped half way through and looked at King and signed ‘Daddy’s gone’; King If you are hosting an event and The doctors have not been able to “King loves meeting people, looked around and tried to find him, understand still as to how the tooth would like copies of the newspaper lapping up the attention. He has even whining. The whole congregation was land did up in his right ear canal. It is for your visitors or to put in goodie accompanied me on an aeroplane a moved to tears”. bags, please get in touch via still a mystery. few times! Everyone knows King in Wokingham and they stop to talk to One in two hearing dog partnerships email, [email protected], Mr Hirst said, “I decided to have one or via telephone, 0845 2930688. him and then to me. He has given me are funded by gifts in Wills. last try to sort it out. The nurse used confidence and continues to be a faithful a microscope then tweezers and pulled friend and invaluable help to me”. If you would consider leaving a out the tooth. Please do email us your news and life-changing legacy to change the She stood there stunned. I don’t views [email protected] Sadly, when Carole’s father passed future for a deaf person like Carole know why they didn’t find it before.” away King was so devoted to her father please contact us on 01844 348181 Next month’s issue will be full of festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas (thats right, I said the ‘C’ word!) Online subscription is FREE! The Hearing Times ePaper is now available to everyone And what better way to show the one you love how much you Subscribe using your email address and the password ‘online’ to access the latest issue care about them than by giving them a year’s subscription to the www.hearingtimes.co.uk newspaper! BTA continues to lead the way in tinnitus training The British Tinnitus Association (BTA), delivering this course for 16 years, and Editor the only UK charity solely dedicated have trained so many to better serve to supporting those with tinnitus, has people with tinnitus.” announced dates for another four of its unique Tinnitus Adviser Training courses. The aims of the training If you have an exciting news This will bring the number of such is to raise participants’ story to report, an opinion to courses the BTA has held to 36, awareness and increase express, or an event to promote and these have trained over 435 their understanding of the audiologists, hearing therapists, health use of counselling skills get in touch with the team at professionals and volunteers. [email protected] The aims of the training is to raise He adds, “Tinnitus can be very participants’ awareness and increase distressing for the affected individual, their understanding of the use of and this course is designed to help health 18 & 19 November 2011, the cost will Contributors: Juliet England, Louise counselling skills and the counselling professionals and others provide support be £300 (BTA member) and £350 (non- Buglass, Charlie Swinbourne, Charly process, with focus on specific issues of and introduce ways of coping with tinnitus” member). A course will be held in South Partridge, Denise Muno, Deafinitely Girly, loss and the process of adjustment to The Tinnitus Adviser Training will East England on 24 & 25 June 2011, the living with tinnitus and introduce them venue and cost are yet to be confirmed. Bryony Parkes, Cephas Harrison be held in Nottingham on 3 and 4 to some of the practical coping aids December 2010 and costs £260 (BTA Due to the nature of the course, available at present. member) or £280 (non-member). The participants are limited to 16 people. Thanks also to: Stephen Lloyd MP, Says David Stockdale, Chief Executive cost includes all course materials, meals For further informationcontact Geemarc, RNID Products, Stagetext, of the BTA, “The mission of the BTA and overnight accommodation. Krys Klytta at the BTA on 0114 250 Attwood Solicitors, Cubex, The Ear is to educate and raise awareness of Further courses will be held in 9933 or [email protected] or visit Foundation, Conversor, Deafness Research, tinnitus, and we are proud to have been Nottingham on 25 & 26 March 2011 and www.tinnitus.org.uk RAD, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, BTA, Rayovac, Natural Hearing, NDCS and all those who invited Hearing Times to their New centre will help staff offer independence, events this month. confidence and security to deaf people Should you wish to reproduce any Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have launched their new Learning articles featured in this month’s issue and Development Centre at the Beatrice Wright Training Centre, please email your request to in Bielby, Yorkshire [email protected] Known as AIRspace, which stands Learning and Development co- Hearing Times is an independent newspaper, for Action, Inspiration and Resources, ordinator, Ruth Price, said, “our published 10 times per year. The newspaper tyhe centre offers a dedicated place organisational goals are to be a centre is distributed throughout the United Kingdom where employees can get away from of excellence for deaf awareness and their desks for cross-departmental dog training. There will always be to charities, ENT and hearing therapy clinics, discussions, small group training advances in these fields, just as people audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, care homes sessions and private research. will always want to learn and grow. and schools as well as individual subscribers Equipped with a comfy reading area “Creating this space and giving our reaching an estimated readership of over 15,000. stocked with publications, including teams time to use it will help everyone to The contents of Hearing Times are copyrighted Hearing Times, and work stations with develop personally and professionally. online training provided by Sharp End “In turn, we will achieve our mission and no part may be reproduced in part or whole Training, Sheffield, the initiative is a to offer greater independence, without prior consent from the newspaper. first for the charity. confidence and security to deaf people The opinions expressed in articles, columns or Inspiration boards encourage staff by providing dogs trained to alert them From L-R: Helen Winstanley, Dog Welfare adverts are those of the writer or advertiser and to share dates for the diary, tips and to chosen everyday sounds.” Officer; Hayley Simpson, Dog Trainer; Lindsey Smith, Team Leader; Hearing not necessarily those of Hearing Times Ltd. recommendations for training courses, For further information visit reading material and TV documentaries. www.hearingdogs.org.uk Dog Markie; Ruth Price, L&D Co-ordinator www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 News 3 Surgeons create new ears for teenage girl Full bloom for Deaf Trust at Chelsea Flower Show Doctors in Scotland have constructed an ear for a 15-year-old girl A floral wonderland at Doncaster Deaf Trust is set to wow judges and waived the cost of the operation, it has emerged at the UK’s most prestigious flower show

Kade Romain, who is from Trinidad, was Doncaster Deaf Trust is to put forward born without ears and missing part of her a blossoming sensory garden design ear canal, leaving her partially deaf. within the best urban garden category The medical team from the Spire to judges at Chelsea Flower Show, with Murrayfield hospital in Edinburgh the hope of being selected to exhibit worked for free to make an ear using their green space at the annual event. cartilage from Kade’s ribcage. Bobbie Roberts, chair of trustees Kade grew up in an orphanage in said, “We are thrilled to be showcasing Trinidad and faced a life of begging on our beautiful urban garden plans to the the streets. She was brought to Scotland Ken Stewart, one of the UK’s top Chelsea Flower Show panel, who we by Robina and Derek Addison after experts in ear reconstruction, has hope will invite us to display the design they met her at an orphanage in the already created the first ear in a seven- at the exhibition in May 2011 which will Caribbean island’s capital, Port of Spain. hour operation. In a few months the put us in with an opportunity to win “I fell in love with her the first other ear will be constructed. A week such a highly regarded award.” time I saw her, because she is such a Since its inception in 1913, the The Trust’s garden will include seating areas after the first procedure Kade was for signers to communicate effectively character,” dance teacher Robina, 62, already having the stitches taken out. traditional British gardening show has seen of Montrose, Angus, told BBC Scotland, “One in 6,000 children are born with landscapers from far and wide present their courtyard garden at Chelsea in 2010 and “She was quite feisty. She had a huge at least one missing ear,” said Ken. “We designs to the world’s top horticulturalists designed the Trust’s recent new pond red bow in her hair and she was the also do it regularly for people who lose and continues to attract many celebrity development, as well as the Wessex boss of the whole orphanage.” their ears through trauma or through onlookers within the 11-acre plot at Garden at the Trust’s Little Learners Day The Scottish couple won a temporary skin cancer.” Chelsea’s Royal Hospital grounds. Nursery, which was officially opened by visa so Kade could have the £50,000 When Kade returns to Trinidad she HRH the Countess of Wessex last year. operation. The surgery is normally hopes to become a hairdresser or work The welcoming space Graham now runs his own professional carried out on the NHS but as Kade is a in a bank. She’s already bought her first will have many elements landscaping business, Spacemaker, and foreign national she doesn’t qualify for pair of earrings. of everyday life while has a degree in garden art and design free healthcare. encompassing the essence from Leeds Metropolitan University. of an urban environment He said, “The welcoming space we’re planning has many elements of The Trust’s garden plans include everyday life alongside apple trees and Quick action can restore hearing a textured figurine sculpture, an strawberry plants while encompassing interactive running water feature - which the essence of an urban environment after meningitis-induced deafness will act as learning tools for students and sharing the Trust’s values. Doing cochlear implants before cochlea hardens into bone is key, and pupils aged 11 and up - as well as “It really is not just for the deaf, but Canadian researchers say in a new study published last month two separate secluded seating areas for the wider community and reflects the designed opposite each other to enable fantastic set up and its surroundings.” The number of cases of meningitis explained. (The cochlea is the structure signers to communicate effectively. If the garden is chosen to be exhibited and related diseases have dropped in the ear where sound vibrations are Award-winning landscaper Graham at the show, the Trust will be launching sharply since a vaccine for meningitis -- converted into nerve impulses.) Bodle, whose family founded Walkers a campaign to help raise the money to the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate For this reason, the two physicians Nursery and Garden Centre in Blaxton replicate it within the Trust’s grounds. vaccine (PCV7) -- became available in wrote, it’s important for cochlear 60 years ago, has designed the green Show competitors will have one week 2001. implant programs to proceed quickly hideaway using reclaimed materials to build and bring their designs to life in In children left deaf by the disease, to install the hearing device in children including galvanised, capped scaffolding the Chelsea location. the cochlea tends to harden into bone recently deafened by meningitis. poles for climbing plant supports. For further information about over time, making it difficult to install For more information see the October Graham, 31, of Bessacarr, secured Doncaster Deaf Trust visit an electronic hearing device known issue of the journal Otolaryngology -- the Silver Guilt award for best small www.deaf-trust.co.uk as a cochlear implant, Tan and Young Head & Neck Surgery Funding boost for world’s largest ear Deafness Research’s Bionic Ear Outreach Project is to receive a £196,986 IAC – WORLD LEADERS IN HEARING BOOTHS, investment from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities AUDIOLOGY ROOMS AND SUITES The country’s leading national charity Serving hearing aid audiologists world-wide - with committed to medical research into and raising awareness of deafness and unbeatable quality and proven acoustic performance. related conditions will use this substantial donation to help enable Deafness DENMARK FRANCE GERMANY ITALY SPAIN USA CHINA AUSTRALIA UNITED KINGDOM +44 (0) 1962 873000 [email protected] Research UK to visit 120 venues throughout the country, providing free help and advice for adults and children everywhere about how important their hearing is and how to protect it. This interactive and entertaining demonstration illustrates how the ear works, what can go wrong and what can be done to put things right “Deafness Research UK is thrilled to have been awarded this significant grant from the Big Lottery Fund,” said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK. “The Bionic Ear Outreach Project seeks to inform and inspire people about the dangers of ‘downloading deafness’. This funding ensures the continued “This new funding enables us to reach development of this exciting resource and out to 60,000 people, including those enables us to ensure everyone protects in more remote and traditionally under- their hearing and are encouraged to seek served areas, together with the big urban help if they need it.” areas too,” added Tobin May, the show’s Developed for audience participation, presenter. “Deafness has no respect the Bionic Ear Outreach Project show for age or status, so the show is really is great fun, but also has a serious important in helping us reach out to as underlying message about hearing loss. many people as possible and make sure The show features ‘the world’s largest that they understand how to protect their ear’, as the presenter constructs a model hearing, as well as finding out where to ear over 22ft long and 116 times normal go for advice and support if they do have size. This interactive and entertaining hearing loss or related problems.” demonstration illustrates how the ear With this new Big Lottery Fund grant, the works, what can go wrong and what can Bionic Ear Outreach Project will be offering be done to put things right, as well as free hearing tests and taking its message highlights the cutting-edge research being (and its giant ear!) to a school, community done into hearing loss and deafness. group or organisation near you. There are demonstrations of what it sounds like to have high frequency For further information email www.industrialacoustics.com IAC will be exhibiting on stand no. 15 at the hearing loss – allowing people to bionicearshow@deafnessresearch. WORLD LEADER IN NOISE CONTROL British Academy of Audiology Conference 2010 appreciate how isolating it can be if your org.uk or call 020 7679 8951 visit in Edinburgh, 10 – 12 November hearing is damaged. www.bionicearshow.org 4 News www.hearingtimes November 2010 Stephen Lloyd MP In the news Interview with the Editor... Liberal Democrat MP marks Disability Awareness Day Five minutes into our interview, at a nudge from his aid, Stephen Lloyd MP apologises profusely and dashes from the room to the sound of the division bell, a bell that clangs in and around Parliament to call all members of the chamber to vote. He hadn’t heard it – or seen it – because his bell flasher hasn’t been installed yet. Members of Parliament are often irritated with the person you are having portrayed as aloof, uncaring and out of difficulty communicating with; that’s just touch with their constituents. Stephen the way it works. Lloyd MP is of a different ilk. “Where appropriate I want to use my hearing “I started wearing a hearing aid in my loss to bring deafness to the attention late 20s. Of course the thing about of the wider public,” he begins, and hearing loss is that, as Hearing Times proceeds to tell me how he came to be Readers will know, aids are much in Whitehall and what he plans to do better now than they were, but they now that he is here. are still not like glasses. All they can do is amplify your residual hearing “I was born and brought up in Mombasa, and not restore it the way specs do. Kenya. What first drew me in and got So I went through that disappointing David Blunkett MP paid a visit to me involved in political issues was that process, but again, the advantage of Doncaster Deaf Trust to mark Disability I just caught the end of the colonial era. being young still was that I learnt to Awareness Day. As a young child, I saw what was taken cope extremely quickly. Pictured left to right in the photo above as ‘normal’ behaviour towards black “So to put things into context, I was is: Toyah Woodsworth, joint Chair of the people by some white people. I don’t know whether it has anything to do with in politics (I’m ex-labour!), I was Disability Cluster; John Leask; David in business in the City as a broker, Blunkett MP; Alan Robinson, Executive my liberal gene, but I just knew that it was wrong. and politically, I favoured the Social Principal of the Deaf Trust; Bobbie Democratic Party. When that all went Roberts, Chair of the Deaf Trust; Colin “Around that time I caught a very bad pear-shaped, I actually stepped out of Findley, Disability Cluster Vice Chair; case of cerebral malaria and nearly politics for 20 years or so. I was only Alan Pickersgill, joint Chair of the died. I recovered and promptly caught in the City for a couple of years; there Disability Cluster. the measles, which is when my hearing were two reasons why I left. went. So I’ve had no hearing at all in my “Firstly, I wanted to learn how money – Mystery of Welsh hitchhiker solved left ear and about 60% in my right ear since the age of about six. huge sums of money – worked. It was Outside Westminster: Stephen Lloyd MP Islwyn Roberts left Wales in 1958 interesting but I just wasn’t that keen to hitch-hike around the world after “The advantage of this, odd as it may on amassing huge sums of money, albeit running campaigns with the RNID and hearing how two soldiers had been sound, is that I have grown up with it, if you have a million pounds to donate being on their board. challenged to see how far they could which means I am very, very flexible to my 2015 general election campaign, get around the world with just a few “I was among the first people in the and have learnt the strategies that you I will happily accept it! So although I late 80s and early 90s to bring business pounds in their pockets. use to cope when you grow up. I am dropped out, I’m glad I was there for practices to the charity sector. My Islwyn, who served in the Royal Navy in actually deaf as a post but most people two years, as I learnt all about money. rationale for this was that charities World War II, and as a result of a wartime don’t realise that. knew what they were talking about, incident was partially deaf, managed to “I am actually deaf as a so why not earn an income stream reach Algeria on just £6. “I was lucky I learnt to speak before I lost my hearing. I have a slightly post but most people don’t from selling that knowledge or those odd voice, which combines a little realise that” products? I was involved in ‘Sound bit of a colonial accent and is also a Advantage’, now known as RNID little bit flat, which I think has to do “The other problematic aspect for Products, from the very beginning. with my deafness. Had I not learnt someone who is hard of hearing was “The key reason for these changes was to speak beforehand it would be very that I was a floor trader, and this was to move people from the charity model problematic. before you had computers, so you had of ‘Poor me, can I have 10p?’, and tick-tack and people shouting at each “I was schooled in this country, so I move them towards the social model other. If you can’t really hear and there was back and forth every holiday, but of ‘Yes, I have a disability, but I feel are deals going on, it’s a pretty cut- like a lot of people who grow up with OK about it. throat business. The other dealers soon hearing loss, I had no intention of learnt that I was half deaf, so we would What I need to do is to try and wearing a hearing aid at all because then have situations of “No Stephen, we persuade the world to be accessible deafness is not a sexy disability. It’s said ‘Sell’!” That was when I knew it was and to accept me as I am’. one of those things – it sounds tripe, time to get out. but I’m actually being deadly serious – “It’s a very non-victim stance, which I it’s a disability and is not sexy because “In the 80s, I set up my own radio was very interest in – not least because it has to do with communication. production company, selling that in although it’s exasperating being hard the late 80s. I was interested in the of hearing, I’ve never felt a victim of “Hearing Times readers will know that whole equality angle, but I was also deafness. It’s just sod’s law. when you have difficulty communicating very interested in it from a business with somebody, you know people can’t “Equally, I obviously have the congenital perspective, so I got involved with help thinking, ‘Oh well, it’s because make-up of a railway carriage, but I a number of charities and ended up they’re deaf’. Human nature is to feel continues on page 5

Islwyn Roberts carried a sign which read Creative Karl gets career on track Du Pays de Galles (From Wales in French) A disabled young deaf man with a talent for digital design has Only a week after launching an appeal carved himself a creative career at a Doncaster College after for information about the Gwynedd impressing Europe’s leading space company man, curator Carys Mai Lloyd from Profoundly deaf Karl Hunt (20) who for the college creating 3D models for The National Library of Wales says she was born with Althetoid Cerebral Palsy, teaching purposes with the Autodesk’s has been “inundated” with stories and secured a work placement at Doncaster Inventor software, at the place where I accounts from those who Islwyn made College for the Deaf modelling designs first learnt all my skills.” contact with. with specialist 3D Parametric Design Karl gained valuable experience while “He visited Egypt, South Africa, Patagonia software after completing a work at the placement in his home town of (in South America) and Canada, where experience programme at space Stevenage, creating more than ten he spent six months,” said Carys. company Astrium. 3D models for Astrium’s spacecraft “In Canada he worked at a bowling alley Karl proudly shows one of the ten models Karl, who is a former student of design and manufacturing facility – he made during his work placement and at an army camp as a cleaner and Doncaster College for the Deaf, said: where a workforce of 1,200 work on a cook. We even received information “The college arranged the placement telecommunication satellites, spacecraft permanent employment using his from a handful of people in Patagonia when I was still a student and for science missions and other systems. newfound skills, once his three month who remember him.” although I was excited, I was a little Communication proved no barrier paid placement at the college finishes. The information she has received paints apprehensive! But it was such an for Karl, who used a word processor He added, “I give students at the a picture of an eccentric character, who amazing opportunity at a prestigious and sign language to interact with key college an idea of what’s expected with in his later years recounted tales of his company to do something I love - so I people in the team and now his 3D my CAD skills and I thoroughly enjoy it. epic voyage to locals, while sitting on a leapt at the chance. computer models are stored in a design We had some great laughs at Astrium bench in his village. “I think my creativity allowed me library to be accessed by Astrium team and I learnt how to control a Mars Islwyn Roberts died in June 1993. He to do quite well and now I’m working members in the future. Exploration Rover prototype, which will was not married and did not have any Alan Male, CAD Process Manager pave the way for a mission to Mars in children. “He used to sit on a bench in at Astrium, Stevenage said: “Karl is a 2018. It’s been a great experience and Llanbedr every day, and he would read shining example of someone who will the college has been really supportive. stories about his travels to local people, go far in his career because of his true Bobbie Roberts, chair of trustees said: especially children.” determination and hard work – which “Karl is a wonderful character and has A plaque has been placed near the he demonstrated when working for us. shown fantastic potential throughout bench with Islwyn’s favourite phrase on “His ability to quickly pick up how his time at Doncaster College for the it – ‘Never cut a friend.’ to use different software packages Deaf, which is why we chose to bring Details about Mr Roberts will was incredibly impressive, as were his him on board to share his valuable skills be used in a travel exhibition in communication skills. We wish Karl all with other students.” Aberystwyth called Small World - the best for his bright future.” For more information about Travel in Wales and Beyond, which Karl, who joined the college as Doncaster College visit runs until next April. Part of the team: Karl with staff at Astrium a student in 2006, hopes to find www.don.ac.uk www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 News 5 continued from page 4 “My next thought was ‘I’ve got a good properly taken care of, as they should more real. also lost my sight for six months in my job I really like, do I really want this be in a civilised society. However I would 20s, which was a particularly ghastly hassle?’ like even these people to play a part “In chamber, what I’m finding is that experience for someone who is deaf within the structure of the legislative everyone howls, particularly during because I lip read. It was really tough at “I woke up the next morning and thought, process, to give them the tools so they Prime Minister’s Questions! I stand up the time. ‘If you’re going to do this, you’ve got to can take charge of their own lives. and you’ve got so many people going do it from the off’. To cut a very long story ‘Waaa!’ The problem with hearing loss is “After a number of years, I expanded short, I stood in the general election in “For instance, mental health issues are that my hearing aid picks up ALL noise, into diversity and equality. I dealt with 2001 in a safe Conservative seat and got one of the least understood and most so I’m moving to loop, and the induction a lot of FTSE 100 companies and it was absolutely slaughtered, as you do! And problematic aspects. One out of three loop in the chamber works well – thank often a case of ‘Your demographic is then I got a target seat in Eastbourne’s people will suffer mental health issues GOD – but when I’m on ‘T’ switch, it just 75% female and yet you’ve got a lot of case, and eight and a half years later I at some point, but it’s a desperate connects into the speakers’ microphone, men in your advertising’. I informed and have re-mortgaged twice, cashed in my disability to have, and it also goes into so I can’t hear myself speak! advised businesses about that sort of pension and, had lost the election in 2010, remission. So I sought reassurance in thing, which was great fun. would have been moving into someone’s parliament from Ian Duncan-Smith, “A couple of times when I have asked a shed! I put absolutely everything into the Secretary of State, that the Work questions, I have asked the person next “Then about 10 years or so ago, I the campaign. Capability Assessment process that to me to let me know if I am speaking too decided to get back into politics. I’d people on incapacity benefits undergo loudly or too softly. I seem to be getting remained a member of the Lib Dems for “I was getting to the stage will include a proper understanding the timbre right though, but it’s quite odd many years, but hadn’t been active at where you just want to of fluctuating disabilities. He gave me to have to go through that experience.” all for 20 odd years. I didn’t even know that reassurance. If he changes his who was in charge of the local branch. throw a brick at the TV when Stephen Lloyd is also Vice Chair of I heard a voice in my head course, I could wave it at him and say, the All Party Parliamentary Group on “By then I was director of a company saying ‘So Stephen, what are ‘Look, you agreed to this’. It’s huge Deafness. Although the group has only called the Grass Roots Group. I ran you going to do?” clout to have in Parliament. had one meeting since the election, he their diversity training arm – I set it “On the personal deafness side, it’s aims to get more activity going and to up actually. They are now one of the “So, here I am now, a new MP. It’s very actually proved more of a challenge than encourage discussion. largest diversity and disability training exciting and I’m loving every minute I thought, which is interesting. I’m so companies in the UK. of it! Not a day goes by when I do not used to it and I control things, as deaf “There are loads of people “I mainly started back in politics consider it a privilege to be the MP for people do – if I enter a crowded room, with hearing loss who are because I was watching Newsnight one Eastbourne. trust me I end up controlling it. That’s embarrassed about it, for me evening after coming home from work “The advantage of getting elected at my what deaf people do – particularly if to break some of that down very late, knackered and slumped in age is that I know what I want to do, I they’re ego-maniacs like me! I make as an MP, it just makes it front of the television, and there were know who I am and I know how to do it. sure the light is behind me – I do it more normal and more real.” two politicians on who were tearing into It’s challenging, as we have debt to deal constantly; people don’t even notice. each other apart. with and decisions to make, but it’s also “What I didn’t realise is just how “Cochlear implants have come on very exciting. My priority is Eastbourne. ‘boomy’ the chamber is. Plus some of “Each was saying they were 100% tremendously in the last 10 years, and It sounds cliché, but it really is! the committee rooms have working the massive antipathy the Deaf had isn’t right and the other 100% wrong. I induction loops, while other have remember as clear as day sitting there “There are obviously also some specific actually as strong as it was. issues I am interested in. One of them is rubbish ones. The walls are very thick, It would be interesting for people from and getting cross – its ludicrous, you so I don’t always hear the division bell. can’t run a business or a family with disabilities in general, not just deafness. the D/deaf communities and people from the Cochlear charities to get together one person 100% right and the other As an MP, what I can do is not just help “I’m getting that sorted with the and outline both sides of the argument. 100% wrong. So why should politics be remove the barriers but also (and I hate maintenance people here and in the We would present a report if we were any different? this buzz word) ‘empower’ people with process, I want a photo and press interested or supported it, and try to disabilities and help them take control of release, not because I’m particularly lobby the issue within government.” “I was getting to the stage where you their own lives. keen on broadcasting this, but because I just want to throw a brick at the TV when “I can’t be doing with benefits see it as part of my deal – I know there He is not put off by the thought of I heard a voice in my head saying ‘So are loads of people with hearing loss out Stephen, what are you going to do? Are you dependency. In my view, it is just a road difficulties in co-ordinating these to perdition. There are disabilities where there who are embarrassed or shy about discussions: “I have worked in the deaf just going to be that man in the pub who it, and the more opportunities there are says ‘The world’s gone to the dogs’ and just there is simply no other way and I sector a lot and learnt the whole miasma appreciate that. I will fight tooth and nail for me to break some of that down as of politics, which is far more complicated moans? Or are you going to get off your an MP, it just makes it more normal and backside and actually get involved?’ to ensure people in that situation are than being an MP!” Cubex bring digital hearing solutions to the Himalayas Since 2001, Cubex has supported BRINOS (Britain Nepal Otology Service) in helping thousands of Nepalis achieve better hearing. Adam Shulberg, MD of Cubex, initiated a hearing aid distribution programme and is responsible for facilitating, training and supervising seven Community Ear Workers and over 700 volunteers The provision of hearing aids is a vital Oticon UK) initiated a schools/ “We are now also able to provide step in the help that can be offered to community screening program hearing aid servicing; rehabilitation; deaf people. Under the co-ordination and introduced digital hearing educational tools for filtering of a team of CEA’s and Cubex (UK) a instruments to the Himalayas for the and transferring skills; paediatric hearing aid distribution programme first time. screening and most importantly, is now running in Western Nepal sustainability,” said Adam. and offers a sustainable hearing aid By training the Primary Ear distribution service. Care Workers in hearing He continued, “it was always my aid fitting and maintenance aim to provide a fully sustainable In developing countries this presents Adam has established a fully program; that is the key. Nepali’s are many difficulties: hearing aids are sustainable hearing aid service proud people and their only wish is sophisticated electrical devices which to be independent. All they need now require batteries and maintenance. are the ‘tools’ to continue this work. Each hearing aid has to be fitted The Primary Ear Care workers have Educating and supporting the Nepal individually, with a well fitting ear now been trained in hearing aid based team has been a great source mould and must be selected so fitting and maintenance, carrying out of pleasure, reward and joy for me it is appropriate. By training the ‘in-house’ repairs, establishing a fully and I look forward to meeting our Primary Ear Care Workers in hearing sustainable hearing aid service. A aims and objectives.” aid fitting and maintenance Adam small ear mould production facility is has established a fully sustainable also in place, where custom moulds The charity is currently meeting the hearing aid service. can be made for individuals with needs of nearly a million people. Your severe hearing loss. help so far has made an enormous On their latest trip Adam Shulberg impact on the lives of less fortunate and Jerusha Ramdhial (Audiologist, “Our last trip was very much about hearing impaired people, many of whom are now able to hear for the education. Previous visits had been Adam Shulberg, MD of Cubex, checks a challenging, with one audiologist first time. Adam would like to thank Nepalese man’s ear at an ‘ear camp’ having to supervise and attend to all those who have been supporting over 20 patients per day. With two the project so far, and to ask you to and local theatre staff, providing of us we were able to spend much donate your pre-loved hearing aids valuable support and training. more time teaching, providing and join him in giving the gift of About 100 major ear operations quality support and educational hearing. are done over a nine day period, materials to ensure a transfer of using three operating tables running skills so the work can continue in Life-saving ‘ear camps’ simultaneously. our absence,” said Adam. Since its foundation in 1988, BRINOS has held ‘ear camps’ every March *Our next team will depart for “Over the last nine years that I have and November. Nearly 40 ear camps Nepal in March 2010 and again in been involved in this project, we have been undertaken, over 30,000 November so please, send us your have taken it from zero provision patients have been treated and 2,500 pre-loved hearing aids one or two to where we are today with an received major ear surgery. months before, to give us enough enthusiastic and proficient local time to check, clean and repair them. team, providing accurate hearing Patients for each ear camp are pre- tests; appropriate hearing aid selected through the Primary Ear For more information on BRINOS selection; computerised fittings Care programme then a team of ENT visit www.brinos.org.uk of analogue and digital hearing surgeons, operating theatre nurses instruments with verification and and an anaesthetist travel to Nepal For more information about ear mould manufacture. and work closely with local surgeons Cubex visit www.cubex.co.uk 6 Technology www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 BTA announces plans for Tinnitus Awareness Week 2011 Musician in deal In the news The British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the only charity solely Phonak launch innovative hearing device dedicated to supporting those with tinnitus, is already preparing with audio firm In a UK first, a hearing device is being up for next year’s national Tinnitus Awareness Week launched offering a completely new way A former rock musician is joining forces to treat hearing loss. Placed deep in the Tinnitus is a term with a company providing specialist ear canal, the device - just 16mm in that describes the audio systems for people with hearing length - cannot be seen and is designed sensation of hearing a problems. to be worn 24 hours a day for up to 4 noise in the absence Bass player and music producer months at a time. of an external sound Stuart McArthur, who has worked with Lyric, developed by Phonak, allows and it is experienced Madonna and Take That, currently users to effectively ‘forget’ they are by approximately heads Glasgow-based audio-visual wearing the device which can even be 10% of the population company WS Steele. worn whilst sleeping, in the shower or in the UK. He has signed a deal with niche audio during exercise. firm Clear Audio Systems, based in Fife. Phonak CEO, Valentin Chapero, says, The week-long Between them the companies employ “Lyric overcomes the boundaries that Tinnitus Awareness 17 people. used to prevent people with hearing loss campaign – taking WS Steele was formed 70 years ago from wearing a hearing aid and once again place from Friday 4 and provides audio-visual systems and positions Phonak as innovation leader.” until Thursday 10 CCTV for colleges, hospitals, a golf Lyric will be available on a subscription February 2011 – will course and Glasgow Cathedral. basis from private hearing aid audiologists aim to encourage Forty-three-year-old Stuart McArthur nationwide from January 2011. better tinnitus took over the company seven years ago. Visit www.phonak.co.uk for further awareness among the Clear Audio Systems, also known as information and register to receive general public. The BTA is pleased to confirm it Claude, was formed in 1993 and installs details of your local Lyric dispensers. will be working with the independent loop induction systems to boost sound Currently there is a widely held singing performance company ‘Inspired to those with hearing devices in shops, misconception that tinnitus is confined Harmony’ to raise awareness of tinnitus banks, airports and prisons. Bellman & Symfon announced Mino™ to the elderly, but various studies show among the classical music community. The joint venture arrangement, though The Mino™ is the world’s first fully digital that it can occur at any age, including Directors of Inspired Harmony are short of a merger, is to combine forces personal amplifier for the consumer childhood. passionate about the cause and inform in what they call the professional market with both omni- and directional their students of the debilitating effects audio market, cross-selling and using microphone. The cause of tinnitus is most of tinnitus and of the need to protect specialist staff across technologies. Mino is provided with incredible features commonly linked to frequent and/or both their voices and their hearing. Stuart McArthur said, “I believe that a including High Definition Audio technology prolonged exposure to loud noise, which single company is unable to dominate (HDA), zoom function and the latest cell can damage the auditory system and Inspired Harmony, launching on any technology by itself, so my approach phone battery technology – all combined increase the risk of getting tinnitus or January 1st 2011, has also pledged to is to develop relationships with different in a design that’s thin and light enough to potentially make an existing condition provide free copies of its new CD and partners for different technologies.” fit discreetly in the pocket. worse. to donate 1% of its annual operating Kim Rose, chief executive of Claude, The new Mino features up to 18 hours of profits to the BTA. explained the impact of the new continuous speech and full stereo music Therefore during Tinnitus Awareness Disability Discrimination Act, “If you amplification on a single battery charge. Week 2011 the BTA will build on the While there is currently no cure for provide goods, facilities and services to “We’ve put our most advanced success of its 2010 campaign which tinnitus, those who experience it can be the public, the Act says organisations technology inside the Mino,” said Peter addressed the impact of exposure to assisted by the BTA in the form of free must take reasonable steps to ensure Jungvid Bellman & Symfon’s CEO. loud music and how this exposure can support and advice. that their policies, practices, and “Whether you’re chatting with your cause tinnitus and permanent hearing procedures enable disabled customers partner, going to a movie, attending a damage. The BTA helps thousands of people to make full use of services they offer meeting or watching a TV show, the Mino each year via its freephone helpline to the public. with its revolutionary HDA technology The reach of its activities will be (0800 018 0527), and through the “If you don’t, you will be in breach of makes words and music come out more extended to encompass people of all provision of information which the Act. We see a market in helping distinctly than ever before.” ages, while focussing specifically on includes updates on the latest these organisations comply by having those who are exposed to loud music, clinical research into the causes the appropriate audio enhancement products in their premises.” Scientists set new standard in 3D ears whether via a personal music player or and treatment of tinnitus and Scientists at the National Physical at home, or at public music concerts or behavioural techniques which can For more information visit Laboratory (NPL) have developed a nightclubs. help to alleviate the condition. www.claudesystems.com means of representing a 3D model ear, to help redefine the standard for a pinna simulator (the pinna is the outer part of the ear) – used to measure sound in the Subscribe online for FREE to read the latest issue way we perceive it. Simply sign up using your email address and the password ‘online’ The nature of human hearing is heavily dependent on the shape of the head and www.hearingtimes.co.uk torso, and their interaction with sound reaching the ears allows for the perception of location within a 3D sound field. Head and Torso Simulators (HATS) are A user’s review Starkey S series iQ v.s Phonak Audeo Smart IX designed to model this behaviour, enabling Natural Hearing recently asked one of their patients, Mr Stelios Rigopoulos, currently wearing Phonak measurements and recordings to be made taking account of the Head Related Audeo Smart IX, to trial the Starkey S series iQ 11 and give a comparison of the two hearing aids Transfer Function (HRTF) - the difference “In May 2010, I was fitted with a seamless change from hearing loss to between a sound in free air and the sound pair of Phonak Audeo Smart IX hearing ‘hearing gain’, that it was uncanny! as it arrives at the eardrum. aids and chose the iCom and MyPilot. Ian Butterworth from NPL said, “The I ‘took’ easily and without problems “As every hearing aid wearer new standard for the 3D model has been to using my new hearing instruments. knows, a basic test is how one copes developed to give proper consideration But for the past two weeks I have in a restaurant situation, with all the to these effects. We worked with the been trialling the Starkey S series iQ background noise making ordinary National Freeform Centre, experts in 11 hearing aids. dialogue difficult. Here, Starkey’s S measuring unconventional items in shape series iQ 11 proved very good, although or design, to develop the new standard “With their S series iQ, Starkey in a variety of other venues, with their which will now help manufacturers aim to provide “a new industry- specific acoustics, I had few problems, develop better products.” leading noise reduction and speech but as we know, much depends on the preservation system”. How does the voice pitch of the speaker. National tinnitus conference success manufacturer’s hype correspond with the my experience as hearing aid “Telephone conversations presented Stelios Rigopoulos compares two wearer? only occasional problems, mishearing different brands of hearing aid the odd word, but I had got used to a slight pain in the ear and also where When I was fitted with the aids for this with the Phonak iCom. I found that the wires/tubes (harder, not as flexible the first time, I was absolutely amazed when listening to live music (all types), as the Phonak’s) curl over the top of at the clarity and smoothness of the the sound is not quite so crystal clear, the ear. The wires of the Starkey’s are sound of speech, in a one-to-one or as with listening to radio, TV or a just that little bit more perceptible intimate group conversation in a sitting CD. Distinguishing words in public than those of the Phonak’s. Otherwise, room/domestic context, without the announcements is not easy, but this the Starkey Hearing aids sit on the ear slightest feedback. It was so good, a can be difficult at the best of times. very lightly and one can forget that Trustee Chris Fry and delegates Tina they are there. Honarmandan and Magdalena Sereda “Starkey’s aid is a superior hearing Over 100 clinicians, researchers and instrument, from an aesthetic/cosmetic “It’s really cool, not to have to think people with tinnitus met at the Sheffield point of view - a nice sleek form, about my hearing loss, and to take Hallam University campus for the BTA discreet, almost invisible unless seen everything in as natural sound.” Annual Conference, which was opened from directly behind, it very easy to by the BTA Chairman, Roy Bratby. put into/on to the ear and to remove. For further information about how The conference was a great opportunity However, the domes are a little hard - you can take part in a trial to decide for meeting all those from all around every time I extract them from my ear which hearing aid is most suitable the UK who are interested in tinnitus they come out “inside out” (may be for you contact Natural Hearing at research and management. remedied by smaller dome), and leave www.naturalhearing.co.uk www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Technology 7

FM systems provided Product review - the highs and lows of gadgets & gizmos by The Ear Foundation Geemarc CL7300 Juliet England The Ear Foundation is working with TV Listener hearing technology manufacturer, Phonak, The Geemarc CL7300 listening device to bring FM systems to everyone who You then plug the base unit in near the can be used with a range of TV and struggles to hear in many everyday TV or other sound source, and connect audio systems, as well as laptops, and situations. it with the leads, while the headset works with a wireless headset which Although modern hearing devices is wireless, with an under the chin receives a signal before decoding it to enable people to hear better, there receiver. There are no trailing wires original audio sound. One base can be are still environments which present so you can move freely around a 25m used with up to four headsets. difficulties in hearing to users - noisy radius while following your favourite environments such as family gatherings programme. Geemarc has only been marketing it and meetings, listening to the television, since September this year, when the using the telephone or travelling in a car. Anything which allows you device initially sold out within days, and FM systems are accessories which to enjoy and actually follow it remains very popular. can be used with all existing hearing every word of the TV and devices to help in these difficult listening radio comfortably, as this The listener can be rigged up in various environments. does definitely gets my vote ways – using a standard headphone The benefits of an FM system are jack, or through a scart socket. (If you You don’t even have to be in the widely recognised and they have a vital do this, you’ll probably need to go into same room as the TV or radio you are place in the educational environment. your TV’s menu and reverse the signal listening to. The headset stays wedged However, there is limited use and from an incoming into an outgoing in your ears, and you can stroll around awareness of FM systems in adult users one.) But Geemarc recommends setting the kitchen until the Corrie theme tune due to such factors as cost, difficulties up the CL7300 by using the red and summons you back to the sofa after the with funding and time constraints in white audio leads supplied – with most ad break. NHS departments. television sets, these plug into the back Sue Archbold, Chief Executive of The of your TV. You can also adjust the volume using Ear Foundation says, “Currently, adult the controls on the headset. It doesn’t users who require an FM system have For more information visit Because the CL7300 comes with some work with hearing aids, handy if you to purchase them through suppliers www.geemarc.com many jacks, leads and other assorted don’t like or use the T-switch on your and it’s the responsibility of the user gadgetry, it can seem initially intimidating aid, or even wear an aid at all. The ear to select the correct FM system and to set up, especially to a committed pieces on the headset are made from However, some cheaper devices work set it up themselves. FM systems are technophobe like me. But while the silicone, seem comfortable enough, with infra-red, so you can’t wander expensive and claiming through Access instructions manual did seem slightly although I was starting to feel their around while listening. to Work funding can be a difficult and daunting at first, I received excellent presence a little more after an hour or lengthy process.” customer support from Geemarc. more of use, and fit the shape of the And anything which allows you to enjoy The Ear Foundation will work closely auditory canal. and actually follow every word of the with Phonak to help an individual decide Start off by charging up the headset, TV and radio comfortably, as this does, which is the most suitable FM system for which takes up to three hours. A All in all, the CL7300 seems pretty and without disturbing anyone else, them before they make the purchase. second battery charges in the top of the user-friendly, robust yet lightweight. definitely gets my vote. Indeed, I have Advice and support with Access to Work base at the same time, so you always The CL7300 Listener retails for around been looking for a way of enjoying radio funding will be available, as well as help have battery power and can just switch £150, meaning it may not be the in particular for ages. I think I might with the set up and use of the system. them over when one runs down. cheapest on the market. just have found it. Users will also be able to buy the FM system through The Ear Foundation.

For further enquires and Read the latest issue online for FREE information please contact The Ear Just subscribe using your email address and the password online Foundation on: 0115 942 1985 or email [email protected] www.hearingtimes.co.uk Do you struggle to hear in certain situations? Even when wearing your hearing aid? Busy, noisy environments: With Conversor Pro the user can focus on the desired sound source as a directional microphone greatly reduces unwanted sounds coming from the sides and the rear. This is particularly useful when in bars, restaurants and watching TV. Quieter sounds: Conversor Pro can enhance the required sounds, allowing users to clearly hear quieter sounds in noisy environments without straining or having to turn up their hearing instrument. Conversor Pro can be used with headphones and all Telecoil enabled hearing aids.

Benefit from improved listening in a variety of situations with Conversor Pro...

• Background noise reduction: Reduces unwanted background and peripheral sound by up to 30db. • Zoom setting: Allows the user to focus on one particular sound amongst a number of sounds. • Omni-directional setting: Picks up nearby sounds clearly from all around the user, ideal for family dinners or meetings. • Group settings: The Conversor Pro MultiPack is also available in for use in schools, colleges and groups.

Sound Can be used with both a source hearing aid and headphones

To learnTo learn how youhow can Conversor hear with clarity can andhelp to findyou your hear local with stockist clarity of Conversor and to findPro visit your www.conversorproducts.com local stockist of Conversor or callPro, 08700 vist 663499www.conversorproducts.com or call 08700 663499 8 Theatre www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 In the news A truly Wicked show at the Apollo Victoria Theatre Wicked first dazzled Broadway in October 2003. Now Stephen Schwartz’s powerful songs, a visually Calendar Girls is most successful UK play stunning production and a story full of surprises, wit and emotion are captivating audiences in London The show has been declared the most successful ever to tour the UK, a record previously held by Nigel Havers in the Helen Dewey widely-acclaimed production of Daphne Wicked The Musical is the incredible extravaganza is (part of) the back-story du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’. untold story of an unlikely but profound to the much-loved ‘The Wonderful Wizard Award-winning producers David Pugh friendship between two girls who first of Oz’ - originally a book written by L. & Dafydd Rogers have now announced meet as sorcery students: Elphaba, Frank Baum and published in 1900. that next year, 2011, will be the final who becomes the Wicked Witch of the It begins in the time before Dorothy tour before releasing the amateur West who holds Dorothy captive in the arrives in Oz and continues through rights in 2012. Wizard of Oz, and Galinda, who will part of her visit, making references to become Glinda the Good, the witch who the well-known and much-loved film. helps Dorothy get back home. This is a slick production, with little The idea for this off-beat, but expense spared in any of the acting or imaginative concept originated from production departments. The scenery, the mind and pen of American author costumes and lighting are, quite simply, Gregory Maguire, and tells the story of stunning. In particular, the impressively rivalry and love, and political corruption. detailed and conceptually innovative The superbly polished musical costumes designed by Susan Hilferty, are breathtaking. The glitzy show often pokes fun at itself, with witty dialogue engaging the audience and drawing them into the spellbinding story. In my opinion, the The new 2011 cast includes Lynda Bellingham, Jennifer Ellison, Trudie flying monkeys are the best part, the movements of the actors twisting and Goodwin, Ruth Madoc, Bernie Nolan, ‘Wicked’: Rachel Tucker as Elphaba Lisa Riley, Gwen Taylor, Diana Moran, torturous as we are shown how they Bruno Langley and Joe McGann. became winged. offer much in the way of thought- For more information and to book Ultimately, though visually stunning, provoking revelations about the human tickets visit www.seecalendargirls.com don’t look for anything too deep in psyche or condition. terms of morality or psychological For more information about An unlikely friendship: Louise Dearman motivation, because Wicked is pure Wicked and to book tickets visit Stars celebrate launch of new theatre as Glinda and Rachel Tucker as Elphaba fantasy entertainment, and doesn’t www.wickedthemusical.co.uk The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) celebrated the opening of their 39th venue in the UK, the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, with a star-studded 10 years, 1500 captioned plays! gala opening night. Guests including two of the UK’s greatest STAGETEXT celebrates its tenth anniversary actors David Suchet and Simon Callow, At a special anniversary performance of Disney’s The Lion King in the West End this month, everyone’s favourite funny-lady Ruby th Wax, celebrated star Susan Hampshire, STAGETEXT celebrates its 10 anniversary the Rocky Horror Show’s illustrious Fittingly, the show will be captioned A further 300 captioned shows a Richard O’Brien, Hollywood’s Warwick using the technology that the charity has year can be added to this total, after a Davies, the beautiful Gemma Atkinson developed over that time to bring theatre successful project called ‘See a Voice’ and legendary singer Tony Christie, to access to thousands of deaf people. The saw groups of smaller theatres (with name but a few, were joined on the big dialogue, sound effects and music will less funding) share equipment and screen by well-wishers from the wider be displayed in English text on a unit organise their own captioned shows. world of entertainment. placed close to the stage – giving deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people in The organisation has gone the audience access to the full story. from being run from a STAGETEXT was founded in 2000 by kitchen table to increasing three men with a great deal in common the level of access to with the audiences who enjoy captioning. theatres, museums, art Peter Pullan, Merfyn Williams and Geoff galleries and heritage sites. Brown are all deaf (to varying degrees) and each felt passionate about working So how does captioning work? The to change the lack of access they had to script for a play is studied in advance live performances. by a trained captioner who uploads In ten years, the organisation has the script into their laptop computer gone from being run from a kitchen (connected to the display unit), adds table (!) to offices in East London other sound information, then outputs where they now employ 7 people plus the dialogue line by line, as the action numerous freelancers, who work to unfolds live on stage. No pressure then! increase the level of access not only to A measure of how the popularity of theatres, but now also to museums, art captioning has increased can be seen in With kind permission of Cameron Mackintosh Limited. Photo: Simon Annand kind permission of Cameron Mackintosh With galleries and heritage sites through live what some of the stars of theatre – both Gwion Wyn Jones in Oliver! captioning technology. on and off stage have to say about it. What began in November 2000 with Actress Anna Friel says “STAGETEXT and a new project recently launching to a captioned performance of the Royal enables us to ensure we reach out to start captioned theatre groups across Shakespeare Company’s The Duchess of as wide an audience as possible,” while London, founder Peter Pullan says, Malfi at the Barbican Theatre has grown the Donmar Theatre’s artistic director “There’s still so much we want to do to to the extent that the charity captions Michael Grandage adds, “captioned encourage more arts venues to improve over 200 performances in 75 venues performances are now an integral part accessibility and to maximise the use of across the UK every year (to find out of the theatre-going experience.” new technology to meet the needs of about upcoming captioned shows, go to With the total number of captioned audiences and venues. We look forward Iconic Cilla Black – star of the theatre’s www.stagetext.org). shows recently passing the 1500 mark, to the next 10 years!” Christmas pantomime Cinderella - cut the ribbon to ‘open the house’ for the first time for a breathtaking performance of Northern Ballet’s Swan To hear or not to hear, that is the question Lake. the performance. They also provide aid, available from the Box Office. For tickets or more information Cephas Harrison captioned performances, an infrared Staff will be happy to explain use of about forthcoming shows contact system and scripts can be obtained by the system and there is an opportunity the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre In these straightened times, the email at [email protected] to check that your equipment is working box office on 0844 871 7607 or world of entertainment, and particularly or by telephone 020 7452 3281. prior to curtain up. visit www.ambassadortickets. the theatre, is having to work harder The Theatre Royal in Lincoln Some performances are also signed com/aylesbury than ever to put bums on seats. Live theatre has had to develop a range allows hearing dogs, and has two and further details can be obtained by of techniques to enable performances signed performances for its annual calling 02380 711811. to provide a meaningful and interactive pantomime, which is Aladdin further The Theatre Royal in York offers experience for their clientele whatever information can be obtained from the similar enhancements with a radio their personal requirements. Many box office on 01522 519999 loop system and signed performances, Advertise your production theaters have introduced thoughtful The Mayflower Theatre in details can be obtained from the box and innovative strategies to make a Southampton box office counter office 01904 623568. theatre visit inclusive for all. is fitted with a loop system and the HERE The National Theatre in London auditorium is fitted with an Infrared For further details of theatres email [email protected] allows hearing dogs to accompany their Amplification System. This is not the across the UK visit: owners and if advance notice is given, same as a Loop System, so switching www.londontheatre.co.uk or an aisle seat is provided. Staff are even your hearing aid to ‘T’ is not sufficient. www.britinfo.net/theatre happy to look after the dogs during You will need to use an amplification www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Theatre 9 Hearing Times interviews... Jacob Casselden

Sophie Sweatman

At the age of 23, Jacob brother and two sisters, learning sign On the cast of Tribes Casselden has already worked on language from his mother and playing Jacob says, “it was the stage, in dance and in TV film the drums like the other men in his incredibly difficult productions for the BBC. family. at the start but they have warmed up. I’m Jacob’s first film appearance was as At Bristol School of Dance Jacob getting used to them, Robert in the 1995 BBC film adaptation learned tap, jazz, modern, character how they work and of Pride and Prejudice and now he is and Russian dance and won prizes in how I work with them. the lead male character in Tribes, the competitions, becoming the third best I have worked with second play written by award-winning Russian or tap dancer in the country hearing people all my Nina Raines and directed by Roger between the ages of 14 and 16. life, so I’m used to Michell. the process; I like the “As a deaf person it was a bit challenge.” Jacob’s family discovered he was shocking that I won prizes, as born deaf at the age of one, as he everyone else could hear the Outside the wasn’t recognising where sound was music properly and I was expected performing arts Jacob coming from. Jacob says, “I was born to struggle,” he says. After the has worked part Deaf, it wasn’t necessarily a disability competitions there would be reporters time at the RNID in because I grew up learning to cope who would say what they thought was Bath, caring for deaf with my deafness to improve my good and made no exceptions for his people who cannot lack of hearing. live independently. He Jacob learnt to speak clearly without hearing aids while quality of life, to learn to communicate working on films and he had to remove them during filming with other people.” recently completed The first time Jacob felt a bit university and has different was when he started at a one more year of study towards saying to me ‘Be careful, the road is “I have worked with hearing mainstream primary school and was his Masters in acting, writing and dangerous’. people all my life, so I’m taken out of the classroom to go to producing. used to the process; I like the special needs unit which, he says, Then about half a year ago I came the challenge” ‘disconnected’ him from his friends. “I grew up learning to cope back from university and my dad said Up until then, he says, “I didn’t think with my deafness to improve ‘Be careful, the road is dangerous’ and In Tribes, Jacob plays Billy, a Deaf about myself as a deaf person”. my quality of life and learnt I said ‘Dad, that is not [the sign for] child born to an insular, hearing to communicate with others” dangerous, all my life you have been family who don’t believe in the Deaf Jacob also had the first type of saying to me ‘Be careful, the road is community and protect him from it by digital hearing aids made, which made Of what we’ve seen so far, we will be German’!” wrapping Billy in their vocal world of him feel like a different person and hearing and seeing much more from family arguments, which Billy learns although he got used to the sound, Jacob Casselden. Jacob didn’t learn to lip read. He is introduced to sign it didn’t help him clarify what people sign language until his GCSEs which, Seats with clear views of the language by Sylvia, played by Michelle were saying. he says, “meant I had to catch up with captions and BSL signers, and Terry, who is a hearing child born five years of secondary school in two clear reception of the Vocaleyes to a Deaf family and also losing her “I feel I can speak perfectly okay years and had to learn harder and audio descriptions, are held hearing. without hearing aids,” he says, adding faster than everyone else”. offsale and can only be booked that it was a process he learnt when directly with the Box Office Growing up in the countryside, working on film productions when he Jacob recalls how growing up, his on 020 7565 5000 or father learnt sign language but often Jacob benefitted from a musical and had to take his out his hearing aids. [email protected] supportive family, dancing with his got it wrong. “All my life he was

Tribes at the Royal Court Theatre Tribes is a remarkable play that manages to convey - in only two hours - what some people spend a lifetime trying to learn and understand about deafness

Charlie Swinbourne

Writer Nina Raine cleverly portrays different types of deaf people, is brave in writing brutal, stinging dialogue that sometimes reveals the limitations of the deaf world, and positive in explaining the sense of belonging the deaf community can offer - all through the story that unfolds before us. The opening scene starkly shows an experience familiar to many deaf people. A lively family argue passionately around a dinner table, yet one person Billy (Jacob Casselden) with Sylvia remains still and expressionless: Billy, (Michelle Terry) who is deaf. Billy is not only left out, he’s almost Deaf actor Jacob Casselden deserves invisible. Then one day, he tells his special praise for his intense yet subtle family he has a girlfriend – Sylvia, who performance, and the writing, acting has deaf parents and is going deaf and direction are excellent. At the end, herself. Soon Billy is learning to sign, many people in the audience (including news that is greeted with scepticism me) got to their feet to applaud the and suspicion. cast. Tribes has the potential to have a Tribes has the potential transforming effect on the perceptions to have a transforming of hearing people with no knowledge of effect on the perceptions deafness. I also recommend that deaf of hearing people with no people who share Billy’s experience knowledge of deafness (of being left out at home) take their families to see it, because it may just When Billy brings Sylvia to dinner, she sum up something they have never felt finds herself forced to defend herself able to say. from an interrogation by his academic This play presents deafness and father. In a beautiful moment, she its themes more dramatically and defiantly shows him how sign language eloquently than I have ever seen before. can visually translate the emotions in to In my view, Tribes should be seen as a poetry - which prompts the audience to shining example of how to make a rich, break into spontaneous applause. textured drama full of revelations about If Billy is passive and quiet in the first the deaf experience. half of the play, after the interval we One person told me afterwards that see him challenge his family for the first the play made him feel “empowered.” time. Themes established in the first I’d say that’s about right. half build up to an ending that sent a For more information about the shiver down my spine. Maybe that’s a Royal Court Theatre and Tribes visit cliché, but the thing is, I was moved. www.royalcourttheatre.com 10 www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Hearing Times interviews... Laura Goldberg

Charlie Swinbourne Laura is 23 years old. She currently works as a student ambassador encouraging young deaf people into higher education, and is also a talented photographer.

We interviewed her to find out about her most recent project – working as a sign language facilitator for artsdepot’s unique Signing Choir in Barnet, North London.

Could you tell me a bit about yourself? Well, I’ve had a great month I come from North London, just down the road from of exercise – although it’s artsdepot! I am severely deaf and grew up in a deaf, not really showing on my signing family. I recently graduated with a business degree, double-figure figure due to and I now combine working as a student ambassador with my continuing addiction to working part time with the Signing Choir! chocolate raisins! How did you become involved in the choir? Anyway, regular readers of I’ve always really, absolutely loved all types of music and my blog will know that I have my interest in signing songs hasrown over time. Last been attending a new gym. It’s summer I was working at artsdepot at Cafe Kapish, the deaf great fun and, for the first time cafe alongside a deafblind play called ‘Not by Bread Alone’ more expressive when signing with music than without! ever in my gym-going history, by Nalaga’at, an Israeli theatre company. That’s when I was They’ve picked up the signs very quickly. One deaf student I decided to try out some asked to join the Signing Choir. said that he was really interested in how the song could be classes, too. interpreted in very different ways through BSL, as his prior What kind of songs do the choir sign? knowledge was more SSE (Sign Supported English) based. So, the first classes I tried A mixture of classic pop songs, current chart hits and were Body Combat and Zumba. musical show tunes. My favourite is ‘I’m a Believer’ by The What’s the funniest thing that’s happened so far? The former I found fine as it Monkees! It’s very high energy and the expressions are There were a lot of laughs when we gave everyone sign was very repetitive and I just good fun! It’s also fun to practice the positive expressions names the other day! We based them on interests, hobbies, needed to copy the instructor for the “then I saw her face” line! their appearance, and played a memory game – it was a once to get the hang of it. Or great ice breaker! so I thought… Is your role helping the choir to express the meaning of the song using the right signs? What is the best thing about the Signing Choir? It actually turned out that the I tend to incorporate explanations along the way, to show Probably the fact that it’s something that both hearing and whole class was a mock fight why we might opt for a certain sign over another (without deaf young people can get involved in. But then something against someone and the while complicating it too much!) and to do this, I work closely follows a close second.. the expressive part of it, the way I was thinking how each move with Joe Bunker, the musical director. However, it is open to that you see some who are usually quite shy, come out of was toning my legs or arms, suggestion, and we’re hoping that as time goes on, we’ll try their shell when they sign. the instructor was yelling ‘Kill, more different interpretations. kill, kill!’ or something along The current term runs to December, what do you those lines! Delightful, huh? The choir sees deaf and hearing teenagers sign the hope the choir will achieve by then? songs together – how has that worked so far? I’d love for us to have mastered a few songs, but besides But by far my favourite class It’s one of our key aims - giving both hearing and that, I think the most important thing is for the group to feel so far is Zumba – a mixture deaf young people the opportunity to participate in confident in signing songs, and to have learnt about sign of various Latin American performance together. Some of the members of the choir language, deafness, and expression along the way. And of dances, it inspires you to think have experience with sign language, but the majority are course, to have had a good time! Each term, the group starts like Shakira and the beat is so unfamiliar - so it’s a learning curve for them! again, with old and new students. The Signing Choir project amazing, my feet are always is funded for the next two years, so watch this space! tapping right from the start. Are the hearing students enthusiastic about signing? They really are, and we do a lot of basic conversation- For more information about artsdepot’s Signing Choir In the past, I’ve always kept related signing to warm up. I’ve noticed that they seem visit www.artsdepot.co.uk/participate/signing_choir.php away from dance classes because I’m so bad at following what the instructor is actually saying, but with this one, I’ve stuck with it. And it’s getting First National Deaf Studies Curriculum website is launched easier. Terry Riley, Chair of the British Deaf Association, joined the National Deaf Studies Working Group and the staff at Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children, to celebrate the launch of the first website of its kind OK, so the lipreading thing means my eyes are always focused on my teacher, www.nationaldeafstudiescurriculum. “This new website is a great additional in different educational establishments, something which gives my com is specially created to provide full tool for parents and children to explore this curriculum will ensure that Deaf dancing the finesse of a access to the National Deaf Studies all aspects of their identity as bilingual children have a strong sense of identity, dancing plank, but, I’m doing it Curriculum. children in today’s multi-cultural world.” know where they belong in society – I can keep up with the class, Commenting at the event, Terry The National Deaf Studies curriculum today and understand the various and the best thing? I love it. Riley said, “I am delighted to be here is available to anyone who is interested communication modes used in both the today to celebrate the launch of the in using and teaching the curriculum in Deaf and hearing world. When the gym first opened, the first National Deaf Studies Curriculum schools, units, services and colleges. For more information please visit classes were quiet, so I didn’t need to tell my instructor that I website, which contains a fully When Deaf children are now scattered www.fbarnes.camden.sch.uk couldn’t hear as I always got a comprehensive outline of the National spot at the front. Deaf Studies Curriculum, produced by Deaf educators and accepted by many But recently, the class has been Deaf schools, in order to provide a Photo of the filling up and, after one class, consistent level of education for Deaf when I was stuck at the back children.” Month unable to follow anything, I Deaf Instructor, Catherine Drew, decided to tell her I couldn’t said, “At Frank Barnes, our specialist Bryony Parkes hear. staff teach through the pupils’ preferred language (BSL and/or English) aiming I’m quite sad that the height She was fabulous about it and to achieve high standards of education of the wedding season is now has a spot for me reserved and develop high levels of self-esteem right behind her at every class, now over. I took this as a which is great. and confidence through our bilingual philosophy. guest, at a very good friend’s Hopefully, with practice, I will wedding last month. be able to tear my eyes away Frank Barnes School is a bilingual Churches are often very low from lipreading her and begin primary school for deaf children to actually look like my whole based in the London Borough of light, therefore I needed a body is dancing, not just my Camden. The specially designed high ISO of 800, and a wide legs and arms. environment meets the unique needs of every child, providing successful aperture of f/2.0 on my learning through British Sign But in the meantime, if you Language (BSL) and English. Nikon D90. happen to stumble upon my Zumba class, do say hello – I’m The Deaf Studies Curriculum The shutterspeed was 1/100, the dancing plank, right up published by the National Deaf I had to take it quickly! I do front, behind the exceptionally Studies Working Group, aims to instill amazing teacher! pride and a strong sense of identity love a good wedding. Roll in deaf people in society and an on summer 2011 and more understanding of the different modes www.deafinitelygirly.com of communication used by deaf people. amazing weddings! www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 11 Deaf Action marks at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East th Reasons to be Cheerful 175 anniversary 22 October - 13 November

The Scottish charity has launched It’s 1979. Ian Dury and the Odeon but the gig is sold out. Vinnie a history book chronicling its 175 Blockheads’ new single REASONS will do anything to get tickets, but “such years of existence TO BE CHEERFUL (part 3) is life is complicated. enthusiastic, climbing the charts. Labour has caring ‘From Benevolence to Empowerment 1835 – 2010’, the history book written just lost the recent election to the His dad is dying; the girl he loves performances by John Hay MBE, Senior Lecturer Tories. is going out with his boss at the - and the in Deaf Studies and BSL/English supermarket, and his own band music - wow Interpreting at the University of Vinnie and his mates are big Ian never stops fighting. But the - until you’ve Wolverhampton, is the first time that Dury fans and they are desperate opportunity to get tickets for the gig seen a group the oldest constituted Deaf society in to see him at the Hammersmith arises and events take a surprising of seventy the world has had its complete history turn. year olds recorded and published. singing “sex... Set during a time of political and drugs... change and economic and rock...and roll” (with hardship, Dury’s songs actions...!!) you haven’t lived...!” provide a powerful political and emotional backdrop to All performances include captioned this coming-of-age tale. dialogue and BSL-interpreted songs. Produced by Theatre Royal Stratford East, Graeae Theatre For more information visit Company and The New Wolsey, www.stratfordeast.com Ipswich See next month’s issue for a full review Deaf Action claims to be the first society to support Deaf Adults

Deaf Action is the largest deaf- led registered charity working across Scotland, aiming to raise awareness of the needs and rights of deaf people, challenge discrimination, and provide services to promote independence and quality of life. This year marks the 175th anniversary of Deaf Action and as such, a year long celebration with a wide range of events has been taking place. As part of these anniversary celebrations, John Hay MBE was commissioned to research and recount the long and varied history of the organisation.

“This organisation has witnessed some very important junctures, not only in Deaf history but also in the history of Scotland”

‘From Benevolence to Empowerment’ focuses not only on the development of The Edinburgh Deaf and Dumb Benevolent Society (EDDBS), as Deaf Action was originally called in 1835, HEAR the TV again with perfect clarity with our but provides a fascinating history of Deaf culture in Scotland whilst new CL7300 Wireless Radio TV Headset! simultaneously illustrating an evolving Scotland throughout the ages. Liz Scott Gibson, Director of Deaf Action said, “Deaf Action has such a colourful past history, a past that includes sporting heroes, explorers and NEW! CL7300 entrepreneurs and ‘From Benevolence to Empowerment’ records the many achievements. With this new TV Listener you can now listen to your TV “It is clear that this organisation has witnessed some very important at your preferred volume up to an impressive 125dBspl junctures, not only in Deaf history but and with CD quality sound! also in the history of Scotland, with an impact felt throughout the World. Using radio transmission means you can walk freely around your “Thinking about the achievements of the Edinburgh Deaf and Dumb home, up to 25 metres from the base and still receive amazingly Benevolent Society is simply inspiring clear sound. – the success of EDDBS very much motivates and influences Deaf Action The headset is lightweight with large up/down controls for easy today.” John Hay MBE, Author of ‘From volume adjustment, has bass/treble adjustment and balance control. Benevolence to Empowerment’ said, The CL7300 also comes with a spare battery “Writing this book has been a labour of love for me. When I was initially which fits in the base, RRP approached about the project, I was so you never run out of charge! immediately interested although it ONLY proved to be a challenge to summarise £149.99! 175 years into a few pages. “Deaf Action, the world’s first ever society to support Deaf adults, has a Visit our website today: www.geemarc.com very interesting past with numerous or call 01707 384446 for more information. events and achievers worthy of mention. “I was truly delighted to discover, record and report my findings in their commemorative booklet.”

For more information visit www.deafaction.org for more details or contact [email protected] 12 Community www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Cameroon: where deafness is a curse The Tell someone your child is deaf in the UK and you can generally expect a degree of understanding and a range of potential sources of support, imperfect though they may sometimes be

Deaf Things are very different in Cameroon, their deafness, and others locked in mentally ill, a former French and British colony in their homes because their parents are but as ordinary central west Africa, where deafness is ashamed of them. human beings, One viewed as a curse – a mental defect with their own to be ashamed of. This reality hit “Communication is avoided, and the culture and 35-year-old charity volunteer, Sandrine deaf tend to be shut away, especially language, just As many of you know, I’ve Ngnasoke, so hard that the part-time in remoter areas, and not allowed like any other English and French teacher and mother to interact with anyone,” continues group.” just moved house. It suddenly of a deaf son has devoted herself to Sandrine. “Most deaf children and occurred to me about five days campaigning for a change in attitudes. adults do not wear aids, and no-one To this end, before I left the old one house thinks you have a right to wear one. she has made that I needed to arrange to get Sandrine, who lives in the capital, Because some people assume aids one six-minute my flashing lights removed. Yaoundé, is married to husband will ‘cure’ deafness, they easily get documentary Vincent, a pastor, and has two sons, discouraged and stop using them if film about Come moving-in day, and the Daniel, aged nine, and Emmanuel, there is no immediate improvement. her son called poor electrician was working aged 12. She has no hearing Many aids are secondhand ones Danny: Deaf around a trillion boxes and impairment herself, but noticed that donated from overseas. or Cursed, a very personal story of a furniture piled downstairs ready when Danny was just a few months mother’s battle for her son to get the for the big van. old, he only responded to loud sounds. “Most provinces are French speaking, best out of life. so, where it is used at all, deaf people I’ve yet to have my Home Fire No public primary school use French sign language, or the Now Sandrine is working on another Safety Assessment in the new will accept a deaf pupil, American version in English-speaking documentary, highlighting cultural house, but I’ve already worked and Cameroon has just two regions. I’m learning both, but most differences to deafness in Cameroon out what I need. At least I’m schools to educate children parents of deaf children in Cameroon and the UK. She is still learning film- being more organised this time! with a hearing loss don’t bother. making skills, through the Youth with I remember the first flashing a Mission charity in Harpenden, and light system when I was growing “The problem is that in the villages has interviewed British deaf people up. “A GP at a local public hospital said the especially, things which can’t be including a pianist, a shop cashier, problem was not hearing-related but explained medically are left with the deaf teachers and BSL interpreters, as to do with me,” recalls Sandrine. “That gods to deal with. Even people in our well as an audiologist and members of Mum arranged for Social Services was so hurtful. Then we were told own and other churches told me we a deaf church. She hopes her videos to come round and fit a unit that Danny’s ears just needed washing out. needed to look deep into our lives to will eventually be shown on national made the ceiling lights in the find the cause of Danny’s deafness. television in Cameroon and other house flash if there was someone “He was four before he was finally Some urged me to stop him from media outlets. at the door, or if the telephone diagnosed as being profoundly deaf wearing aids and look to prayers and rang. We used to know the and in need of hearing aids. We my faith instead.” Sandrine also wants to launch a small people that lived opposite, and understood that we’d need to fly charity which would bring donated I remember fondly, our friend someone over from France to fit the No public primary school will accept a deaf equipment for deaf people to Cameroon commenting with a smile how aids, which we couldn’t afford, so pupil, and Cameroon has just two schools from the UK and other countries. they’d notice from across the we kept investigating. We were in to educate children with a hearing loss, street in the evening if someone shock and looking for a solution. In both of which are fee-paying and out of “Some urged me to stop him was at our door due to the whole the end, British friends sent us a pair. most parents’ price range. from wearing aids and look to house switching on and off! We’ve also been helped to travel to prayers and my faith instead.” Great Ormond Street in London for There is one English speaking deaf Boarding school was my next treatment. But when Danny’s aids school in the country, but Danny experience. As it was a school broke, we couldn’t get them fixed attends the French speaking ESEDA There are signs that things are for the deaf, each room and here.” School in Yaoundé. It was founded in changing in Cameroon .The deaf dormitory had a strobe light 1972 by Helene Ressicaud, a French community has held marches in above the door which strobed In Cameroon deafness is widely viewed Catholic who has since died. The protest at the way it is treated, there school relies on voluntary donation, is a movement for the country to have bright orange if the fire alarm as a mentally illness, or a punishment for past sins. Belief in sacrifices and, with money drying up in recent its own national sign language. went off. Quite an experience if of goats and roosters to gods or years, permanent closure is a very real you were woken in the middle ancestors to treat it is common, as are possibility. In recent years, the Cameroon Deaf of the night, you were walking visits to witch doctors, and the use of Empowerment Organisation has made in circles until the main light got traditional medicines to cure deafness. “The teachers haven’t been paid for some headway in achieving its goals switched on! months, so have to work elsewhere through its programmes for deaf Unless they are self-employed, the to earn money and are often absent,” awareness, primary and secondary Sixth form dormitories had an chances of deaf people finding work explains Sandrine. “It’s getting harder education and vocational training, fight additional green light for the are almost non-existent. Because and harder for the school to stay against HIV/AIDS, and the promotion doorbell, most useful for feeling most can’t speak or read unaided, open.” of deaf arts, culture and sport. very grown up! vital health messages about AIDS don’t get through, leaving deaf people Despite, the odds, Sandrine is There is clearly some way still to go, While you can still get flashing particularly vulnerable to this disease. determined to fight to raise awareness, but, thanks to the determination of lights, you can also get other address the stigma attached to ordinary people like Sandrine, there is methods now. A pager system is Sandrine is collecting evidence to deafness in Cameroon and to change hope for the future. She is living proof a popular method amongst my confirm reports that some children attitudes, “I dream of a time when that charity, started at home on a small friends, but after using one at have even been killed because of deaf people are not seen as not scale, can be the start of big changes. my university house, I’m afraid I can’t be trusted to remember to carry it around with me. The method that I think will suit me RAD promotes electrical fire safety best, is a transportable beacon. Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) is running a series of workshops to promote electrical fire safety to Deaf people I say transportable, but really it’s just wireless, but it’s very easy to Funded by the Electrical Safety Council Lorraine Carney, Head of Campaigns take into the garden if necessary. (ESC), the workshops aim to increase at the ESC said, “The work we do is One excellent technology Deaf people’s awareness of the causes all about helping people to stay safe advance in recent years has been of electrical-related fires in the home around electricity. We are delighted to the introduction of wireless. and educate them on how to reduce support RAD with their project to recruit risks. electrical fire safety champions. Nowadays, flashing lights and beacons can be wireless, British Sign Language (BSL) uses a “With over half of accidental fires in UK meaning less intervention within different form of grammar to English homes – that’s more than 20,000 each the walls of your home, and and as such Deaf people may find year – being caused by electricity,* it is much easier transportation written safety instructions difficult to important that everyone has access to should you move house again. understand. By delivering electrical fire safety information that will enable them safety training in BSL, RAD will enable to help prevent electrical accidents. Deaf people to fully understand ways to If you need some help with prevent accidents in their homes and knowing when the doorbell is “We see this project as a good way spread their knowledge to others. of getting safety messages spread going, the telephone is ringing throughout communities. To help Workshops will take place in Clapham, or the smoke alarm is wailing, Led by Joe Hassel, Fire Safety Officer ensure that RAD messages are more Acton, West Ham and Romford, with then get in touch with your local the workshops will include: widely accessible, we have recently dates to be confirmed. Services to Deaf People within * Basic electrical safety in the home added British Sign Language to two Social Services. There is lots of * Causes of electrical equipment fires of our educational websites, created For further information email support available if you ask! * Safety points and good practises for teachers and children – www. [email protected] or * What to do if a fire breaks out switchedonkids.org.uk for primary level visit www.royaldeaf.org.uk For more visit www.thedeafone.co.uk * How to call the fire service school children and www.twothirtyvolts. * Source: Communities and Local * Early warnings of fire org.uk for 11-16 year olds.” Government Fire Statistics 2007 www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Community 13 Deaf dog passes toughest obedience test New sensory pond in memory of headteacher in Britain after mastering sign language Youngsters at Doncaster Deaf Trust are at one with nature thanks It’s not unheard of for a dog to turn to a new sensory pond development which is boosting their learning a deaf ear to his owner – usually when the pet in question is chewing up a fascinating new item of furniture. Zippy the Boston terrier, on the other hand, really does have a hearing problem. But thanks to his owner, who came up with her own form of sign language, he is still top dog in his obedience class. Despite being completely deaf, two- year-old Zippy has now received the Zippy, who is completely deaf, learnt Kennel Club’s highest award for obedience. over 20 commands to pass the test It is the first time the training Retired hairdresser Mrs Tate, who school had given the award to also owns three boxer dogs, bought a deaf dog Zippy from a litter of five when he was seven weeks old but didn’t notice there To pass the gold award test, tasks was anything wrong until she brought included going to bed and staying him home. there; walking by his owner’s side He didn’t react to her calls, growled when while ignoring another dog nearby; and she tried to put him to bed, and failed to walking at heel along a road. respond when she whistled at him. His proud owner, Vicky Tate, 65, A hearing test at an animal hospital who lives near Grays, Essex, said, “A confirmed he was deaf. lot of dogs which can hear were were Since then, though, Zippy has struggling with the exam. It was the mastered 20 commands including first time the training school had given sit, stand, lie down, stay down and LtoR: Kyle Owens, Jack Bevens, Charlie Williams, Claudia Shipley, Sam Parkin, the award to a deaf dog and everyone stop, which are communicated to him Elizabeth Pople, Greatness Fayose, William Baxter, Jason Warman was stunned when he passed.” through hand and leg movements. Five volunteers aged 18-22 helped Walkers Nurseries, Blaxton in memory build the water feature, complete with of Cherry Glenville, former head of ITV opens up access to very special stories! floating garden, footbridge and calming Doncaster College for the Deaf who seating areas which will enable pupils, died 23 years ago. ITV is working with Special Stories Publishing to help raise disability students and staff to learn about A trust fund was later set up by the awareness and celebrate diversity through children’s books wildlife and plant species while creating college to remember her by. a social environment. Fundraisers, donations and investments A Birthday for Ben is now available in British Sign Language, animation, text and Bobbie Roberts, Chair of Trustees in the fund helped to raise £4000 to build sound via the unique online library at www.signedstories.com. said, “Our new sensory pond and garden the educational facility which now sits in development is a fantastic addition to the courtyard of the Trust. It’s Ben’s 7th birthday but he really doesn’t want a birthday party. But when his the wonderful grounds we maintain for Bobbie added, “Cherry was such a friends surprise him, he learns just how easy it is for everyone to join in the fun. our learners here at the Trust. We are special person who inspired so many Written from Ben’s perspective, the story introduces the themes of deafness, overjoyed with the redeveloped pond and to create such a pleasant feature hearing aids and sign language and celebrates inclusion and diversity. and with how it will contribute to both is the least we could do to ensure her the educational and recreational needs of memory lives on. Caroline Carswell the founder of Irish Deaf Kids said: “A Birthday for Ben is a very both Deaf and Hearing youngsters alike.” “A huge thank you goes out to our welcome resource for parents and teachers as it introduces the whole concept of The garden was developed by brilliant volunteers who worked so hard hearing and deafness to young children.” Spacemaker landscaping team from on the project.” Can we help you make a claim? If you’ve been exposed to harmful noise at work and are suffering hearing loss, even if the exposure was as long ago as the 1970’s Hearing damaged and even if your employer’s firm no longer exists, you may have a genuine claim for Industrial Deafness. Exposure to unsafe noises, either sudden sounds that are too loud or loud at work? sounds that last a long time, are much more dangerous. They can damage our inner ears, causing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

What sounds can cause Industrial Deafness? Industrial Deafness can be caused by exposure to a one-off intense sound, You could claim such as an explosion. This is known as Impulse Noise. We can also suffer from Industrial Deafness through exposure to unsafe loud sounds over a period of time, such as noise in a factory or engineering plant. This is known as Continuous Noise. over £10,000. Injuries like these can be caused by a failure to provide hearing protectors when you worked in a factory or if you had to work too close to noisy Has your hearing been damaged working in a noisy environment? machinery. The louder the sound the less time it takes before Noise Induced Let us provide you with a FREE hearing test to see if you can claim Hearing Loss (NIHL) occurs. over £10,000 in compensation. How to tell if you have Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)? We do not charge you a penny in any circumstances, win or lose. NIHL is often accompanied by a ringing, buzzing or roaring sensation in one or both ears, called tinnitus; though it is not always present. Exposure to impulse and continuous noise may cause either temporary or permanent hearing loss. NIHL symptoms can increase gradually and you may not have been aware of the symptoms until recently, even if exposure to the noise was years ago. Over time you may find noises such as the TV becoming distorted or muffled and you may find it difficult to understand speech. Obviously none of us are superhuman and a gradual loss of hearing is perfectly natural for many of us as we grow older and that is not an NIHL injury. So by taking a fast, simple hearing test we can easily determine whether you have NIHL. Attwood Solicitors can arrange an absolutely free test with a local hearing expert for you, in some special circumstances even at your own home, and advise whether you can claim as much as £10,000 in compensation without you spending a single penny. Free Legal Advice If you’d like to know more about making a claim or to arrange a free consultation with our Industrial Deafness specialists, call 0800 587 3231 or text ‘claim’ to 07533 403 279 for a return call. www.attwoodsolicitors.co.uk Professional Referrers We are looking for professional referrers to refer us patients, who they suspect are suffering from noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). If you would like to become a referrer, please call 0800 587 3231 to discuss. 14 Puzzles www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Wordsearch BTA launches a new retreat for people with tinnitus The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) has announced a unique weekend retreat for people with tinnitus Find the words in the grid below. They are chosen from thoughout the newspaper so have a flick though and challenge yourself to find them all! The aims of the weekend are to enable people with tinnitus to take control of tinnitus through information and insight, by understanding how the brain works, learning to manage stress and anxiety, using relaxation techniques, basic tai chi IAYBGURMYC and yoga and sharing experiences. sensory Says David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the BTA, “The MSRESEARCH Wicked mission of the BTA is to educate and support people with tinnitus, and we are proud to have been able to devise this RAEAURIOHC batteries course with its very practical emphasis on managing tinnitus.” Rayovac He adds, “Tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected EBTEYRLAES individual, and this course is designed to help those with rugby tinnitus to cope and to improve their general wellbeing and CMEUROPEAN state of mind in an informal and relaxed setting.” colonial The Tinnitus: Learning to Cope weekend will be held in HOETNRVFAW safety Buxton on 2 and 3 April 2011 and costs £300 (BTA member) parliament or £350 (non-member). AMNISEEAIM The cost includes all course materials, classes, meals and European overnight accommodation at the prestigious Buxton Palace Hotel MAAUOTICCM curriculum Due to the nature of the weekend, participants are limited to 20 people. PLGSYSKLUU surgeons For more details, contact Krys Klytta at the BTA on 0114 250 9933 or krys@ chocolate tinnitus.co.uk or visit www.tinnitus.org.uk IAEEKEMLFO Cymru OIRMDHUREC review Free Leadership and Empowerment Workshops tickets NNSLICCSRH Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) is running a series of workshops aimed at championship empowering Deaf people to challenge local services that do not meet their needs. STETINAUYO The Leadership and Empowerment Workshops will provide Deaf people with the tools Mombasa and skills they need to influence and shape the future of local services. HIIRIAIRRC Mini The workshops will be delivered by David Stocks, Empowerment Manager for RADAR teenagers – The Disability Network. IARCSMMGOO Topics covered include: awareness Dates/venues for workshops: • How to approach local services PUECKOCESL research 10 November – St Mellitus Centre for • Presenting at meetings Deaf People, Southend • How to become actively involved in local CATWSECONA theatre 20 November – Harvey Shopping Centre, services choir Harlow • Using the media to influence local issues ERTAEHTNET Workshops will run from 12pm-4pm and • What the Equality Act means for Deaf Manchester include a free lunch. To book a place, people contact Emma Hampson: AWARENESSE Telephone: 0845 688 2525 Text Phone: 0845 688 2527 ESBREVIEWC Email: [email protected] SMS: 07801 240 595 Sudoku Subscribe to Hearing Times Hearing Times is the only national UK newspaper for deaf and hard of hearing Fill in the blank squares so that communites and professionals in the hearing industry. Published 11 times a year, each row, each column and each the we provide a source of local, national and world news, sport, arts, information 3-by-3 block contain all of the about breaking research and the latest technological developments. We also share digits 1 through 9 advice and information from reliable sources with our 20,000 readers, as well as encouraging them to share stories and experiences. Medium We offer four options for subscription to Hearing Times Please tick one Online subscription is free; you will be able to view the latest issue and archived copies of Hearing Times. For more information and to subscribe visit www.hearingtimes.co.uk

One year’s subscription to the newspaper - £15 (11 issues of the newspaper delivered to your door)

One year’s subscription to the newspaper £15 + Pocket Listenor (an assistive listening device from Conversor) + £20 = £35

Subscription is free for charities, if you should require multiple copies of the newspaper there is a charge of £30 per annum to receive 10 copies per month, for more information or to contact 0845 293 0688

Complete and return the form to Our pledge to charity subscribe to Hearing Times is pleased Hearing Times to donate £1 of each £15 subscription to one of our Title...... Name...... 2010 affiliated charities: Hard Charity/company name...... SignHealth is a healthcare charity committed to Charity number...... improving the healthcare and equality of health care Address...... provision for deaf people in the UK. For information visit ...... www.signhealth.org. Deafness Research is a ...... charity supporting medical research into deafness Postcode...... and hearing disorders, with unrivalled access to Telephone...... the UK’s top researchers. For information visit Email...... www.deafnessresearch.org

Please complete and return via fax: 01483 289171 or via post Hearing Times | Craven House | Lansbury Estate | 102 Lower Guildford Road | Woking | Surrey | GU21 2EP If you have any queries contact: [email protected] or call 0845 2930688 www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 Events 15

A miscellany of theatre, film, charity and fundraising events to keep readers informed of happenings in deaf Events Guide and hard of hearing communities

STAGETEXT provides captioning for theatres and other If you go to an event why not write and Theatre arts venues to provide access to live performances for Community tell us about it, and we’ll put it in the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people next issue of the newspaper! November November

Monday 1 2:45 PM Blackthorn Comms services for deaf people Performing arts weekend 7:30 PM Tribes (Captioned in-house) Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold Wednesday 3 10:00 - 16:10 Friday 19 at 17:00 - Sun 21 at 15:00 Royal Court Theatre, London BT Centre, 81 Newgate Street, London EC1A 7AJ Hilltop Outdoor Centre, Old Woods, 3:00 PM Blue/Orange This one day UKCoD conference will Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8TS Tuesday 2 Arcola, London 13th Saturday 7:30 PM House of Games (Captioned explore the current state of play in Age range: 11 to 15 years old in-house) 3:30 PM Tribes (Captioned in-house) broadcasting and telecommunications Price: Free Almeida Theatre, London Royal Court Theatre, London for deaf and hard of hearing people. It At this weekend, your child will work will also be an opportunity to examine with The Kaos Organisation to try a Wednesday 3 Tuesday 16 future developments such as voice variety of performing arts activities such 7:30 PM Tribes (Captioned in-house) 7:30 PM Men Should Weep recognition, remote interpreting and as: drama games; body percussion; Royal Court Theatre, London National Theatre, London speech to text services which could be signed song; unarmed stage combat; Thursday 4 Thursday 18 of benefit to deaf consumers. circus skills; face and body art. 7:30 PM Hairspray (Captioned in-house) 7:00 PM Three Musketeers and the For more information visit This event is suitable for deaf children Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Princess of Spain www.deafcouncil.org.uk or email and young people aged 11-15 years old. Richmond Theatre, Richmond [email protected] For further infomation: 8:00 PM Blue/Orange Email: [email protected] Arcola, London 5th Friday 7:30 PM Blasted (Captioned in house) Aged 8-16? Interested in sign song? Phone: 02837507877 Lyric Hammersmith, London 7:30 PM The Habit of Art (Touring) Saturday 6 10:00 - 16:00 Fax: 02837507877 Theatre Royal, Nottingham Friday 19 Nottingham Deaf Society 7:45 PM Chekhov in Hell (Captioned 22 Forest Road West, Nottingham, NG7 4EQ Da Da present the Open Arts Choir Friday 5 by Theatre Royal Plymouth) Work with actress Rebecca Withey to: Saturday 20 19:30 7:45 PM Crash (Captioned in house) Theatre Royal, Plymouth * learn how to sign a pop song using Part of Da Da Fest International 2010 West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds British Sign Language (BSL) Dada Fest (Disability and Deaf Arts Saturday 20 * create a dance routine Festival) brings artists from across the Saturday 6 7:30 PM A Slight Ache and The Lover, * perform your new skills to family at globe to Liverpool to showcase and 2:30 PM Master Class (Captioned by double bill (Captioned in-house) the end of the day! celebrate art from a unique cultural Theatre Royal Plymouth) Mercury Theatre, Colchester Theatre Royal, Plymouth * you don’t need to know sign perspective, challenging and entertaining Sunday 21 language to attend! audiences with it’s key theme ‘objects 4:00 PM Hot Stuff 2:00 PM Hamlet Whatever you use - BSL, SSE, of curiosity and desire’, curated by Curve Theatre, Leicester National Theatre, London lipreading or talking we will make sure renowned Artistic Director Garry Robson. you have understood what’s going on. For more information and to book Tuesday 9 Wednesday 24 For more information email the tickets call 0151 703 2257 or visit 7:45 PM Red Bud 7:30 PM Inheritance (Captioned in NDCS Arts Officer: [email protected] www.dadahello.com Royal Court Theatre, London house) www.dadafest2010.co.uk Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne, Thursday 11 Consumer Rights Workshop, London Newcastle upon Tyne 7:30 PM The Habit of Art (Touring) Monday 8 10:00 - 13:30 Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Grand Theatre, Leeds 7:30 PM The Habit of Art (Touring) Friday 12 17:00 - 19:30 Saturday 27 19:00 - Sun 28 at 02:00 7:30 PM Beautiful Burnout Theatre Royal, Glasgow 2nd Floor, Karen House, 1-11 Baches Street Main Reception Level B2, Wembley Are you Deaf, from an ethnic/immigrant National Stadium, London HA9 0WS The Crucible, Sheffield 7:30 PM Calendar Girls background and living in London? Age range: Over 18 only Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Friday 12 Do you want to know more about Price: £30 5:00 PM Mamma Mia Thursday 25 consumer rights? Recognise sporting achievements within Prince of Wales Theatre, London 7:30 PM The Lion King A Consumer Rights Workshop will be the Deaf Community at the very first Saturday 13 Lyceum Theatre, London held by RAD Legal Services in London. annual Deaf Sports Personality of the For more information or to book Year. Vote online now and buy your 2:30 PM Les Miserables Saturday 27 a place, contact Natalie Creevy ticket to applaud the success of deaf Queen’s Theatre, London 2:30 PM War Horse sms: 07525 234 782 or email athletes onlongside various celebrity New London Theatre, London [email protected] sport heroes at Wembly Stadium. Tuesday 30 For further infomation visit 7:30 PM The Train Weekend for families with pre- www.dspy2010.co.uk 19 Nov 10 - 5 Feb 11 Driver school deaf children Hampstead Theatre, Sat 13 at 09:00 - Sun London 14 at 14:00 Polka Theatre presents Holiday Inn Liverpool December City Centre, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1NQ Wednesday 1 7:30 PM The Railway An opportunity for families from across Children (Captioned by AWORLDWIDESUPPLIEROF The Touring Consortium) the region to spend a Former Eurostar Terminal, relaxing and informative AUDIOLOGY ROOMS & BOOTHS Waterloo, London few days in the company of other families who all Friday 3 have at least one thing 5:30 PM Don’t Stop in common – they have Believin’ a pre-school child with a Lyceum Theatre, hearing loss. Sheffield This is a NDCS event Saturday 4 that hearing family may 2:30 PM Molly attend. Sweeney For more information: Curve Theatre, Email: suzie. Leicester [email protected] Phone: 0121 234 7:45 PM Translations 9820 Curve Theatre, Fax: 0121 233 9575 BESPOKE FACILITIES By Hans Christian Andersen Leicester www.ndcs.org.uk Adapted by Mike Kenny STANDARD & MINI BOOTH RANGES REFURBISHMENT SERVICE 50+ YEARS - 1952 TO 2009 Advertise your event Tickets: 020 8543 4888 / www.polkatheatre.com 6 -11 HERE CONTACT DETAILS years 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB Email [email protected] Phone: +44 (0) 1276 471199

Illustration by Zdenko Bašic and Manuel Šumberac. Registered Charity No. 256979 Fax: +44 (0) 1276 453333 Next month discount on advertising for charities! E-mail: [email protected] Fully Integrated Signed Performance on Sat 4 Dec, 2pm Website: www.audiologyrooms.com 16 Sport www.hearingtimes.co.uk November 2010 England Deaf 101 v. Essex Bishops 5 England Deaf have kick started their preparations for the upcoming deaf rugby internationals with a substantial win over Essex Bishops

The match was the culmination of However the squad soon settled to a training weekend supported by the the more serious business of match very generous sponsorship of Elms preparation and returned to Braintree Stansted BMW dealership. RFC for a training session on Saturday The England Deaf squad had been afternoon. hosted at the sponsors showroom in Preparation was greatly assisted by Bishops Stortford on Saturday morning the attendance of Mike Ford the Elite when they managed to establish that England Defence Coach who provided the spacious new Mini Clubman will the squad with a training and coaching hold 14 deaf rugby players – albeit session on Sunday morning. with occasional limbs projecting! Sunday proved to be a bright, dry but cool day perfect for running rugby and that was what the crowd was treated to. Essex Bishops are a very Opportunities for all: Oliver Evans, 16, stands with the squad. England Deaf welcome all new players, especially to Juniors’ and Women’s teams experienced team comprising players from nearly 20 clubs across Essex and However for the next 15 minutes England Deaf team went in at half time looked to have weight and experience the Bishops exerted their weight and leading 31-5. over the England Deaf squad. It was strength advantage in tight play holding After the break England Deaf clear that their front five were going the England Deaf team within their 22 continued to take advantage of their to be extremely tough. for long periods and eventually getting pace and while the Bishops continued their just rewards when the pack forced to play festival rugby, further tries were Preparation was assisted by its way over for a try scored by the No added at regular intervals throughout the attendance of Mike Ford 8. The conversion was missed. the second half. the Elite England Defence By this time the England Deaf pack Tries were scored by Rhys Stickings, Coach who provided the was starting to obtain some parity with Mark Lewis (2), Barney Reeve (3) Ceri squad with a training and the Bishops pack and following good Thomas (2) and tow more for Adam coaching session rucking the ball went out for Faulkner Faulkner, the Man of the Match with who again showed his impressive a total of 6 tries, the first double hat- England Deaf got off to a flying start speed and agilty to score his second trick in the history of England Deaf. in the first minute when winger Adam try on 22 minutes. Adam was only beaten to the top Faulkner received the ball on the left England Deaf started spreading the points scorer by Mark Lewis who of the field deep within his 22. He set ball wide to maximise their speed provided a total of 11 conversions to of at high speed and carved his way advantage. Tries followed for Guy his two tries for a total of 32 points. through the Bishops to score under Lavery on 24 minutes and two more for Special mention is merited for Fun before the match: 14 Deaf the post. The conversion was missed Faulkner on 35 and 37 minutes. With Barney Reeve who made an impressive England rugby players fit in the Mini but it was a sign of things to come. three conversion from Mark Lewis the debut at the age of 17. London 2012 ticket prices announced Find out how to qualify for the National and age The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and group Deaf Swimming Championships now! Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has revealed its ticket pricing structure The National and Age Group Deaf Swimming Championships will Tickets for the Olympic Games go on take place at K2 Crawley on 26 March 2011 starting at 2pm sale in March 2011 and there will be a range of prices and initiatives to make tickets as accessible as possible. It is also anticipated that following detailed venue and sport schedule modelling, 800,000 more tickets will be made available – an increase of 10% on the figure previously announced.

Ticket prices will be per session, the length of which will vary from sport to sport. There will be 649 separate ticketed sessions across the 26 sports during the Olympic Games. The full list of prices per sport is available on Your Age scheme and the London the London 2012 ticketing website. All 2012 Ticketshare scheme reflect this tickets for events in and around London ambition, and the fact that we will offer include a travelcard and LOCOG has 2.5 million tickets at £20 or under will absorbed the impact of the recent VAT also deliver this aim. We have one very increase to ensure tickets represent the clear message to the public. ‘Sign Up’ best possible value for spectators. to our ticketing website to get all the information you will need over the next London 2012 has also revealed for five months as we build up to the start over 200 Olympic Games sessions, a of ticket sales in March next year.” ‘pay your age’ scheme will operate. This will see anyone who is 16 and under at London 2012 will have more tickets the start of the Games pay their age – on sale for disabled people than any and anyone aged 60 and over pay £16. previous Olympic Games in history. Using These sessions will be spread across all the highly accessible ticketing website, sports and all venues. there will be seating options available for visually impaired and hearing impaired London 2012 Chairman Sebastian people, as well as those who cannot Dear old Blighty: the European Deaf Swimming team Coe commented, “We have three clear manage steps and wheelchair users. The This event is open to all Deaf and hard of hearing swimmers (the majority of principles for our ticketing strategy cost of a ticket for a wheelchair space will current swim team members are orally orientated). The hearing loss categories – tickets need to be affordable and also include the cost for one companion areas follows: Cat ‘A’ 25dB to 54dB; and Cat ‘B’ 55dB upwards in your better ear, accessible to as many people as seat adjacent to it. over an average of 500/1000/2000 Hertz. possible, tickets are an important revenue stream for us to fund the The London 2012 ‘Sign Up’ programme The World Deaf Swimming Championships (to be held at Coimbra, Portugal from 6 Games and our ticketing plans have was launched earlier this year. So far to 13 August 2011) selection process will only include swimmers from Cat ‘B’ due the clear aim of filling our venues to over 1.7 million people have signed up to the international criterion. the rafters. When we won the right to and are receiving news and discount stage the Games, we made a promise ticket offers for sporting events. Those For further details on qualifying times and how you could take part, contact Vincent to inspire young people to choose sport who have signed up will be among the Dickson, Great Britain Deaf Swimming Team Manager at [email protected] and our ticket prices will get as many first to find out when tickets go on sale or 7 Lincoln Terrace, York Rd, Cheam, Surrey SM2 6HE. young people as possible to the Games. and will save time when applying for “The 1.3 million tickets in the Pay tickets when they go on sale in 2011.

The ticket price strategy includes: Have you taken part in a sporting activity recently? * 8.8 million tickets available for the Olympic Games * 75% of these tickets will be on sale to the public from March 2011 * 90% of these tickets will be priced at £100 or under Why not write it up, send it in with a photo * Two thirds of these tickets will be priced at £50 or under and you could appear on this page! * 2.5 million tickets will be priced at £20 or under The wide range of ticket prices will see those at the higher end of the market Email [email protected] balancing the availability of millions of lower price tickets on sale For more information visit www.london2012.com