Our daily-updated website is FREE Hardcopy only £5 per year register for the latest news at www.hearingtimes.co.uk email [email protected] or call 0845 2930688

HearingSpring 2013 Timeswww.hearingtimes.co.uk Prison Service failing to meet the needs of deaf prisoners, research finds £700,000 language labs Profoundly deaf prisoners are missing out on important services that could help their rehabilitation because the opened to help teach BSL Prison Service cannot provide for their New language laboratories have been opened at a Scottish university, following an investment of £700,000 needs, a study has found to assist the teaching of modern languages, including British Sign Language (BSL) Research has revealed that, although Ed Gould there are some cases where deaf prisoners are given suitable support, these are often Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, isolated examples. Provision must be more became the first institute of higher education widespread in order for the Prison Service to to offer an honours degree in BSL earlier this meet its legal duties. year, as reported in Hearing Times. The findings are outlined in a report, ‘Not The university’s new language labs, which hearing us: An exploration of the experience include one self-study laboratory, are aimed of deaf prisoners in English and Welsh to provide undergraduates with a better and prisons’. It was written by Daniel McCullough, a more hands-on interaction with translation a Birmingham City University post graduate and interpreting equipment. criminology student as part of a programme “This investment will enhance our supported by the Howard League for Penal established reputation in this field, and enable Reform. Some deaf prisoners interviewed us to develop a centre for excellence,” said as part of the research claimed to have had Principal, Professor Steve Chapman. trouble accessing employment, education “This enables us to meet the growing courses and behaviour classes in prison demand for graduates with second because of issues relating to their disability. languages and translations skills and will Others expressed concerned about their help our students to enter high-value sectors safety in the event of a fire because they such as finance and commerce, technology would be unable to hear an alarm and would and energy.” be unsure of what to do. Some deaf prisoners Along with other languages, the university feel lonely and isolated because of difficulties announced that the facilities will also help with the delivery of the first BSL interpreting

communicating with other inmates, as well as Univeristy © Douglas McBride, Heriot-Watt family members and legal services outside of degree in Scotland. > page 2 prison. The report recommends that deaf prisoners More support needed for should not face a ‘partial justice system’. Dog “tried to save partially It calls for more sharing of good practice Scottish people with tinnitus - such as that seen in Shrewsbury prison, An estimated 520,000 people in Scotland where staff and prisoners were taught sign have tinnitus, the condition described as a deaf owner” from house fire ringing or buzzing in the ears, and yet there language alongside each other so they were Relatives of a partially deaf man who died because of a house fire believe his able to communicate with the deaf. is currently just one known tinnitus support Frances Crook, Chief Executive at the group to cover the whole of the country, the dog tried in vain to save him by waking him up Howard League for Penal Reform, said, “The Edinburgh & South East Scotland Tinnitus Group. Don Wilson, 76, was found upstairs next to up and all the place was full of smoke. Max Howard League legal team has represented Support groups offer a vital lifeline for his collie dog, Max, who was also overcome stayed with him and died with him. He was a young deaf prisoners who have experienced people with tinnitus, giving them a chance by smoke and died. really good dog.” difficulties in participating in the prison to share experiences, find out how others The fire is believed to have been caused Fire crews were called to the house at about regime because their needs were ignored cope and discuss the latest information on by an unguarded open fire in Mr Wilson’s 02:30 GMT on Sunday. As snow continued and misunderstood both in state prisons and treatments. However with just one group, bedroom in Alvaston, Derby. to fall across Derbyshire, firefighters in private jails. people in Scotland are currently very Mr Wilson was confirmed dead at Royal warned people that open fires should not be “This research should spark a limited, as they either have to travel a long Derby Hospital on Sunday morning. A relative overloaded with fuel and fireguards should distance to attend or simply don’t get the reconsideration of the services provided of Mr Wilson said he did not have central be in place. Chimneys should also be kept advice, assistance and peer support they so to the deaf inside penal institutions. It is heating and had lit the fire to keep warm in clean and smoke alarms should be fitted and unacceptable that organs of the state and desperately need. In 2013, to help address the issue UK the cold weather. work properly. Mr Wilson’s relatives believe commercial prisons fail to comply with The relative, who asked not to be named, he did have a smoke alarm but it might not equalities legislation.” wide, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) based its theme for Tinnitus Awareness Week said, “Max was brilliant because Uncle Don have been fitted to the ceiling and he might Dr Pritti Mehta, Head of Research and on ‘Celebrating the Importance of Tinnitus was partially deaf and when the phone rang not have been able to hear it. Policy at Action on Hearing Loss, said, Support Groups’. The week was running from Max would tell him. The lady next door heard “We welcome this research by the Howard 4-10 February and is hoped to have bolstered noises in the night and we think Max was The Fire Service offer FREE home fire League as people with hearing loss face the number of people actively seeking support trying to tell him the house was on fire and safety checks. For more information barriers in all areas of life. and to get new groups started in areas where wake him up.” and to book visit www.fireservice.co.uk/ “It is not surprising to learn about the they don’t currently exist. “By the time he had heard Max he had got safety/hfsc communication problems highlighted in the Heather Watt, International and Student report and we hope that the recommendations Experience Administrator at the Royal are taken on board by the Prison Service to Conservatoire of Scotland, based in Glasgow Read more news online at ensure prisoners who are deaf or hard of said, “We are delighted to be supporting www.hearingtimes.co.uk hearing have equal access to services.” > page 2

If you no longer wish to recieve the newspaper, please return it to Hearing Times C.I.C. | The Lansbury Estate | 102 Lower Guildford Road | Woking | Surrey | GU21 2EP 2 News Hearing Times Spring 2013 > front page A note from the Editor Language labs to help Mums plead for cochlear implant funding teach BSL in Scotland An Irish mother is pleading for funding to help her daughter regain full hearing Welcome to our Spring 2013 Danielle Ryan, from Belmayne, is calling The new labs were opened by Ms Leslie on the HSE to provide funding for bilateral quarterly issue, we hope Evans, Director-General of Learning and cochlear implants, a treatment recommended you enjoy reading the news, Justice from the Scottish Government, at and carried out in most other countries. an event which included representatives Danielle’s three-year-old daughter Ellie views and interesting features from the British Deaf Association, the lost her hearing two years ago but was our dedicated writers have Scottish Funding Council and the European offered a lifeline through a cochlear implant produced. Commission. she received late last year. Professor Ursula Böser, acting Head of the However, having just one cochlear implant If you want more regular School of Management and Languages, told means she only has hearing in one ear and Hearing Times that very few higher education she needs a second one to hear normally. updates from the deaf and hard In many other countries a bilateral cochlear

institutions in the UK, and none in Scotland, © Darren Kinsella of hearing communities then implant is carried out meaning full hearing is have this type of equipment. restored or provided in one operation. Pictured at Beaumont Hospital (LtoR) Danielle visit our daily-updated website “No others are able to accommodate as “As a result of having hearing in only one Ryan and daughter Ellie, Amie O’Connor, www.hearingtimes.co.uk. many students in specialist interpreting ear, Ellie can’t tell which direction sounds are Lorraine Murphy and daughter Anna training facilities,” she said. coming from which can be very disorientating, week calling for funding to be provided. You could even add HT online to The suite of three digital interpreting labs confusing and dangerous,” Danielle told local Currently, the HSE only provides funding for your ‘favourites’ tab, or even as and a further three digital spoken/signed newspaper Northside People. “She finds it one implantation despite a recommendation language labs offer the university a range extremely hard to listen because she has to from Beaumont Hospital, which provides the your homepage? of possible classroom configurations, which concentrate so much which is very tiring for national cochlear implant programme for they claim will make them appropriate for her. children and adults, that it is best practice to It is FREE to register! many different teaching activities. “It’s a very frustrating situation, especially perform bilateral implants. “These range from aural-visual considering the technology is there to do a Beaumont Hospital received funding of €3 Alternatively, if you would like bilateral cochlear implant surgery which is million for the cochlear implant programme in comprehension, to sessions dedicated to considered best practice. We just need the 2012. to subscibe to our quarterly liaison, to consecutive and simultaneous funding.” The cost of a single implant is between newspaper it now costs only £5 interpreting,” Böser continued. Ellie Ryan’s development is naturally €18,000 and €20,000. During last year 48 per year. Email our helpful staff “One new digital language laboratory has behind in comparison to that of a three-year- adults and 44 children received implants and been specifically equipped to accommodate at [email protected]. old with full hearing. However, her situation ongoing rehabilitation. BSL interpreting examinations,” she said. is slightly better than other children with just A spokesperson for the hospital said that The Summer 2013 issue will “But all students of interpreting will access one cochlear implant as she could hear until while it is not funded for bilateral implants, all the specialist teaching and self-study she was one-year-old. it recognises and supports the case that it be published on facilities during their studies, regardless of is “best practice to perform simultaneous Thursday 30 May 2013. their language combination.” Time is running out as the nerves bilateral implants, and second implants for The labs have been modeled on those that in Ellie’s second ear will start those children who have already received If you have any news to tell us, are found within large European institutions. to deteriorate and die after the one”. The idea is that students will be able to get age of four “The hospital has been in ongoing contact then please get in touch: we’d with the HSE since 2009 regarding the used to operating the sort of equipment that love to tell everybody we know. “Unlike the other kids on the programme funding necessary for the bilateral service they can expect to face in the professional Send us a quick email to who were born profoundly deaf, Ellie and submitted a business case for that interpreting world. didn’t have to learn how to listen,” Danielle funding in October 2012,” the spokesperson [email protected] “It means that major employers of explained. “She’s coming on but she needs said. interpreters, such as the European speech therapy because speech is so “It is essential and urgent to commence Parliament, are confident in our ability to train intrinsically linked to hearing. simultaneous cochlear implantation in novice interpreters,” said Böser. “Naturally as a parent I want to be able to children at the earliest date and to address Remember the clocks “This expansion, together with the give my child the best chance in life which the backlog requirement for sequential BSL course and the first Gaelic-English just won’t happen with hearing in one ear. implantation of those children who have ‘spring forward’ on interpreting course, due to start next year, “We don’t have any control or choices. previously been implanted with a single Sunday 31 March! firmly reflects our ambition to continue to Even if we could afford to pay for another implant. lead in language and interpreting teaching,” implant or go privately, the operation isn’t “Beaumont was advised earlier this month even carried out in Ireland. that no funds would be forthcoming for same said Professor Gill Hogg, Head of School of Helen Dewey “If we went to England and paid for the in 2013. Management and Languages. Editor other implant it would mean that all Ellie’s “While recognising the challenges With undergraduates on the BSL aftercare would be there and we’d have to go to securing extra funding, Beaumont interpretation course completing their first through another process of speech therapy will continue to advocate for bilateral semester, the new equipment will assist their and supports.” implantation.” Contributors: Deafinitely Girly, Ed ongoing learning, it is hoped. Time is running out for children like Ellie, A spokesperson for the HSE said it made Gould, Matthew Munson, Dan Sing, Denise According to Professor Böser, students as the nerves in her second ear will start to funding available for wider audiology services Dewey-Muno, Violet Oliver, Lizzie Ward, taking the BSL course have found it both deteriorate and die after the age of four. in 2013. Guy Peppiatt, Alfie Loki, James Richards, challenging and rewarding so far. Danielle and other parents of children “This funding allocation is to allow the Kirsty Renton, Matt Chesnay, David She said that the success of the course from the cochlear implant unit have started completion of the rollout of the Universal a campaign called ‘Happy New Ear’, which Newborn Hearing Screening programme and Trendall, Chris Peacock, Sophia Gold, was reflected by the speed at which the available places were filled at its inception. aims to tackle the funding problem. The group the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid programme,” Douglas Dewey, Murray Renton, Alfie Loki, handed in a letter to Beaumont Hospital last the spokesperson stated. Stephanie Meli, Natalie Dibsdale, Faye McGinn, Ben Dover, Helen Drever > front page Obituary More support needed for Hearing Times is protected by copyright. Hal Draper: actor and comedian To reproduce articles featured in this Scottish people with tinnitus month’s issue, email your request to The Deaf community is in mourning following the sad news of the death of [email protected] Deaf actor and comedian Hal Draper, who died late last year Tinnitus Awareness Week 2013 and will be displaying information for our students, Hearing Times is an independent An incredibly popular figure, Hal was well- regularly with director Sam Dore. informing them of the help and support that newspaper, published four times per year. liked by everyone who met him because of Draper was also a counsellor for Deaf is available. The newspaper is distributed throughout his friendly nature and his sense of humour. students at the University of Bristol and was “Personally, I was amazed to find out there the United Kingdom to charities, ENT He was best known for his work as a a regular at Bristol Deaf Club. He loved sport, is currently just one support group in the and hearing therapy clinics, audiologists, comedian and actor, but he was also involved and played football, cricket, badminton, whole of Scotland. We will certainly be telling hearing aid dispensers, care homes in many other areas of the Deaf community, snooker and bowls. our students to contact the BTA if they are and schools and individual subscribers , taking part in Deaf sports, and working as a Whether they knew him in person, or from interested in getting involved locally.” reaching a readership of over 23,000. counsellor for Deaf students. his appearances on film and television, Hal The contents of Hearing Times are He first became well known within the Draper was a man that all Deaf people in The BTA is hosting two free information copyrighted and no part may be Deaf world when he became part of the Britain felt genuine affection for, and he will days about tinnitus in Glasgow during reproduced in part or whole without prior Deaf Comedians group, performing comedy be greatly missed. 2013. One for professionals on 22 consent from the newspaper. sketches in Britain and around the world. Watch Hal Draper’s interview with Julian March, the other for people with tinnitus The opinions expressed in articles, Later, he became an actor, starring in the Peedle-Calloo in an episode of On the on 23 March 2013. Anyone interested columns and adverts are those of the BBC’s Deaf soap opera, Switch, directed by Lamp at www.bslzone.co.uk/bsl-zone/ in attending can find out more by writer or advertiser and not necessarily Louis Neethling. He went on to make a number under-the-lamp/series-2/under-the-lamp-2- contacting Krys Klytta at the BTA on 0114 those of Hearing Times C.I.C.. of films with Neethling, and also collaborated programme-1 250 9933 or email [email protected] Hearing Times Spring 2013 News 3 Housing group train in BSL to Conversor joins Prime Minister David Cameron on India trade delegation make deaf tenants feel at home UK manufacturer of assistive technology for individuals with hearing and Staff from a Lancashire based housing association claim to be reaping the learning disabilities to launch new product on India market. benefits of deaf and disability awareness training because they are now able to communicate more effectively with their deaf tenants Conversor are part of a strong delegation of British businesses travelling with Prime Ed Gould Minister David Cameron from the UK to Mumbai and Delhi with representation from Progress Housing Group recently industry, education and culture. announced that 28 members of their staff had The launch of Listenor Pro in India meets a attended in-house training courses to learn requirement identified by Conversor last year the basics of British Sign Language (BSL). for the development and manufacturer of The course was run over two one day an affordable complement to these systems sessions and aimed to provide customer which could be used by pupils both in school facing staff with new skills to communicate and at home. with deaf tenants and to help them gain an understanding of what deafness means. “This new listening aid promises Consultancy firm HearFirst, which is © Progress Housing Group to make a real difference for deaf based in Bacup, ran the training sessions for Receptionist Cathy Barton attended the BSL children in schools across India Cameron with UK delegates in India course to help her deal with deaf tenants Progress Group. and is a good reminder of the the world, and the aim of the trip is to promote Lorraine Bretherton, Training and Health help improve the quality of service. education ties we share” UK business and international trade. and Safety Manager for the social landlord, Some of the training was specifically PM David Cameron David Cameron said, “Conversor is a great said that HearFirst have provided them with tailored to the particular needs of a housing Listenor Pro is an assistive listening device example of an innovative British SME (small disability awareness training for a number of association. for the hard of hearing and will be introduced and medium-sized enterprise) successfully years. “We learned how to use signs for reporting to deaf schools as a cost effective solution competing in the global race by securing “We have always had really positive repairs, dealing with rent accounts and how for children for use in the classroom and at new markets abroad. This new listening aid feedback from those who attended the to complete housing application forms,” said home. Listenor Pro is used with a directional promises to make a real difference for deaf courses,” she said. Barton. microphone to focus on the teacher’s voice children in schools across India and is a good “We had no hesitation in using HearFirst to “Our deaf tenants have found this really in a classroom and then amplify the sound. It reminder of the education ties we share.” deliver this training,” she added. useful,” she added. can also be used to amplify the sound from Brassington noted, “This trip can only serve Cathy Barton, who is based at the Progress Groups said that they will landline or mobile telephones, computers, to strengthen the partnership between British organisation’s head office working on continue to enable training for customer radios or other audio sources. businesses and Indian customer needs, we reception and who handles a wide variety facing staff although they believe that there “This innovative product fills a gap in the are here to demonstrate UK manufacturing’s of tenant enquiries, attended the signing are currently enough staff trained to deal with market as a cost effective solution to assist steadfast commitment to improving education course. customers who wish to communicate using student learning,” commented Jeremy in India.” “It gave us an insight into Deaf culture and BSL. Brassington, Managing Director of Conversor. Conversor currently supply assistive taught us basic signs,” she said. “Our big challenge is ensuring that staff “We look forward to helping India better listening systems to deaf schools across Barton, who is a long standing member use their skills regularly enough to retain the equip their education systems for children India under a tender for the construction of of staff, having worked for the organisation knowledge they currently have,” the group with hearing loss and other disabilities.” new computer rooms in disability schools since its inception in 1994, said that the stated. This is one of the largest trade delegations issued by ERNET, part of the Ministry of training was a success. Progress told Hearing Times that customers a Prime Minister has ever taken anywhere in Communications and Information Technology. “We only have a small number of tenants have been delighted, and sometimes who are Deaf but it gave us enough pleasantly surprised, to be offered services information to be able to provide an effective using sign language. service to these tenants,” she added. “The BSL course allows delegates to The training was delivered by two deaf explore the full range of deafness and the tutors after a number of staff expressed an communication methods that are used,” said Advertising interest in learning some sign language. Julie Ryder, Director of HearFirst. Progress Housing Group told Hearing “It is lovely to hear how the training has Times that although the number of deaf brought the Equality and Diversity policies to residents is not particularly high, they were life for staff at Progress Housing Group and keen to develop the skills of staff members to for their tenants, too.” Read more news online at www.hearingtimes.co.uk Communication specialist college celebrates cup place A team from The Specialist Communication College, Doncaster, are celebrating being selected to represent the county in a new football cup. The Football Association (FA) are piloting an 11-a-side Disability Cup competition, which will initially be run as a small pilot for 16 teams. John Nugent, a Pathway Tutor at the college said, “We are delighted that after a long process of registration we were chosen to represent the region in this cup. “Our team is made up of current and ex local students who represent the college in the local Ability Counts Football League.” The competition will take the form of a traditional 11-a-side knockout competition, with ties arranged on a home and away basis. It is split into northern and southern County FA with each county limited to one sub sections, with the regional winners nomination,” continued John. competing in the overall FA Disability Cup in May 2013. Further details about The Communication The competition will be pan disability and Specialist College, Doncaster can be there will be no ability banding. found by visiting their website “Clubs had to be nominated by their parent www.deaf-trust.co.uk/college 4 Local news Hearing Times Spring 2013 Deaf Stockton chef to present Mirror, (hand) signal, manoeuvre A Manchester woman has learned sign language to teach deaf pupils how to drive new TV show ‘Punk Chef’ Driving instructor Paula Carr is qualified in A Stockton chef is sharing his expertise in a new TV show helping people British Sign Language and can teach deaf who are Deaf improve their cooking skills. Dad-of-one Scott Garthwaite, who pupils how to drive. is Deaf, will present Punk Chef, starting on Film4 this March When driving instructor Paula Carr talks about hand signals, she doesn’t mean the In the pilot of this lifestyle programme the sort of rude gestures you sometimes get on Punk Chef helps a Deaf family to eat healthier the roads. food. 63% of Deaf people are overweight, The 46-year-old is qualified in British compared to 12% of hearing people, with Sign Language – and all three deaf pupils Deaf people twice as likely to have heart she’s taught since taking up the hobby have disease. passed their test first time. Paula, who runs Swift School of Motoring “What the Deaf community in Droylsden, says being profoundly deaf is “Being profoundly deaf is no barrier to being a are very passionate about are no barrier to being a good driver. good driver” says instructor Paula Carr programmes that feature Deaf She said, “I’ve found that the other senses people.” Punk Chef will try to convice Deaf people to of deaf people are far more alert. Their he passed first time. Two more have passed ditch processed food and eat healthier powers of observation are fabulous and it in the past two years.” When the Durant family confess that they’re He was asked to front the TV show seems they can feel through the pedals. It’s It has taken Paula four years to be junk food fans, the Punk Chef confronts them after starting up cookery blogs spotted by wonderful. awarded a level six NVQ diploma in sign with the results of their behaviour. But can London-based Deaf-run production company “It’s really no more difficult than teaching a language. She added, “I started because it the shock of getting their body fat readings Remark! person who isn’t deaf to drive. If the car is in was something I’d always wanted to do and it help the Punk Chef persuade them to swap “They see me as the perfect person to front motion, I stretch my arms and hands in front became something of a hobby. It was difficult processed food for fresh vegetables and fish? Punk Chef due to my unique character - I of me so they see what I am signing. at first but I managed to do to level one, loved The former Beverley School pupil have a pink and black Mohawk which I have “If I want to teach new topics, like how it and it all went from there.” said, “What the Deaf community are very had for years,” he said. to go around a roundabout or do a three- Paula, who lives in Peakdale Road, passionate about are programmes that The 32-year-old proved a big hit with point turn, we park up and discuss it, using Droylsden, with husband Darren, 44, set feature Deaf people. executives at sign language broadcasting sign language to get the information across up her driving school 20 years ago after “They also appreciate programmes that organisation BSLBT when the programme before we set off again, so they know what previously working in catering. include sign language and will hopefully see was trialled on Sky and Virgin Media last they have to do. It’s all so safe. She said, “I just wanted a new challenge, someone like myself as a role model.” year. He has since been working on the new “It was pure coincidence when my first deaf needed a change and have never looked Hartlepool-born Scott, who lives in Stockton series. person asked me to teach him to drive and back.” with fiancee Jessica and their son Rocco, four months, qualified as a chef in 2011 after The pilot of Punk Chef can be viewed at study professional culinary art and patisserie www.bslzone.co.uk. The first episode of Tell us your news and we’ll tell everyone! at Newcastle College in partnership with the new series will be shown on March 4 Leeds Metropolis University. at 8am on Film4 Email [email protected] Legal threat over lack of Welsh- More sign language users in Thanet More people in Thanet in Kent use sign language than anywhere else in the UK medium signer for deaf girl according to figures released in the national census recently The parents of a profoundly deaf girl are threatening a council with legal action for Two-hundred-and-one people listed sign providers make reasonable adjustments to failing to recruit a Welsh-medium sign language tutor language as their main language in the overcome communication barriers. It doesn’t John and Caryl Clarke withdrew their survey compiled by the Office of National matter if there is one Deaf person in the daughter Hafwen from Penrhyncoch Primary Statistics (ONS). country or one million. School, near Aberystwyth, last October when Steve Powell, Chief Executive of “We hope this sparks a debate about her signer left. Ceredigion council said it SignHealth, a national healthcare charity for what can be done to protect sign language. had advertised for a replacement without deaf people, said, “This is the first time the The census figures show that, compared to success, but was still trying. deaf population has been represented in the British Sign Language (BSL), there are far The family claims the authority is national census and we were delighted to fewer people who have Cornish or Gaelic as breaching several laws. The parents have find there’s a high proportion in Thanet. a first language. given the council until 29 March to recruit a “The total population of the area is 129,355 “Yet these languages are protected by the replacement. meaning more than 0.15% people use sign Government and funding is made available They claim the authority is breaching the language. This is the highest proportion in to keep the languages alive. Celtic speakers Education Act, Hafwen’s statement of needs the country. Kent really is a stronghold for the have English as a second language, while Caryl and John Clarke with their daughters Deaf community. for many Deaf people, sign language is a and the Welsh Language Act, adding that Tirion and Hafwen (second right) their daughter was entitled to be educated in necessity.” Welsh at the school of her choice. Hafwen who is a taxi driver. “We’re trying to do our “We know of households where SignHealth says public services need to started signing through Welsh when she was best for our daughter, but it seems we are hearing parents put ‘English’ have coherent plans to meet the needs of aged three and has been a pupil at Welsh- banging our heads against a brick wall.” for everyone in the house, even such a small and marginalised population. medium Penrhyncoch school for more than Mr Clarke said many of the patterns used though their sons or daughters “According to the census there are sign four years. in British sign language were the same in would have put sign language” language users everywhere across the Her learning support assistant (LSA) left Welsh, but there were differences in the country, apart from the Isles of Scilly and the the school in October last year, and shortly way certain patterns were structured when “The total census figure of 21,971 sign City of London. afterwards Hafwen left too. adapted for use in the Welsh language. language users is much lower than expected, “That means that public services “When Hafwen’s LSA left no-one could Ceredigion council said Penrhyncoch was so we’re pleased there’s a higher number in everywhere need to address their communicate with her, so we withdrew her a Welsh-medium school and it was essential Thanet, but we are concerned that many communication barriers proactively. No from the school,” said Mr Clarke, 45. for Hafwen’s teaching assistant to be able to Deaf people may not have had their main longer can they say, ‘We don’t have any deaf “Her respite carer went to the school communicate both through Welsh and British language recorded properly.” people’.” before Christmas to sign for Hafwen, but she sign language. Census statistics provide a detailed The charity is calling on the Government could only spare two weeks. Hafwen started “Despite advertising the post twice, snapshot of the population and its to include BSL in the European Charter on at Plascrug (primary school in Aberystwyth) including an advert in the local press, no characteristics, and underpin funding Regional or Minority Languages, to take this week on a temporary basis. one suitable was found to support the pupil allocation to provide public services. steps to ensure BSL is protected, and ensure “There is an LSA there signing for another in Penrhyncoch school,” said a council Steve added, “Before now, most people all public services address the access deaf pupil and the LSA is helping Hafwen spokeswoman, commenting that the school thought the number of sign language users requirements of BSL signers in their Equality too, but this is only a short-term measure had kept the Clarkes fully informed, and all in the UK was between 50,000 to 70,000. Act duty. because an LSA can only serve one pupil, as were aware of the recruitment difficulties. Earlier research conducted by us, which ONS is the UK’s largest independent we understand it.” “The authority welcomes and supports was based on the GP Patient Survey data, producer of official statistics and the Mr Clarke said his daughter could sign the parents’ suggestion that the pupil should suggested the figure may even be higher recognised national statistical institute of and lip read in Welsh and English, but he attend Plascrug school until it is appropriate than that. the UK. Its people play a leading role in the and his wife wanted her educated in Welsh for the pupil to return to Penrhyncoch school,” “The census figure is important, but we development of national and international and at Penrhyncoch where Mrs Clarke, her she added. doubt it is the whole picture. We already good practice in the production of official grandmother, father and brother all went to “The authority has always maintained that know of households where hearing parents statistics. school. it is willing to support the parents’ choice of put ‘English’ for everyone in the house, even “Hafwen has a right to be educated in school which is Penrhyncoch and will continue though their sons or daughters would have To find out more about SignHealth, Welsh, and she should have the same rights to work with the school to find a suitably put sign language. please call 01494 687600, text 07966 as able-bodied children,” added Mr Clarke, qualified teaching assistant.” “The most important thing is that service 976747 or visit www.signhealth.org.uk Hearing Times Spring 2013 International news 5 Justin Bieber law suit over Deaf US woman wants drink driving charge dropped ear damage dropped A deaf woman who was charged with drunken driving and refusing to take a breath test wants a judge to dismiss the Stacey Betts, who tried to sue Justin tickets on grounds police should have called an American Sign Language, ASL, interpreter to assist her upon her arrest Bieber for the damage caused to her A judge has been tasked with deciding had an obligation to provide an actual breath her bloodstream dissipated. Cabana also ears during one of his US concerts, whether police had a duty to find an American sample at headquarters but might have, had noted that higher courts have recognized the has dropped the lawsuit sign language interpreter to assist Kelly an interpreter been called. The prosecutor urgency of getting a breath sample close in The mom filed the lawsuit after she and Romano in understanding the consequences contends that arresting Officer Christopher time to a stop. her daughter had donned their Belieber of refusing to take a breath test via the Petonak appropriately dealt with Romano The written exchanges between the pair t-shirts and gone to see the teen heartthrob Alcotest machine at headquarters after being by communicating back-and-forth with her in were preserved and used as evidence in in concert during the summer, saying that suspected of driving while intoxicated. writing, and she appeared to understand his court, including one message Romano wrote her ears had been damaged by the loud Defense lawyer Clara Smit said the state gestures and communications. saying, “I’m not trying to waste your time or screaming of fellow fans, or - in her words Attorney General’s Office has authorized Cabana wants the judge to uphold the stop be a brat. I just hate to feel defenseless. You - that she was “injured by a sound blast that 10 audiotapes in foreign languages to be and charges, which also include reckless guys don’t even know ADA (Americans with exceeded safe decibel levels.” used by police in advising defendants of and careless driving, saying that New Jersey Disabilities) law.” their rights and liabilities in DWI cases: there law provides that a deaf or hearing-impaired During her testimony, conveyed through are no videotapes to instruct deaf people. person must have a qualified interpreter two sign language interpreters, Romano “That is discrimination against deaf people; throughout all stages of the legal process, said her reading skills are poor and she has accommodations must be made,” Smit said. with the exception of motor vehicle stops. communicated her entire life through sign She also argued that Romano submitted Petonak testified, saying that Romano did language. She said she thought she had to giving a roadside sample of her breath request an interpreter but a radio call for one given a breath sample at the roadside. into a portable machine which indicated was not successful. He also said that “time “I’m aware that when you’re stopped (for the presence of liquor but not the level. was of the essence” to obtain a blood-alcohol DWI) you have to take some sort of breath Romano, Smit said, did not understand she content reading before suspected alcohol in test and that’s what I did in the parking lot.” History of Deafness conference held in Germany The history of deafness presents an exemplary model of a community’s mobilisation for the recognition of a cultural identity. She also claimed to “suffer hearing loss, It is also an unequalled history of divisions across a broad range of pedagogy, techniques, and scientific inventions tinnitus and hyperacusis in both ears” which Across the last four centuries at least, in particular, has led many to question Topics included the use of objects and had lead to “anxiety, loss of sleep, and constructions of deafness as a cultural the relationship between mind, body, and techniques for creating a space of encounter, depression,” the Mirror reported. identity and/or as a disability have led to language. conceptions of the relationship between Betts went on to say that the popstar opposite claims. Organised by Sabine Arnaud and Lennard humans and language, language and himself made things worse as he “created Deafness became a focal point for J. Davis, with the support of the Max Planck thought, or language and society across time a wave like effect of screaming by pointing arguments over citizenship, eugenics, Institute as well as the College of Liberal Arts and space. into various sections of the arena” when he language, theories of the mind, and the like. and Sciences, the Department of English, The conference also explored the dialectic travelled into the crowd in a “heart-shaped A different set of categories was produced to and the Department of Disability and Human between hearing and silence, deaf and aluminum/steel gondola.” give voice to these claims and the dialogue Development of the University of Illinois at hearing as well as the technologies and Having originally attempted to sue Bieber, between their supporters has been extremely Chicago, the conference was declared a ideologies that intervene between the deaf his record label, the concert promoter and difficult for lack of a common stake. great success. world and the hearing world, the deaf person the arena for the sum of 9.23 million dollars Depending on the approach, one can The event welcomed papers on the social, and the hearing person. in damages, Betts asked the court to dismiss say such a heated debate has given the cultural, scientific and philosophical attempts the case because she doesn’t have a lawyer question of deafness a very specific place to mediate the space between the deaf and For more information visit and can’t continue with the case on her own. among human variations. Sign language, the hearing across history. www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de Advertising

centre for deaf education

Two un-missable days in Covent Garden

Thursday 4 April Saturday 6 April

Watch Your Language 2013 Deaf Day 2013

One-day conference A great day out for people of all ages Both events take

Exhibitions, information, workshops, entertainment … and place in: For interpreters, CSWs & Deaf professionals so much more

Speakers: Jemina Napier, Peter Llewellyn-Jones and Keeley Street It’s FREE, it’s HUGE and it’s FUN! Clara Allardyce

Covent Garden Plus a variety of CPD workshops Just confirmed! Special performance by ‘DEAF MEN DANCING’

£140 including lunch. Book now! London No need to book : For information: www.citylit.ac.uk/news/events For information: [email protected] WC2B 4BA

6 International news Hearing Times Spring 2013 Hearing aids a good New Zealand pupils rally to aid deaf teacher fit for doll company A New Zealand teacher who was born with little hearing, has suddenly gone completely deaf, and now her pupils are American Girl now sells dolls with raising funds for her to get a cochlear implant hearing aids, well as dolls without hair, giving little girls who are Alice Woodcock is on the list to have a Woodcock’s class this year and many cried differently-abled an even more single cochlear implant, but her school and when he told them she would not be starting personalized doll experience pupils are aiming to raise $40,000 to enable the year with them. her to have a double implant. Profound “Alice has never let hearing loss stop her hearing loss has never prevented Alice doing what she wanted to achieve. She’s Woodcock doing the job she loves - until now. fought her whole life to be accepted as Alice The 34-year-old Christchurch and not as Alice who has a disability,” he said. schoolteacher was born with little hearing but Woodcock needs a double cochlear implant was determined not to let it stop her reaching to be able to return to teaching. her goals. One implant is publicly funded, but $40,000 “All I want to do is teach and I cannot” She learnt to lip-read, took speech therapy must be found for the second one. and wore hearing aids. Woodcock graduated She was on the public waiting list to get not sick. from the University of Canterbury with a an implant before she lost all her hearing, A cochlear implant is designed to bypass bachelor of teaching and learning with but she was bumped up the list and is now damaged hair cells in the inner ear and honours and has been teaching at Mairehau scheduled to receive both implants shortly. directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Primary School for six years. Bangma said the children wanted to help A device is implanted inside each ear and But during the school holidays, over the and were organising fundraising events, a speech processor and transmitting coil sits Any 18-inch My American Girl doll can be space of four days, she lost her remaining including a mufti day, a sausage sizzle and on the outside of the head and transmits fitted with one or two hearing aids. All it takes hearing and is now unable to teach. a quiz night. signals through the skin via the coil to the is a visit to an American Girl store doll hospital “It’s frustrating. It’s disheartening, because He hoped to have Woodcock back teaching implant using radio waves. where a doctor will perform a permanent all I want to do is teach and I cannot,” at the beginning of May. Bangma said he Woodcock said her hearing would be 80 piercing behind one or both ears for a $14 Woodcock said. had found Woodcock an administration job percent better with the implants than it was. fee. New dolls also can be ordered with Mairehau principal John Bangma said the because he did not think it was fair that she Anyone wanting to contribute can contact hearing aids already installed. The hearing children were looking forward to being in be forced to take sick leave when she was the school. aids are removable and sell at all American Girl stores, and online, for $14 each. The company also released an adorable Outreach programme gives hope to deaf children in Zanzibar service dog-in-training set for dolls who are blind, deaf or in need of assistance. The dog, The majority of more than 3,500 deaf people in Zanzibar are children, who urgently need help and education. Chocolate Chip, wears a service vest with Unfortunately, most parents still hide the children because of their poor notion that the deaf cannot learn a handle that a girl’s doll can hold. The set Mr Juma Abdurahman, chairperson of the 12, 2013 by the Director of Secondary comes with a selection of faux treats, and Zanzibar Association for the Deaf (JUVIZA) Education from Ministry of Education and costs $34. says there are many deaf children still at Vocational Training, Ms Khadija Ali, who American Girl isn’t the only doll maker to home just because the parents have not appealed to parents to use the opportunity. cater to tween girls with disabilities. MyTwinn taken the issue of education seriously. “We need all children including those with has long offered its dolls with removable “I think most parents with deaf children lack disabilities in the islands to get education, to hearing aids, and an online company knowledge about the importance of educating make our achievement of universal education named Sew Dolling has created Sew-Able, their children with hearing impairment. a reality. We cannot boast of the achievement a line of Special Needs Dolls with a variety “We need to increase awareness and when many children with disabilities including of impairments and disabilities. Sew-Able encourage them to make sure that all the deaf have not attended school,” Khadija “We cannot boast of the achievement when dolls have attachable above- and below-the- children go to school,” said Juma through his said. The director said that her ministry is many children with disabilities including the knee prosthetics, bald heads that come with sign language expert. happy with the establishment of the ZOP deaf have not attended school” wigs and hats to represent chemotherapy academy and that the centre would help registered. treatments, and dolls with walking braces, The school offers scholarships many deaf children in the islands. He said the children are taught how to which are more realistic than crutches for in vocational training on She advised parents to make sure that their communicate and that the aim “of these kids with mobility impairments. children are enrolled in the school. Dr Naufal activities is to increase knowledge for the Dolls without hair are another customization how to care for children with hearing problems Kassim Mohammed, ENT, HEAD & NECK deaf and improve their ability to communicate American Girl now offers, making the doll- surgeon at Mnazi Mmoja hospital, who is also effectively with their deaf peers.” owning experience even more special for Juma’s concerns are similar to the the executive secretary of ZOP, says that Dr Naufali says ZOP wants to improve the girls who have cancer or alopecia. The dolls ‘Zanzibar Outreach Programme (ZOP)’ despite the achievement in establishing the life of deaf children in Zanzibar, but a shortage must be ordered by phone, and can have officers, who have decided to establish a centre, there are still a number of challenges of specialist staff and funds may hamper the light, medium, or dark skin tone. You can also ‘School of the Deaf and Post-Hearing-Aid to overcome such “as lack of facilities, and progress, as he encourages parents of deaf choose your doll’s eye colour. Alternatively, Rehabilitation Centre’, on the outskirts of capacity building for teachers.” children to choose sending their children to a new head without hair can be created on Zanzibar municipality. The centre also known “Fortunately we have started 2013 with the new school. your current doll, for a $44 fee, at the doll as ‘ZOP academy’ is now fully operational dramatic changes to the School of the Deaf hospital. and is asking parents with deaf children to and Post-Hearing-Aid Rehabilitation Centre “We need to increase awareness As a bonus, “American Girl will offer one register their children free of charge so that with a new school bus, thanks to the Dar es and encourage them to free doll head replacement should a girl’s children with hearing disability are helped to Salaam Goat Races Society, IMPACT and need for a doll without hair ever change,” make sure that all children get at least basic education. GOZA for the support,” said Kassim. go to school” says Julie Parks, Director of Public Relations Zanzibar Outreach Programme (ZOP) is He said that ZOP has decided to transform for American Girl, “because we know that not a Non- Governmental Organization founded the centre into a proper Nursery school with He said that another challenge to the all hair loss conditions are permanent.” A new in September 2006 by a group of Zanzibaris full registration, and that through consultation new school with a capacity of caring for 30 free head is a nice touch, and shows that dedicated to improving the community’s with the Inclusive Education Unit of Ministry children is shortage of teachers for the deaf. American Girl is being sensitive to the needs access to health care, clean water and of Education and Vocational Training, the There is also a deficiency of skilled of kids with disabilities. If a child’s life or hair education. school has started to implement the following professionals. “We need to have skilled situation changes, so should their doll’s. The ‘ZOP academy’ or ‘School of the Deaf developments: teachers to help deaf children. and Post-Hearing-Aid Rehabilitation Centre,’ It has been named the ‘ZOP Academy,’ and “I believe deaf schools are the best For more information visit was officially opened on Tuesday on February contains a nursery school. The school offers opportunity. www.americangirl.com scholarships in vocational training on how to “Children can play, mix-up, and see their care for children with hearing problems. It colleagues. Let us not discriminate children has applied to be registered by the Ministry with disability, they have the opportunity to Ebay sued for discriminating against deaf people of Education and Vocational Training and grow up with talents,” he said. A Missouri woman is trying to make the courts say yes so that she can conducts refresher course workshop for its A deaf student’s experiences depend very cash in on her stash of old comic books and vintage baseball cards and teachers with emphasis on how to teach and much on the type of hearing loss they have, on their communication preferences, on their timepieces, some of which are worth thousands of dollars train special need children. Dr Kassim says, “We are determined to previous experience of deafness and on FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig reported A Federal court has already thrown out the rescue deaf children from life of misery. We their relationship with both deaf and hearing that Melissa Earll is suing eBay, saying they suit, saying eBay doesn’t have a physical want every deaf child to get education and culture. discriminate against her because she’s deaf. storefront for interaction with customers so enjoy their rights. We hope to succeed as a However, in an environment that takes little The auction site requires a phone verification the Americans with Disabilities Act doesn’t national centre of excellence for the deaf.” or no account of deafness a deaf person can from sellers – which Earll can’t hear – but she apply. Earll is appealing. Earll concludes, Children of the age between three and 11 feel isolated, confused and frustrated. Every says eBay just isn’t listening. “eBay keeps me from taking advantage of from across the islands are allowed to be deaf child is different. Earll commented, “They said, ‘Can your the opportunities that other people have.” mom or dad answer the phone for you?’ And eBay declining comment, except to say I’m a 40-year-old adult woman…no, I don’t that they’re happy the initial lawsuit was Read more news online at live at home.” dismissed. www.hearingtimes.co.uk Hearing Times Spring 2013 Technology 7 Bank launches online BSL service Run of success for battery manufacturer Lloyds Banking Group is first financial services provider in the UK to Rayovac entered 2013 in a celebratory mood after being presented with the introduce a sign language communication service for its deaf customers coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the second year in a row – one of a Called SignVideo, the service enables deaf always working hard to understand the string of major business awards it has picked up in the last few months customers to have direct access to the Lloyds challenges faced by our disabled customers, TSB customer service team via a British looking to find new ways to improve the Sign Language (BSL) interpreter using their services we provide to make their lives computer and a webcam. This will enable easier. This is why we have launched a new Lloyds TSB Deaf customers to communicate programme focussed on meeting the needs in their first or preferred language of BSL. of our customers with disabilities” To access the service, customers simply “Many of us take for granted being able click on the SignVideo BSL Live link on the to quickly call our bank and ask a question LloydsTSB.com ‘contact us’ page and follow or pay a bill, but for the thousands of Deaf the on-screen instructions. people in the UK, whose preference is to Once connected, customers talk to the communicate using BSL, this simply has SignVideo interpreter using sign language not been possible until now. I’m delighted and the interpreter relays whatever is said to to be announcing the launch of this service the Lloyds TSB customer service team and which will significantly improve the service vice versa. we provide to our deaf and hard of hearing Customers can use the service to handle customers.” Rayovac staff celebrate the company’s latest award everyday transactions on their Lloyds TSB Disability Rights UK has worked with Lloyds The long established hearing aid battery the Eco-Efficiency Initiative of the Year at personal current, savings and credit card TSB to ensure service improvements are manufacturer was presented with the the same event for project work at its sister accounts. This includes paying bills and through real engagement and understanding Queen’s Award by Her Majesty’s Vice Lord- factory in the US. transferring money to other UK accounts. of disabled people and their needs. Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Mr. Fred Hoult Lastly the company also picked up an Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Liz Sayce, the CEO of Disability Rights UK, JP,DL who recently visited the plant for a tour. export award after impressing judges at Communications and Creative Industries said, “As well as common adjustments that Rayovac received the award in the Business Insider Group’s manufacturing at the Department for Culture, Media and work for everyone, service providers need to International Trade category in recognition of ‘Made in the North East Awards.’ Sport, said, “I’ve been calling for companies make access provision for specific groups. its achievements in overseas markets, where The awards were welcomed by Rayovac’s to play their part in addressing the needs of We are very pleased that Lloyds TSB is it has continually grown sales over recent divisional vice president Vince Armitage. their British Sign Language customers, and leading the way in utilising new technologies years. He said, “We’ve had an impressive run of so I’m delighted that Lloyds TSB has shown to ensure access for Deaf sign language The Queen’s Award is one of several success in recent months. It’s an honour to leadership on this issue within the banking users and hope other banks will follow their recent successes for Rayovac, which has receive each and every one of these awards sector. lead.” seen the business win four awards in recent and is a testament to the company and the “It’s a great example of industry self- SignVideo is available to all Lloyds TSB months, including the EEF North East fantastic team we have in Washington. regulation at work, and proof that Video customers who have access to a PC with a Outstanding Export Award at the EEF Future “To win the Queen’s Award not once but Relay Service schemes can be put in place webcam and Microsoft Internet Explorer or Manufacturing Awards 2012. twice is a major achievement and it’s fantastic easily, and at minimal cost. The digital Safari. Eco-Product of the Year for its mercury-free that our efforts have also been recognised by economy depends on making sure everyone The banking group is also introducing hearing aid batteries at the 2012 In Business other organisations and industry bodies. can contribute and everyone can benefit, TexBox, an enhanced form of Textphone that Sustainability Awards. Rayovac remains at “We have made significant investment in and I would now urge the rest of the banking allows deaf or hearing impaired customers the forefront of the drive to develop mercury- our manufacturing capability as the market industry to follow Lloyds’ lead.” to use their own mobile or computer as well free batteries, responding to growing demand and demand for our products continues to Martin Dodd, Lloyds Banking Group’s as a traditional textphone to contact the bank for environmentally friendly technology. This grow. We hope to build on these successes Customer Services Director, said, “We are and converse with customer service staff. commitment saw the company also winning in 2013.” Advertisement Assistive Listening Devices View our full range of products at Audiology Now 2013, booth 1543

Announcing the launch of Listenor Pro and Conversor Pro Recorder App

Listenor Pro Conversor Pro Recorder App NEW! * A lightweight amplified * An intuitive stereo listener ideal recorder App for for people with iPod Touch, iPad a mild to moderate and Windows 8 hearing loss smartphones, tablets ‘Record’ ‘Play’ ‘Bookmark’ * Provides easy listening and recording devices enjoyment of audio devices and * For use in lecture halls or school conversation with family and friends classrooms, capturing music recitals, * Can be used with headphones or an inductive NEW! church services or precious family loop for use with telecoil-equipped hearing aids. events * Uses AAA batteries which last for up to 100 hours * Offers background noise reduction for crystal clear of continuous use recordings of voice notes, lectures and interviews * Can be used with the Conversor Pro Recorder * Ideal for students with a learning difficulty or hearing App for recording and playing back lectures or loss in any situation discussions, then uploading the recording to your PC for subsequent editing and filing * Compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking and * Uses AAA batteries which last for up to 100 hours Sonocent Audio Notetaker of continuous use * With almost unlimited recording time, you never * Designed for easy use with binaural headphones, have to worry about cutting off the end of a lecture earphones or hearing aids or recital * TV cables are available for connection to a * Classic Conversor Pro in use television

Call: +44 (0)870 066 3499 Visit: www.conversorproducts.com Email: [email protected] 8 Arts & Culture Hearing Times Spring 2013 Review: Shrek the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane Coldplay and Black Among the most popular fairy tales of our times are those that tell of the rescue of beautiful princesses by knights in Eyed Peas sign up for shining armour who subsequently marry and live happily ever after tinnitus charity album Denise Dewey-Muno British Tinnitus Association, BTA, In Shrek the Musical, which is based spokesperson Eddy Temple Morris, on the story created in 1990 by New York a DJ, producer and presenter, has cartoonist and author William Steig and announced that Coldplay, Black inspired by the Shrek animated films of the Eyed Peas and other have agreed to early 2000s, this classic fairy tale is given a take part in a charity album to raise different spin. For one, the brave and noble knight is replaced with an ugly yet amiable awareness of tinnitus ogre. The project will be a downloadable, and hopefully, physical album with tracks donated This uncouth green being aptly named from artists with tinnitus. Every track on this after the German and Yiddish word album will have been donated by musicians, ‘Schreck’/‘Shreck’ for ‘fear’ or ‘terror’ actually producers, DJs, all of whom have tinnitus. only embarks on the daring mission to Bands (with at least one person living with rescue the damsel in distress on the orders tinnitus) but also the person who designs the of a pint-sized prince too cowardly to do so cover, the one that sequences and masters himself. And this solely in return for removal the record, the promotions person, marketing of a disgruntled band of banished fairy tale person, at least one of the guys at the record rejects from the swamp he calls home. label, the publisher, the TV plugger, an artist manager, the person who writes the label Dean Chisnall slips into the role of Shrek copy, the journalist who writes a review, all for which he was previously the understudy the way through to the postman who delivers for Nigel Lindsay with ease – and that it, each person involved will have tinnitus. despite the cumbersome costume that sees BTA have had some incredible support from him spending 1.5 hours in make-up every some of the biggest artists in the world, right day. His portrayal of the jolly ogre, who through to some of underground electronic becomes an unwilling hero and finds love in dance music’s leading lights, plus lawyers, the process, is highly entertaining. What’s A dedicated Shrek: Dean Chisnall spends 1.5 hours being made-up before every show writers, pluggers, managers, DJs from radio more, some excellent banter can be enjoyed praise for their feisty performances of I Their performances complement the and clubs, studios and an army of helpers, all during the scenes with his loyal sidekick, Know It’s Today whilst awaiting rescue main storyline, helping to create a feel-good of whom have tinnitus. Donkey (Richard Blackwood), who is most from the tower guarded by a fire-breathing feeling and drive home the final message We need to get through to the government definitely at his best when sparring with dragon. that letting the “freak flag fly” is something that it’s not just musicians and soldiers that Shrek. that should be celebrated. get tinnitus, it’s every layer of society, and The show is stolen, however, by we want to reflect this by putting together The second break from fairy tale norms diminutive mummy’s boy Lord Farquaad, Shrek the Musical is a fun-filled show that a compilation album where every single is a princess, who is not always the fairest a prince who – quite literally – fails to live brims with humour and fairy tale clichés. person involved has tinnitus. If we can in the land. Carley Stenson, who took over up to regal standards and simply cannot It will appeal both to families and those open the government’s eyes to this, then from Amanda Holden in May 2012, makes a be taken seriously as a consequence. Neil seeking some light-hearted entertainment, we’ll have a fighting chance of support in vivacious and fun Princess Fiona. At times McDermott plays the role with bravura, though it may prove a little long for younger awareness, maybe even a ‘Charly Says’ elegant and regal, at others as brash as mastering this physically challenging role viewers (2.5 hours; one interval). public information film, and a much better the ogre sent to rescue her, she belts out that sees him spending virtually the entire chance of funding towards finding a cure. a series of lively numbers such as Morning show on his knees. The show features some fantastic As this idea spreads, and press is Person in which she is accompanied by a costumes (my personal favourite: the generated, more artists will come on board. It dashing pack of rats and I Think I Got You The colourful assortment of fairy tale colourful latex outfits of the prince’s guards) already looks like it could be a double album. Beat in which she matches – if not outdoes rejects includes some real characters: a as well as some wonderful effects (incl. The double could become a triple. The CD – Shrek in a rather grotesque belching and wonderfully indignant Pinocchio (Jonathan a vast dragon puppet) and Grammy- would be a beautiful possession, a self-help farting contest. Stewart), three portly pigs and the ugly nominated musical score. Although it is now guide, advice from every artist on how they duckling, not to forget a gruff Gingerbread closed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, fans cope. Young Fiona (Imogen Gurney) and Teen Man, who ironically is voiced by a petite pink will be delighted to hear that there are plans “For this to be given the best possible Fiona (Blaise Colangelo) also deserve fairy. for a UK tour in 2014. chance, I need a record label to put this out. But for the idea to work, the label boss, or my contact there, has to have tinnitus. We’ve Noel Gallagher reveals tinnitus had several smaller labels offer their support, Pantomime dame has hearing test to Noel Gallagher has revealed that he for which we are hugely grateful. What would promote accessible theatre performances is suffering from tinnitus, having be great is if somebody at a big record label recently being diagnosed with the sees this and pledges their support. One local hearing company has recently received a surprise visit from a condition by doctors Songs pledged for ‘I am the One in Ten’ by number patient that they wouldn’t normally expect to see The condition, which is characterised by one hit artists: ringing in the ears in the absence of external Coldplay - An exclusive, unreleased remix by Mirror City The Pantomime Dame from the New sound, affects a number of musicians with Black Eyed Peas - An Adam Freeland produced bomb Wolsey Theatre, in Ipswich popped by loud music often causing damage over DJ Fresh - A rare remix by Sub Focus The Hearing Care Centre on Upper Brook a number of years. Both Chris Martin of Embrace - Unreleased exclusive remix Street, for a hearing test and to help promote Coldplay and The Who’s Pete Townshend Rare or exclusive tracks pledged by: ADAM F accessible performances at the theatre. are sufferers. The Hearing Care Centre has been ZINC Speaking to Talksport DJ Andy Goldstein CHICANE the theatre’s official sponsor of captioned about his problem, Gallagher said that if performances helping the hearing impaired BTA0113 playing guitar in Oasis was what gave him ENTER SHIKARI community, for the last two years and has the condition then it was “worth it”. “I went for X-PRESS 2 worked tirelessly over this period to raise a brain scan. They did find it. I’ve got bizarre LONDON ELEKTRICITY better awareness. ringing in my ears. I think it’s just through DC BREAKS Captioning enables audiences to follow playing guitar for the last 20 years so I had ALEX METRIC exactly what is happening, by displaying the Managing Director of The Hearing Care to sit in a tube in the hospital,” He said. “It’s FREAKPOWER THE COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE words on a screen close to the stage. Centre, Karen Finch, added “One in six an accumulation of many things but I’ve had Will Kenning, who has played the theatre’s people in the UK have a hearing loss, which DRUMSOUND AND BASSLINESMITH a bloody great time doing it all and if I do 2BAD MICE Pantomime Dame for the last three years equates to over 119,000 people in Suffolk eventually die of brain disease it will have said, “Our visit was to thank everyone at alone. DEADLY AVENGER been worth it.” FREQ NASTY The Hearing Care Centre for their support So many people could benefit from the Discussing his hospital treatment, MISTABISHI and hard work in helping us promote our fantastic facilities that The New Wolsey Gallagher continued, “The funny thing is HIATUS captioning programme to the people of Theatre offers for the hearing impaired they give you these headphones and I chose LOSERS Suffolk. community. classical music. It came on and it was the SUBSOURCE exact music I play to my little kid when he BENIN CITY Further support or possible tracks pledged by: goes to bed. CHRIS COCO For more theatre and arts news visit “I was in there for 25 minutes. It was SHOCK ONE horrible. I know what the results will be — THE STRONGROOM STUDIOS AND ‘There is nothing wrong with you’. It’s another MASTERING way of fleecing money out of you.” HOSPITAL RECORDS www.hearingtimes.co.uk WALL OF SOUND Hearing Times Spring 2013 Arts & Culture 9 First National Disability Review: Meow Meow’s Little Match Girl at Southbank Centre Arts collection and archive Meow Meow’s Little Match Girl is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s sorrowful 1845 fable, but it gives the audience much more than a disheartening short story Heritage Lottery Fund announces support for Shape and the Arts and Douglas Dewey Disability Consortium to establish the first National Disability Arts Collection Australia’s Malthouse Theatre Director The performance is heartfelt in every Marion Potts, composer Iain Grandage and sense of the word with an important and Archive the Wild Dog Orchestra combine with Meow underlying message resonating just It was announced this week that as lead Meow and supporting star Chris Ryan to below the surface. It is by no means all partner of the consortium, Shape has create a quirky take on the original tale with seriousness and I spent a lot of the time received initial support for a £962,000 bid plenty of hilarious digressions! chuckling away to myself as the naughty from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for humour is right up my street. the National Disability Arts Collection and The picture is painted of a poor girl Archive. dressed in rags lighting matches, which A delightful mixture of comedy, emotion Bringing together a number of disability led she should be selling, just to enjoy a little and belting song and dance performances arts organisations, universities, galleries and beauty in the cold dark night. Each match’s made for a very enjoyable night. museums from across the UK, the project light provides a vision of love and warmth aims to preserve, digitise, and make public including one of her dead grandmother Little Match Girl received rave reviews the significant works of art and items that who was the only woman to ever love her. during its sold-out run at Sydney Festival have been important to the Disability Arts Clearly this performance is not lacking in earlier this year and also won three prizes Movement. emotional weight, but it provides it in a at the Helpmann Awards (the Australian The archive will help to capture an tasteful way. version of the Olivier Awards) for Best understanding of the historical influence of Cabaret Performer (Meow Meow), Best Disability Arts and the social struggles of From the beginning of the performance Musical Direction (Iain Grandage), and Best the movement in changing attitudes towards Meow Meow dominates the stage, and the Lighting Design (Paul Jackson). disabled people. audience, in a boisterous yet endearing Development funding of £99,600 has been way. She instantly involves members of the This UK premiere runs for only 21 awarded to help Shape progress their plans public which keeps everyone on their toes, performances. For ages 15 and over. to apply for the full grant at a later date. but far from being awkward or nerve-racking Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the it quickly creates an audience-performer www.southbankcentre.co.uk Heritage Lottery Fund, said, “We’re delighted bond and within minutes she has the theatre to be giving initial support for Shape’s wrapped around her little finger! “There are not many women who can stun an audience into pin-drop silence with an exquisitely ambitious and thoughtful plans to tell the delivered torch song one moment and rock the rafters with laughter the next. Meow Meow is that story of disability arts – a story that has Meow Meow proves amazingly versatile, rare combination - devilishly funny bones and heavenly vocal chords. **** ” alternating between frivolous frolics and never been properly told before now. This London Evening Standard is particularly timely after last September’s naughty tongue in cheek, to tear-jerking “Witness the birth of a new star. She is sensational. ***** ” inspiring Paralympics and we hope that as poignancy at the drop of a hat. The Times the project develops it will tap into and build on the legacy of London 2012.” The music was great and fitted perfectly “Leaving audiences dangling helplessly at her feet, the postmodern international diva proved The project aims to work with and mentor with the leading voice of Meow. Chris Ryan that the world is her litterbox.” disabled and non-disabled volunteers to was an impressive singer and a very funny Time Out New York collect, preserve and catalogue artefacts. It collaborator, particularly in his opening AboveMe HearingTimes Ad 27/2/13 11:03 Page 1 “Cabaret diva of the highest order” will capture oral histories of key protagonists, scene! The New York Post and establish and promote an on-line digital Archive to engage with communities all A Fevered Sleep and Young Vic Co-production. Produced in association with Fuel over the UK. This will be complemented American series airs Co-commissioned by Live at LICA and Warwick Arts Centre by a series of exhibitions, events and an education programme to reach communities episode entirely in ASL all over the UK. Tony Heaton, Chief Executive of Shape An American television series said, “This is the first disability-led collection featuring Deaf characters has been and archive in the world and will be truly an award-winning hit in the US and unique, for the first time the achievements of has now screened its first episode disabled artists will be properly documented entirely in American Sign Language, and our rich history will be told.” ASL, the first time this has happened on a major television network Downton Abbey star Switched at Birth, which airs on the channel ABC Family, is about two baby girls “One of the most achingly beautiful nights you’re ever likely to have in a theatre.” demands action who are switched in hospital shortly after their mothers have given birth. ★★★★ Metro, on ‘On Ageing’ Downton Abbey star Jim Carter is backing a campaign to curb CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE This performance will use government funding cuts for deaf 22ND MARCH, 7.45PM individual screens. children YOUNG VIC To reserve your screen please The actor, who plays Carson the butler 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LZ contact the box office at in the period drama, speaks out against 020 7922 2922 | YOUNGVIC.ORG [email protected] cutbacks to health services for youngsters with hearing problems in a public service announcement for the National Deaf Children Society. Carter is urging fans to add their signatures to the Stolen Futures petition, which he hopes When they are teenagers, the girls, one of will make politicians reconsider the cuts. whom has become deaf through meningitis, He says, “Every day cuts are being made to realise they are not being raised by their services to deaf children. By services I mean natural families and make contact with their teachers of the deaf, speech and language real parents and siblings. therapists - people that deaf people rely on Until now, all episodes of the series - which for their education. is now in its second season - have featured a “We want to take down the barriers and mixture of spoken English and ASL, but this give them opportunities, let them realise their is the first time an episode has been aired potential. That’s what every parent wants for with no dialogue at all, in a story about a their child. student protest. “I would like to ask you to sign our petition The ASL only episode was shown on today to protect the future of thousands of Thursday 14 March. Let’s hope we get to see deaf children.” the series in the UK soon. Actress Scarlett Alice Johnson has also added her support, insisting, “These services For more about Switched at Birth, go to: are not a luxury, they are vital to the education, www.beta.abcfamily.go.com/shows/ Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England; Wellcome Trust, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Esm´ee Fairbairn Foundation. health and wellbeing of deaf children.” switched-at-birth With additional support from Ernest Cook Trust, Newcomen Collett Foundation, The Robertson Trust. 10 Arts & Culture Hearing Times Spring 2013 TV star speaks out about her hearing loss BTA chosen to have film Real-hustle TV star, actress and model, Jessica-Jane Clement speaks out made by top film maker about suffering from an illness that left her permanently deaf in one ear The British Tinnitus Association It was during the blazing hot summer in “Over time I (BTA), the only UK charity dedicated 2005, Jessica-Jane returned home, after learnt to cope with to supporting those who experience a walk with a friend, and noticed a strange my single sided tinnitus, has been given the ringing noise in her right ear. deafness. I learnt to opportunity to tell its story by “It was a constant ringing sound and, as do simple things that national communications charity the ringing faded over the day, my hearing make a difference, Media Trust, Sainsbury’s and Google. just disappeared.” like choosing my “I didn’t know it had gone at first. For about place at a dinner The BTA has been selected for the Untold an hour I was convinced my phone was table so that I can Stories scheme, which matches small For me, the beginning of the year, broken because I couldn’t hear the person hear everyone and charities with top filmmakers who volunteer and into March, always seems to be a speaking at the other end - and then it hit me, slowly got over the their time to create professional films that time for sorting stuff out. I had completely lost the hearing in my ear” embarrassment demonstrate the impact of the charities’ work. Jessica-Jane suffered from Labyrinthitis, talking about it”. The British Tinnitus Association is one The main one this month was my car an inner ear infection which causes the In July, Jessica- of 25 charities selected to take part in the insurance. Due and with the renewal delicate structure deep inside your ear, the Jane was fitted with a brand new hearing eighth series of Media Trust’s Untold Stories fee at an eye-watering £700. labyrinth, to become inflamed. The exact device called Lyric. Labelled ‘the contact scheme, which has produced more than With my high-risk job title (The Stig) cause of Labyrinthitis is not yet known. It may lens for the ear’, the Lyric is fitted deep inside 175 films for small charities working ina and London postcode (Buckingham be related to a viral infection, occasionally a the ear canal and is worn comfortably for 24 wide range of areas including disability, Palace) I understand that my insurance bacterial infection, or even a simple upper hours a day, for up to three months at a time. community, race relations, sport, arts and the isn’t going to be as cheap as someone respiratory infection. “It’s perfect for me because you can’t see environment. who keeps their car in a locked garage In mild cases it temporarily affects your it at all. Being an actress I have to wear my The British Tinnitus Association is the behind locked gates and does a job that hearing and balance, but unfortunately, in hair up a lot, and with constant close-ups and primary source of support and information for is low risk such as erm… Now, what is Jessica-Jane’s case – the hearing loss was everything filmed in HD - I didn’t really want people with tinnitus in the UK, facilitating an low risk exactly? permanent. to have a hearing device that I have to keep improved quality of life. “For the following few weeks it felt as taking out and putting back in again – I’d just David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the But discovering that insuring my dinky though I had just come back from a big night end up losing it”. British Tinnitus Association, said, “We are car, which has an engine the size of a on the town. I couldn’t walk properly, my “During my first year I researched a lot, delighted to have the chance to work with the bicycle costs the same as a holiday, balance was terrible and I was violently sick. looking for other people who work as actors Media Trust and be part of the Untold Stories was enough to make me choke on my I moved home from London and spent the and actresses who suffer with hearing loss. I scheme. cornflakes. next six weeks recovering” found out Rob Lowe was born with hearing “Tinnitus is largely an unseen issue, In the past when my car insurance The first year was very tough. “I became loss - I really admire his work and I found this although 10 per cent of adults in the UK has come up for renewal, I’ve just paid depressed, was embarrassed about my reassuring. experience it. Untold Stories will give us up the week the letter comes through condition and thought my career was over. “People shouldn’t be embarrassed about the unique opportunity to work with a the door. Popped a cheque in the post. My poor mother had to endure me sobbing hearing loss, it is much more common than professional film maker to raise awareness Felt peace of mind was more valuable on her shoulder countless times”. you think” of the condition and our work.” than anything else. Caroline Diehl, Chief Executive, Media Trust said, “Our Untold Stories initiative I mean, I usually have a quick hunt really changes lives. We are delighted to around online for cheaper deals and Concerts for the deaf community have Sainsbury’s as our partner again this then Google these companies for year and to welcome Google as an additional reviews. These often show that you A new project by BBC National Orchestra of Wales is helping Deaf, deafened partner. We know that there is a wealth of obviously get what you pay for as and hard of hearing adults and children to access music, through a series of fantastic charities like the British Tinnitus everyone hates them and seems be free events in Cardiff Association and being involved with Untold out of pocket for some reason or other. On Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 Stories is a rare opportunity for them to work And so, I stick with my insurance February 2013, the Orchestra performed a with a professional filmmaker and get their company where the phone is answered series of free concerts that aimed to be as story heard by an even wider audience.” after two rings and, who dealt with the accessible as possible to audience members Untold Stories is run by Media Trust in idiot woman who reversed into my car who are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing. partnership with Sainsbury’s and Google to in Kwik Fit with amazing speed and This project is one of the first of this nature in support small charities amplify their voices efficiency. the UK that uses a full symphony orchestra. and encourage volunteering in the media But Art Man was having none of that. The concerts were led by creative musician industry. He did what I can’t do and lifted the Andy Pidcock and conductor Grant Llewellyn, Each charity is matched with a top phone and, after I gave him permission and were presented and signed by Dr. Paul included Hoe-Down by Copland, In the Hall filmmaker to create a short, high quality film to speak on my behalf, he negotiated Whittaker OBE, Artistic Director of Music and of the Mountain King by Grieg and the theme at a fraction of the normal cost. The films an £80 discount on my insurance. the Deaf. tunes to The Apprentice and Doctor Who. will be broadcast on Media Trust’s national He asked questions, he dug around, Four of the concerts were aimed at pupils television channel, Community Channel he asked them if I quit my job as The “We’re aiming to proactively in primary schools, special schools and in the spring and, with Google’s support, Stig whether it would come down in reach Deaf, deafened and hard adults in care homes and day centres. A fifth distributed widely online. price? We even tried adding Ma as a of hearing adults and children by concert was open to the public, where Deaf, secondary driver – this added £100 to providing an experience that’s deafened and hard of hearing adults and Deaf Actress awarded MBE the cost even though she’s been driving both accessible and fun.” children could experience music alongside Deaf actress Caroline Parker their friends and family - helping to raise Deaf for more than 40 years and apart from performed at the Paralympics driving into a tree in a Mini many moons The events featured British Sign Language awareness amongst the hearing audience. ago is fault free. Odd huh? and live subtitles and offered audience Suzanne Hay, the Orchestra’s Education opening ceremony last summer in members the chance to sit within the and Community Outreach Manager, front of millions of people Anyway, I paid up, poorer but happier Orchestra, in order to feel the vibrations from produced the events in Cardiff, “These Caroline was given the MBE for services that I was with the right insurance instruments as the musicians play. concerts are a really important addition to to deaf theatre and drama in the New company and that should I crash my On Wednesday 27 February, the Orchestra our outreach programme, and are pleased to Year Honours – an award which she says car, the £300 extra I paid to be with were joined by singer Katherine Mount and offer these events to a new audience. was completely unexpected but certainly them rather than the cheapest company the Llantarnam Deaf Choir, which features “We’re aiming to proactively reach Deaf, welcome. would be worth it for the lack of hassle, pupils from the Hearing Impaired Unit at deafened and hard of hearing adults and “I was very surprised when I read the letter direct phone line to real people and the Llantarnam High School, in Cwmbran near children by providing an experience that’s [it arrived in November] and to this day was nice recommendations from my entire Newport. both accessible and fun. We hope that not sure if it was a hoax or genuine!” she said. family who use them. Andy Pidcock and musicians from the these concerts will also help to raise Deaf Ms Parker, 50, has built a reputation for And so peeps, I’m going to spread Orchestra lead workshops prior to the event awareness amongst the hearing audience, herself as the UK’s best signing singer over the love. My lovely insurance company with pupils from Ysgol Maes Dyfan, a special and above all, be entertaining events for the course of her 30-year career – which led is LV. They have it on my notes now school in Barry, near Cardiff. The students everyone.” to her being asked by friend Jenny Sealey to that Art Man will speak on my behalf. from these workshops then performed their This project is part of the Orchestra’s accompany Beverly Knight’s rendition of I Am They accept lip-speaking conference own specially devised piece in the concert. extensive Education and Community What I Am at the opening ceremony of the calls when making claims and they’re These events follow a successful pilot Outreach programme, aiming to make music Paralympic Games this summer. up for a little bit of negotiation when you event in October 2012, at the Orchestra’s more accessible to everyone in Wales. Other “I was delighted to be able to join my friend come to renew. home in Cardiff Bay, BBC Hoddinott Hall, recent projects have included the distribution in such a venture and indeed privileged to be which received very positive audience of a DVD resource pack, introducing the able to participate in what may be my biggest Can’t complain about that now really, feedback. instruments of the Orchestra, to every gig ever,” she said. can I? The music in these concerts showcased primary school and special school in Wales; “It was more than just a chance to appear the different instruments of the Orchestra, and a performance in December 2012 of before one of the largest TV audiences ever. www.deafinitelygirly.com and will demonstrated concepts including Handel’s Messiah at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, It was also an opportunity to inspire other pitch, tempo and dynamics. Music featured signed by Dr. Paul Whittaker. deaf performers.” Hearing Times Spring 2013 Education 11

New GCSE figures show Government is failing deaf children My name The National Deaf Children’s Society is warning that cuts to the support deaf children need are having a devastating is Matthew impact, as the achievement of deaf GCSE students has dropped for the first time since records were collected Munson and I am hearing. New figures released by the Department achievement of deaf children at GCSE level achieve anything other children can, but the I am learning for Education show that the number of deaf since the Government started collecting data cuts are taking that chance away.” BSL and children achieving five GCSEs grades A*-C in 2007, and we now need the Government NDCS’ Stolen Futures investigation has writing a including English and Maths has fallen for to take responsibility for the children they are found that local councils, struggling to cope the first time since 2007 - with 37% of deaf setting up to fail, and stop cuts being made with budgets that are being consistently monthly children achieving five GCSEs compared to before the attainment gap becomes even squeezed, are cutting services deaf children column about 69% of their hearing peers. wider. need such as Teachers of the Deaf. how I get on... With less than four in ten deaf children Teachers of the Deaf are a vital form of nationwide achieving five good GCSEs, the Action needs to be taken now to support for many deaf children, in monitoring National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) stop more deaf children being their development, using specialist teaching I’m working hard on my BSL right has branded the Government as failing deaf failed by a Government that is methods that ensure they understand lessons now; I need to keep it up to date, as I’m children. ignoring their needs. and making sure they get the equipment they planning another resit for my 202 exam. Jo Campion, Deputy Director of Policy and need. Yes, you read that right, another resit. Campaigns at NDCS said, “These figures “We urge people to sign our Stolen Futures NDCS’ latest cuts survey, which asked I’ve managed to fail it twice now, whilst confirm our worst fears; that the Government e-petition so we can force a Parliamentary parents of deaf children questions about the passing 201 & 203 on the first attempt. is failing deaf children by refusing to take debate on the issue and get the Government support they receive, found that families are action to stop irresponsible local council to take responsibility for the deaf children moving hundreds of miles across the country The failure was frustrating the first cuts. The attainment gap is widening due they are constantly ignoring.” as local councils cut the support their deaf time, but the second time was even to councils and the Government constantly The situation for deaf children is worse than children need. more annoying. devaluing deaf children and taking away for other children with special educational The survey also found that speech and the support they need, putting the futures of needs. The figures show children with language therapy services are being the My problem is with 202, the second thousands in jeopardy. special educational needs have done better hardest hit by council cuts. part of the Level 2 Signature syllabus, “Deafness is not a learning disability and in their GCSEs overall – but deaf children NDCS has launched the Stolen Futures a four-to-five minute monologue (to there is no reason why most deaf children specifically did worse. campaign which calls on the Government to camera) on a particular topic. should not be doing as well as other The attainment of deaf children has fallen stop cutting deaf children’s services. children. Our Stolen Futures investigation by 2.4 percentage points year on year, from The charity urgently needs 100,000 In each exam I felt confident: sadly, has uncovered that one in three councils are nearly 40% of deaf children in 2011 to 37.3% signatures on its e-petition to call on the my confidence didn’t tip over into a taking away the support deaf children need, in 2012. Government to explain what it is doing to pass mark. Both times, I failed by one such as Teachers of the Deaf and Speech Jo added, “This confirms a specific neglect protect deaf children’s futures and secure a mark; a single, solitary mark. Annoying and Language therapists, and these figures of deaf children. Action needs to be taken Parliamentary debate. is the mildest word ... or sign … that I show the devastating consequence of doing now to stop more deaf children being failed would use right now. this. by a Government that is ignoring their needs. The petition is available at “This is the first reported decline in the With the right support deaf children can www.ndcs.org.uk/petition. So, I am going back to school for a series of classes, to act as a refresher before resitting my exam a third (and hopefully final) time. I’m doing it slightly Meeting deaf students inspired career change different this time around; whereas I did Nadine Taylor writes about her professional training to become a BSL Interpreter with Action Deafness Level One and Level Two through Adult Education, I’m now going to the Royal I became interested in British Sign Language/ English Degree plus foundation graduated and was able to register as a School for the Deaf in Margate, near to Language when I started my studies at Derby at the University of Wolverhampton. The Trainee Interpreter. where I live. College. There I was undertaking a Diploma foundation degree enabled me to learn BSL I started working in 2010 as a Community to become a social worker when I met a group to Level 2 standard and in addition, I gained Interpreter. I enjoy my job and the challenges The school has been around for of deaf students and I eventually became awareness of interpreting, translation studies that interpreting offers. I work in a variety of decades, and has meant that a large more involved in the deaf community. and linguistic issues. settings such as office support, medical and Deaf community has built up in the As a part of my Diploma I was required Once I had completed the foundation social situations. With the support of AD I town, which is certainly a source of to undertake a six week work placement. I degree I enrolled on the three year BSL/ am currently undertaking studies to become pride for me. It also gives me more was placed at the Royal School for the Deaf English degree. This allowed me to develop a registered BSL Interpreter. Once I have opportunities to use my sign language, Derby and immediately took an interest, and my sign language to a BSL Level 6 standard achieved this, I am to challenge myself to and was what inspired me to start in this lead to a change in my career path. and learn conceptual, theoretical, and more complex assignments. the first place. After extensive research I enrolled on vocational knowledge regarding all aspects For more information visit the BA (Hons) Interpreting British Sign of interpreting, and in September 2010 I www.actiondeafness.org.uk The Deaf School is a lovely place in fairly new surroundings, and I’m really Charity introduces online Advances in speech reading research with deaf children excited to be learning there. resources for education Speechreading is the term used The researchers found that unlike adults, Being taught Level One by a Deaf by researchers to refer to lipreading. deaf and hearing children had similar levels tutor helped immerse me in the The Ear Foundation has introduced ‘Speechreading’ is preferred to ‘lipreading’ of speechreading skill. language and forced me (in a good Education Online, a dedicated because lots of information is used from all This pattern suggests either a decrease in way) to pick up the language in a more area on its website which provides of the face, not just the lips, when you watch speechreading skill in hearing children after well-rounded way; if I wanted to chat to someone speak. For deaf people, this can be the age of 14 years relative to deaf children, him, even if it was just to pass the time resources and online presentations their primary route to speech information. or, more likely – that as deaf people get that are free to download and use of day, I needed to be able to know the Hearing people also make great use of older and go through adolescence and into language. With high quality, interactive modules visual speech, although they often don’t early adulthood – their speechreading skills designed to be completed in as little as 15 realize it. If you think of talking to someone in improve with greater practice and reliance It was intense and exhausting at minutes on topics such as an’ Overview of a noisy bar, a hearing person is much more on visual speech, relative to hearing people. times to try and learn the structural Cochlear Implants and Cochlear Implants at likely to understand a person if they can be Further research is needed on the age group elements of a brand new language School’, this is a growing area of successful seen. This is where the old joke ‘I can’t hear not yet tested by the TAS and the ToCS entirely from scratch, but so incredibly education. It is also possible to download ‘Top you without my glasses on’ comes from. (14-18 year olds) to find out what happens worth it. Tips’, checklists and assessments to use and DCAL researchers have previously to speechreading skills in this stage of adapt to different needs. The ethos of The developed a Test of Adult Speechreading development. Making plans to do these classes has Ear Foundation’s Education Online is about (TAS; Mohammed et al., 2006). This The research with children also reignited my love of learning and whilst getting practical resources and information, computerised test was specially designed for demonstrated, just like the adult data, that I’ve enjoyed having time away from deaf adults and did not require any reading developed by specialists in the field to as there was a positive correlation between a classroom setting, I’m excited to be or writing responses, unlike many previous speechreading and reading skill. This was many people as possible in a format that is working on BSL lessons again. I have tests. Deaf adults (18-60yr olds) performed found not only in deaf children, but free and adaptable. an on-going paranoia about forgetting better than hearing adults on this test. interestingly, also in hearing children. The Ear Foundation’s Chief Executive, my skills and this will help guarantee In addition, how well deaf people performed Further research is planned by the team Sue Archbold says, “This a technological that won’t happen. era and implantable hearing devices are on the speechreading test was correlated to further examine the relationship between enabling deaf people to communicate in with their reading skill. speechreading and reading in deaf children. Now, DCAL researchers have developed A copy of the research – to be published By the time I write again, I will have ways previously unthinkable, but technology started and look forward to keeping you is also driving the way in which education can a similar test for children: the Test of Child in the Journal of Speech, Language and Speechreading (ToCS). A total of 86 deaf Hearing Research - can be requested from Dr updated both the trials and tribulations be delivered and again The Ear Foundation of learning sign language. is at the forefront of change.” and 91 hearing children were tested aged Mairéad MacSweeney, at m.macsweeney@ between 5 and 14 years. Children were ucl.ac.uk. assessed at different levels: single words, Find out more about Matthew at www.earfoundation.org.uk/education- www.vikingbay.blogspot.com programme/education-online sentences and connected speech. For more info visit www.dcal.ucl.ac.uk 12 Health Hearing Times Spring 2013 Internet improves access to NHS services for deaf people A telephone based health information and self care advice service has set up a new resource for British Sign Language (BSL) users in Scotland Ed Gould NHS 24, which answers questions about “So long as they’re registered for the health matters over the telephone and via the service they can contact NHS 24 direct.” internet, is the equivalent Scottish service to Users of the new service have reported NHS Direct, found in England and Wales. that the services makes them feel more Gill McInnes, Head of Human Resources comfortable and in control. and Business Services at NHS 24 told “In the past, I have had to rely on other What is your favourite book? Hearing Times that this pilot scheme has people,” said one of the new subscribers. Or are you not a big reader? I’ve already had positive feedback from its new “Having a service that is specific to your own always loved books, reading anything I users. language gives you independence.” “The scheme delivers an improved access Over one hundred BSL signers have could get my hands on. To me reading option for deaf people and allows a deaf subscribed to the service since it began. The is one of life’s greatest pleasures, a caller to contact NHS 24 services from a PC pilot scheme is due to come to an end by 31 unique opportunity to explore new and a webcam via their home broadband March 2013, but McInnes told Hearing Times worlds, imagine situations and connection,” she said. that a review of that date would be made well understand how different people work, “Deaf people who use BSL as their before the deadline. and I am always keen to pass on this first or preferred language face many The BSL programme allows anyone in communication barriers, often relying on Scotland, who is registered, to get medical love to others. So how do you teach a family or friends to help them.” advice quickly and efficiently, which could love of reading? I remember my According to McInnes, prior to the pilot assist when it comes to certain emergency parents reading to us, showing us signers would have to contact NHS 24 using situations, by saving time. pictures and expanding them into an operator service, Text Direct The web service allows BSL signers to log NHS 24 worked in collaboration with members stories. I loved the old annuals you This service, which relies upon the caller on to Interpreternow, where an interpreter using a text phone to type their message to handles the communication between the deaf of the deaf community to develop the service could get with short picture cartoon an operator who then relays it on, with replies person calling and an NHS 24 staff member. strips. They were easy to understand also being typed out, is still available. NHS 24 said that it had been working in Signers can register for the scheme at even if I couldn’t follow all the words. A “Some people like using Text Direct but collaboration with members of the deaf NHS 24’s own website www.nhs24.com/ others find it difficult to use,” McInnes said. community, in order to develop what it called ContactUs/OtherLanguages/BSL where picture speaks a 1,000 words and there is a video in BSL explaining the comics use mostly pictures with a few The new system allows the use of BSL as a ground breaking service for deaf people. the primary communication method for the “We are already sharing our experiences services. words, so are a great way of first time. with other health boards,” McInnes added. encouraging children to read on their “Contacting NHS 24 is now a lot easier “And we are already in talks with the Scottish Alternatively, online registration is also own, providing them with pictorial because BSL users don’t have to rely on Ambulance Service to look at where we could possible at www.signtranslate-scotland. com/registration.htm support to understand the story but the anyone else,” said McInnes. implement our BSL interpreter service, too.” challenge to figure out the dialogue. My brothers like comics – the Beano; Dandy; All the Marvel Superheros – Can red wine can stop you going deaf? X-men, Fantastic Four - which are now Tests find chemical ‘resveratrol’ which is found in red grapes, can help protect against noise-induced hearing loss being made into movies. They were full Rats given the compound before being Michael Seidman of Henry Ford Hospital in people and hearing steadily declines with of action and plain English text so that exposed to loud noise for long periods were Detroit. age. you could follow the story easily and found to be less likely to suffer long-term He said, “Resveratrol is a very powerful Dr Seidman, whose study is published work out on your own what was damage. chemical that seems to protect against the in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Resveratrol may also fight the development body’s inflammatory process as it relates to Neck Surgery, added, “By giving animals happening. When I heard that there is a of Alzheimer’s, cancer and other age-related ageing, cognition and hearing loss.” resveratrol, we can reduce the amount of new comic strip coming out featuring a conditions, according to study leader Dr Hearing loss affects nearly one in five hearing and cognitive decline.” deaf hero I was intrigued. Signs and Voices is a comic book put together by a group of deaf and hearing artists, designers and linguists. The story Veterinary degree student set for success, features four heroes who fight against a corrupt government, to protect a special child who is the one who has been despite prejudice of hearing loss prophesied to restore peace and justice A profoundly deaf student from Hertfordshire is in her final year of studies to become a qualified veterinarian, after to their crumbling kingdom – but I won’t having been told not to even apply by some institutions tell you what happens, you’ll have to read it! The big difference with this Ed Gould comic is that it comes in two versions – Bethan Hindson is due to complete the fifth rooms. a mainstream English and an easy year of her course at the Royal Veterinary Hindson, who has been profoundly deaf English version making it more College (RVC), near to Hatfield, in 2013. since birth, has a cochlear implant in one ear accessible for low literacy readers. “I wrote to all the vet schools when I was 16 and a hearing aid in the other. She said that her to ask if they would consider me due to my love of animals meant that the decision to take Some of the characters sign. Key words hearing impairment,” Hindson told Hearing a veterinary career path was an unsurprising are highlighted in blue and are available Times. “Some of the schools wrote back and one for those around her. on their website, and there is a sign said I wouldn’t even be considered for interview, “RVC accepted me as a student, especially language vocabulary video for the let alone a place, because of the deafness.” once I showed my dedication and ability,” mainstream version, plus additional Professor Adrian Boswood, of the RVC said she said. “Ultimately, it is down to me to pass College © Royal Veterinary that they had taught a number of students with the exams and acquire the knowledge and explanations in a sign language Teaching staff adjusted their methods to a registered disability over the years, but the I wouldn’t get any special treatment due to accommodate a students with hearing loss dictionary video for the easy English majority of these cases were mild learning the deafness if I slacked or didn’t achieve the version. disabilities, such as dyslexia. standards.” have never had any safety issues with animals The comic can also be purchased from “Bethan is the first student with such marked Professor Boswood said that academically because I’m more aware visually of them,” the website in Kindle or paper version - hearing impairment that we have had on the speaking, Hindson has been an outstanding Hindson said. www.signsandvoices.com. professional degree course,” he told Hearing student. “She has not shied away from She added that her deafness has not held Times. situations that require her to communicate in her back with the social life of being a student Teaching staff had to make some changes to groups, such as giving presentations,” he said. either. “I’ve been year rep, farm club rep, have See what you think! Oh, and my their usual methods in order to accommodate “There are many aspects of her personality plenty of friends and join in with everything I favourite book? ... well I am old her disability. “In the pre-clinical phase of the and drive that have allowed her to more than want to,” she said. romantic now – ‘September’ by course members of staff lecturing were asked compensate for her hearing impairment.” “I am sure that through working with her, a Rosmund Pilcher. to wear a special microphone for Bethan’s According to Hindson, who also plays the number of people in the veterinary profession hearing loop,” said Boswood. drums, she has had to make some adjustments. will have had any prejudices they held about He added that in clinical sessions staff were For instance, auscultation is the process when the capacity for people with disabilities to given specific instructions regarding Hindson’s a vet or a doctor listens to a patient with a contribute to the profession challenged,” www.deafax.org need to lip read, for example looking directly device. Professor Boswood said. “I am sure she will at her when speaking and avoiding darkened “I listen with an electronic stethoscope and make a good veterinary surgeon.” Hearing Times Spring 2013 Health 13 NHS Trust announces £40k donation New mini book to transform care for Youngsters with hearing impairments will benefit from new equipment that has been purchased following a generous donation to the Children’s Audiology deaf people with additional needs Service at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust Helen Sanderson Associates and Action on Hearing Loss have launched a Ed Gould mini book of person centred thinking tools to transform care and support for deaf care service users who have additional needs and communicate using The Trust announced that it has been able British Sign Language (BSL) to buy a range of new equipment, some of it specialist, because of a bequeathed of more The tools included in the new person than £40,000. The generous individual left centred thinking to support people who the sum in their will to support services for use British Sign Language mini book were the hearing impaired. adapted for BSL users after being piloted Gill Edgington, Chief Paediatric audiologist extensively with people who are deaf and at the NHS Trust, told Hearing Times that the have additional needs at Action on Hearing identity of the donor was unknown. Loss’s care and support services across the “We understand that the donor may have Midlands. had a connection with someone known to the The tools, which use words and grammar service years ago,” she said. Trust © Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS consistent with BSL, will enable care workers “We are aware, however, that the donor NHS 24 worked in collaboration with members to gather information more effectively and of the deaf community to develop the service also made generous bequests to three help service users who communicate by sign Person centred thinking in the care of deaf other charities in addition to the Children’s Edgington went on to say that they have language to make positive practical changes people is encouraged by the mini book Audiology Service.” also purchased a piece of equipment called in their everyday lives. The service employs five audiologists and a MEG, which measures children’s brain Helen Sanderson said, “We are very “Having the tool available in BSL will two assistants who provide newborn hearing activity, for each of the outreach clinics. pleased to work with Action on Hearing ensure that people we support are more able assessments and other tests as well as Mark Macleod, from Wigan, whose three Loss to develop this resource. I hope people to make choices and stay in control of their prescribing, fitting and programming hearing year old daughter was born with an ear find it useful in enabling people to deliver own lives.” aids for children of all ages. abnormality causing deafness on one side, personalised support.” According to the Trust the bequeathal has welcomed the news. Managing Director of Services at Action To read an e-version of the mini book, allowed the service to extend access with its “We have received a lot of support and on Hearing Loss, Louise Pritchard, said, “We visit www.helensandersonassociates. hearing aid clinics to other locations, such as reassurance and my daughter’s hearing and are delighted to play a significant role in the co.uk BSL clips, which support the Leigh Health Centre. speech have been greatly helped because adaption of these innovative person-centred mini book and explain how the tools The donation has further facilitated the of the hearing aids that the service has tools, which have the potential to transform can be used in a variety of support upgrade of audiology equipment used in provided,” he said. the lives of the 380 people we support who situations, can be viewed at the existing clinic at Worsley Mesnes Health Edgington’s team handles a large caseload communicate using BSL. www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk Centre. Edgington said that the money that includes children who have a variety of has allowed her team to replenish their hearing difficulties, “This includes children hearing aid stock as well as purchasing new who require hearing aids which we fit and National Lottery Awards runner-up says thank you equipment. monitor on a regular basis,” she added. After the award-winning Bionic Ear Show just missed out on the top spot in “The Nav Pro Auditory Brainstem The Trust stated that the new equipment the Health category of this year’s National Lottery Awards, national charity Response and Unity have been our biggest that has been funded will enable the purchases,” she said. “The Nav Pro enables audiology service to use the most up to date Deafness Research UK is thanking the public for supporting the project and us to use state of the art technology for the technology in locations right across the area. reflecting on an amazing and memorable performance by the charity assessment of hearing for babies at first “Whatever the reason for the donation, Bionic Ear Show was just pipped to hearing health message while Lottery funding diagnosis and to monitor hearing levels in we are very grateful to the donor and their Best Health Project by Bogside and has helped the roadshow reach over 30,000 babies following the fitting of hearing aids.” family for giving us this opportunity to invest Brandywell Health Forum, but far from being people throughout the UK already this year. “The Unity allows us the opportunity to in upgraded equipment and the extension of disappointed, the charity is reflecting on The Bionic Ear Show delivers interactive offer hearing aid services at other community a service which we know is greatly valued by what an appearance in the finals has meant performances and hearing screenings, clinics rather than just at our main centre,” children and their families in our borough,” said in terms of public support and importantly, designed to emphasise the importance of she continued. Bridgewater Divisional Director, Michelle Lee. recognition of the work it does. ear protection and make sure hearing health “All the finalists would have made worthy messages do not fall on deaf ears. winners and we would like to congratulate Hearing loss is a growing problem in the Charity calls for GPs to provide equal everyone involved. Coming second in national UK, affecting one in six people (more than Awards like this is a huge achievement for us 10 million) so the show’s work and messages and fantastic recognition of the project and are more important than ever in raising treatment for patients with hearing loss the public’s appreciation of it,” said Deafness awareness not just of how things go wrong Action on Hearing Loss is calling on GPs to improve their communication with Research UK Chief Executive Vivienne – but as in the case of Lisa’s children, how patients with hearing loss following research by the charity which found 28% Michael. “Clearly the public voted for us in things can be put right too. of respondents were unclear about a diagnosis during a GP appointment very large numbers and, irrespective of the Deafness Research UK relies solely on the For its new report entitled ‘Access all Action on Hearing Loss encourages GP result, we remain very, very grateful for their generosity of the public for support and to areas?’ the charity’s survey found patients surgeries to be more accessible by following the support, those who have attended the shows reach such a prestigious awards final at all, let who felt unclear after a consultation attributed charity’s deaf awareness tips: and those who picked up the phone to vote alone finish runners up out of so many good the misunderstandings to their GP not • Keep a note that the patient has a hearing for us.” causes is seen as an amazing achievement facing them (64%) and not always speaking loss on their record and check how they Thanks to recent sponsorship from BUPA and major milestone on a longer journey. would prefer to make an appointment. The and the BIG Lottery Fund, the Bionic Ear The Bionic Ear Show’s impact in raising clearly (57%). Action on Hearing Loss says surgery should enable patients to contact the findings suggest a severe lack of deaf Show has been touring the country for the the charity’s profile among the wider public is them by email, textphone or SMS as well last five years, and continues to do so with its starting to bear fruit for the charity as a whole. awareness among GPs which could easily as by telephone. be resolved through training and making • Ensure GPs and staff are trained in basic Advertisement simple adjustments. deaf awareness and realise that they may Action on Hearing Loss is also urging GP need to approach patients to let them surgeries to have clear procedures in place know it’s time for the appointment. to record details of patients’ hearing loss and • Make sure there is good lighting (so ® their individual communication needs after that you can be lipread) and little or no background noise in your consultation finding that only 39% of respondents have room. beyond this vital information recorded. • Make sure you have the patient’s attention Under the Equality Act 2010, GP surgeries before you speak and check whether they must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to be understand what you’re saying. If not, say accessible to people with disabilities and it in a different way. Is your audience hearing your message clearly? ensure that the 10 million people in the UK • Face the person so you can be lipread who have hearing loss experience the same and speak clearly, using plain language, level of service as other patients. normal lip movements and facial Chief Executive of Action on Hearing Loss, expressions. Outstanding media relations campaigns for Charities, Not For Profits, • Install a hearing loop in reception for Paul Breckell, said, “It’s disappointing that hearing aid wearers, and regularly check and Tech clients. Contact us for a free quotation. many people with hearing loss have difficulty that it’s working and staff are trained how understanding vital health advice because to use it. Don’t raise your voice as it’s GPs aren’t meeting individual communication uncomfortable for hearing aid users. www.beyondpr.co.uk needs. With deaf awareness training and • Provide a registered sign language Pr d to ofes te sio it n m a li m s interpreter for people who communicate o m simple changes, GPs can provide a much C

T C London Office 0207 299 7791 s h n a o by British Sign Language (BSL). r CIPR i t t e better service for patients who are deaf or Member a r l e e d R I c T ns li Northern Office 0114 275 6996 t b hard of hearing and help avoid unnecessary itute of Pu follow-up appointments or the risk of Read the ‘Access all areas?’ report, visit exacerbated poor health.” www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/access 14 Health Hearing Times Spring 2013 Pakistani activist US researchers identify a crucial protein in the inner ear Malala to get A team of researchers in the US has pinpointed a central protein that allows people to hear In the inner ear, sound waves are the TMHS protein are born deaf – the number of them. The most important of these cochlear implant converted into electrical impulses which electrical signals are not sent to their brains is Connexin 26. Mutations to this gene cause are sent through the auditory nerve to the and they do not perceive sound. However a significant proportion of genetic deafness. Pakistani teenage activist, Malala brain. Researchers at The Scripps Research by placing functional TMHS back into the Pinpointing TMHS is an important find, Yousufzai, who was shot in the head Institute have found a protein called TMHS sensory cells of newborn deaf mice using but there’s still a lot more work to be done. by the Taliban, is soon to undergo that seems to be pivotal to this conversion. gene therapy, the scientists were able to As well as investigating this protein more reconstructive surgery to rebuild her Problems with the conversion of sound restore their function, and the mice were able closely, researchers need to continue to skull and a cochlear implant is also waves to electrical impulses are one cause to hear again. identify other proteins and genes associated being implanted of deafness. Professor Ulrich Mueller explained that this with deafness, to find out what they do and Many people who are born deaf have sort of treatment might one day be suitable for how this knowledge can be used to help Dr. Dave Rosser of Birmingham’s Queen sensory hair cells in their ears, but their hair humans: “In some forms of human deafness, people’s hearing. Elizabeth Hospital said that 15-year-old cells are not able to turn sound waves into there may be a way to stick these genes back Deafness Research are currently funding Malala Yousufzai needs the operation to electrical signals. If their hair cells were able in and fix the cells after birth.” a research project to discover the genetic replace the bone shattered when a Taliban to convert sound waves into electrical signals, There are many genes and proteins factors behind otosclerosis, and another gunman, angered at activism on behalf of it could be possible to restore their hearing. associated with deafness – with your support project to identify more of the genes the girls’ education, sent a bullet through her The researchers showed that mice lacking we’ve funded research that has isolated a cause deafness from birth. skull. “She’s very lively, she’s got a great sense of humour,” Dr Rosser told journalists at the hospital. “She’s not naive at all about Sense welcomes potential what happened to her and the situation she’s World’s first active bone conduction implant looking forward to in terms of being a high- hope of genetic patch for MED-EL has announced the launch of the Bonebridge, the first active bone profile person, and potentially a high-profile target. Usher Syndrome conduction implant Doctors will use this custom-made titanium Responding to research published in The intact-skin design used for the plate to repair a hole in the skull of Pakistani Nature Magazine* about Usher Syndrome Bonebridge has already been tried and tested schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai. It will be her final which causes sight and hearing loss, for many decades in other hearing implants surgery on the road to making an amazing Sense commented, “The research findings and stands out for its great robustness and full recovery. from Chicago offer further encouragement low complication rates. “She’s not naive to any of that, but she to the 5,000 people with Usher syndrome in For the first time ever, this design is also remains incredibly determined, incredibly the UK, who have campaigned over many available for bone conduction stimulation. cheerful and incredibly determined to speak years to support research into the prevention The Bonebridge consists of two for her cause.” of their syndrome, which causes loss of both components: the implant and the audio hearing and vision.” processor. Incorporated into the implant are The cochlear implant should be Gillian Morbey, Chief Executive of Sense the electromagnetic transducer, the coil and Breakthrough technology for a new hearing experience Malala’s final surgery and that it – the deafblind charity which represents the magnet and everything is encased in a should eventually restore her to their interests – said, “This research gives silicone. The Bonebridge is easy to implant in a near full hearing us encouragement that future generations 30-60 minute operation. In contrast with may be spared some of the difficulties which In contrast with other hearing other hearing implants, there is no need for That cause has turned Malala into a people with Usher Syndrome face today. implants, there is no need for surgical access to the middle ear. symbol for a girl’s right to an education. At “The impact of losing your sight and hearing surgical access to the middle ear Other advantages include the low the age of 11, she began writing a blog under can be overcome, and many of our members requirement for clinical after-care and a pseudonym for the BBC about life under have great achievements to their name. But In addition, during the operation the the significantly lower complication rate the Taliban in Pakistan’s picturesque Swat any indications that these challenges could surgeon can flexibly adapt the implant to compared with bone-anchored hearing aids. Valley, which Taliban militants briefly overran. be reduced for a future generation are to be the bone structure in the region behind the The Bonebridge is particularly suitable After the military ousted the Taliban in 2009, warmly welcomed”. ear. As soon as the surgical wound has for people suffering from impaired sound Malala began publicly speaking out about healed and the swelling reduced, the audio conduction, for example associated with the need for girls’ education. She appeared processor can be activated. malformations of the outer ear and/or frequently in the media and was given one of It is placed directly on the skin behind disorders of the middle ear. In addition, it can the country’s highest civilian honors for her Could deafness the ear and is held in place by magnetic also be used for single-sided deafness. bravery. attraction. The first implantation was performed on The 15-year-old girls’ education activist The Amadé BB audio processor complies Daniela S., who had already undergone will need another 15 to 18 months before cause dementia? with the latest standards in signal processing numerous unsuccessful surgical procedures, she makes a full recover after her skull The BBC has reported on a possible technology and boasts 16 frequency bands, and had therefore experienced considerable reconstruction, doctors said. Malala was shot link between deafness and dementia, eight compression channels and improves psychological pressure. on Oct. 9 as she headed home from school. which may be influenced by the hearing quality thanks to signal processing Earlier operations had not been successful, as congenital malformations had proved The Taliban said they targeted her because she social stigma of wearing hearing aids technologies such as a directional promoted ‘Western thinking,’ but the attempt to microphone, wind noise reduction, sound difficult to treat with surgical measures murder a girl over her desire to go to school Currently, only 15% of people who could smoothing as well as a programme for available at that time. sent a wave of revulsion around the world. wear a hearing aid actually wear them. This speech and sound management, which The patient had a very positive responce to Amid a blaze of publicity over her plight, can mean that as people suffer age-related minimises disruptive background noises in the new treatment. The audio processor was Malala was flown to England for advanced hearing loss, they find it harder to follow favour of speech. activated four weeks after the surgery. medical care - and for her own protection. conversations, which could accelerate their There was no indication of whether or when mental decline as they get older. she would return to Pakistan, although A recent study in America showed that deaf The Ear Foundation holds third virtual conference Dr. Rosser said it would likely be a year or people in their 60s scored lower points on 18 months before she made a complete Pre-recording lectures and providing completely virtual conferences is in great mental tests, even when they only had a mild demand by professionals who are pushed for time and money recovery. hearing loss. “Anybody who’s required a lengthy There are now suggestions that better tests So, late last year, many of them cleared intensive care stay or undergone significant to detect hearing loss need to be developed, their diaries to sit and listen online to The Ear neurological injuries, studies tell us people and that more treatment needs to be offered Foundation’s third Virtual Conference on the don’t report feeling as well as they used to for to older deaf people in order to prevent a topic ‘Deaf children under one: Audiological 15 to 18 months,” he said. funding crisis in healthcare in the future if and Communication Management.’ Dr Rosser went on to give a detailed more people have dementia. Chief Executive, Sue Archbold says, briefing of what Malala could expect from It is estimated that 100 million Europeans “Over 120 delegates joined us from all over the surgery, planned for some time within the will be deaf by 2025. the world including Australia, Brazil, United next two weeks. He said doctors also have States, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland to remove a piece of Malala’s skull that they and Lithuania!” had surgically inserted into her abdomen - a World renowned, international speakers, common procedure intended to keep the skull including Christine Yoshinaga-Itano, Jane fragment from getting infected. Eventually, The conference was attended by over Madell, Josephine Marriage and Teresa 120 delegated [stock image] however, surgeons opted for a titanium plate For more health Ching spoke with passion and authority on to cover the hole. topics ranging from auditory neuropathy after the event. In addition to the lectures, Asked whether Malala showed any signs news visit spectrum disorder, speech perception delegates were given the opportunity to post of brain damage - such as memory loss or and behavioural testing and the practical questions on speaker’s forums for two weeks hormonal changes - Dr Rosser said doctors audiological management of very young following the conference. had seen none. Barring any complications, he www.hearingtimes.co.uk babies. said the cochlear implant should be Malala’s Delegates are able to listen on the day or For further information visit final surgery and that it should eventually fit viewing around busy lives for three months www.earfoundation.org.uk. restore her to near full hearing. Hearing Times Spring 2013 Community 15 New York moments: a taste of the Big Apple Lizzie Ward New York is a city of moments. If you’re not which seemed much less complicated than offered my Mum a piggy back, then ‘skated’ looking too hard, things happen in front of you London’s Underground, or you can fork out off with his hands behind him! – a line of police horses, tame squirrels eating for one of the tourist bus week long tickets, out of someone’s hand, pigeons posing at the which in the grand scheme of things is one of This time around, I had an encounter with top of the Empire State Building. those fun things to do. a dog owner, who had a stunning golden- reddish brown retriever, when we were A city of sensory overload, a place where There are things to suit all walking to the 9/11 memorial. She let me you’re stepping into a movie set, a song, and budgets – for example, the New pet her lovely dog and said thank you for my a place steeped in history and culture. It is York Public Library tour is free compliment. These fleeting encounters make the ultimate destination on many people’s New York what it is: a place that has heart, Fleeting encounters is what makes NYC what it holiday of a lifetime list. It is possible to You end up on the top of the bus with cold beneath the quickstep of the sidewalks. is: a place that has a heart explore the city as a deaf person without wind whipping you sideways, but a fabulous feeling overwhelmed or struggling with view of all those legendary landmarks! It started snowing on our last afternoon, example, the New York Public Library tour is communication differences – most New when we decided to make our last morning a free, although you might have to bring your Yorkers are a friendly bunch. This was my second time visiting. My first trip up the Empire State Building. Up on the own BSL interpreter or lipspeaker, or find time, in 2005, we had our first set of New top, we encountered posing pigeons and an someone willing to interpret for you. For anyone, deaf or hearing, exploring York moments. We visited when there was a icy wind. New York, a couple of good travel guides, transit strike, so we relied on walking and the It’s always worth asking for written guides maps and subway maps are important must- tour buses to get around. For an alternative view of New York, you can too. No two visits to New York are the same. haves. The best way to explore the city is go to The Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller, We even had a taxi driver suggest we move by foot, but to get to those difficult to reach When we asked someone for the directions where you get a view of the Empire State. there after complimenting my companion’s places, you can either use the subway, to the Central Park skating rink, the guy There are things to suit all budgets – for Scottish accent…maybe in another lifetime! Wordsearch Find the words in the grid below. They are placed diagonally as well as forwards, JOB LISTINGS backwards, up and down. Good luck! COMING SOON TO www.hearingtimes.co.uk Advertisement Save the date! AIHHP Spring 2013 Conference & Exhibition is to be held at the landmark Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel on 19/20 April 2013 Situated on College Green & next to Bristol Cathedral, this 4 star hotel features a host 2 7 3 6 1 4 5 83 95 7 1 9 8 6 4 2 of amenities including on-site car parking, Sudoku restaurants and lounges as well as being 6 9 5 8 2 3 1 48 79 6 5 4 2 3 7 1 within walking distance to the historic 1 4 2 3 7 6 9 5 8 waterfront, Cabot Circus shopping complex 4 8 1 7 Medium9 5 6 2 3 Hard and many other local attractions. 8 3 6 4 7 21 9 52 13 5 4 11 99 88 6 27 3 74 71 4 6 8 5 23 3 19 AIHHP is pleased to announce the 7 4 9 8516 1 58 3 2 6 5 very special offer to all those in full 6 8 9 2 3 7 5 1 4 time educational roles within 1 5 28 3 8 97 4 7 16 5 9 7 audiology; of a year’s free 3 6 7 4195 8 2 953 46 1 842 4 7 93 3 membership to AIHHP! Special 4 6 8 2 Please email your interest Offer! Photos taken at the 9 2 3 7 5 1 4 8 6 2012 Autumn Conference, 9 1 8 62 4 75 3 69 5 6 2 9 to: [email protected] Exhibition & 6th Golden Lobe 5 2 4 983 64 7 146 87 8 9367 35 14 2 5 Awards Evening 5 2 7 4 2 Join AIHHP Today! Enjoy great opportunities to meet up and network

Solution Solution with like-minded business owners and manufacturers, as well as obtain

8 1 7 6 3 9 4 2 5 2 1 3 6 9 8 7 4 5 Solution

2 1 3 6 9 8 7 4 Solution 5

8 1 7 6 3 9 4 2 5

6 3 7 4 2 8 1 9 5 CPD points at the twice-yearly conferences! AIHHP is open to anyone 6 8 4 1 5 7 3 2 9

6 8 4 1 5 7 3 2 9

5 6 3 7 4 2 8 1 9

3 9 7 4 2 8 1 6 5 4 9 2 8 5 1 7 6 3

3 9 7 4 2 8 1 6 5

4 9 2 8 5 1 7 6 3

1 5 7 3 2 9 8 6

4 with an interest in audiology.

6 7 4 9 8 3 2 5 1 6 7 4 9 8 3 2 5 1

4 1 5 7 3 2 9 8 6

9 3 2 5 8 6 4 1 7

2 3 8 1 6 5 9 4 7

2 3 8 1 6 5 9 4 7

7 6 8 9 1 4 5 3 2 9 3 2 5 8 6 4 1 7

1 5 9 2 7 4 6 3 8

8 5 9 6 7 3 2 4 1

5 9 2 7 4 6 3 8

1 For more information visit www.aihhp.org 7 6 8 9 1 4 5 3 2

3 2 6 5 9 7 1 8 4

1 7 3 2 4 5 6 9 8

3 2 6 5 9 7 1 8 4 7 4 1 3 2 8 5 9 6

8 5 9 6 7 3 2 4 1 2 4 6 8 9 1 7 5 3

8 5 4 1 6 3 7 2

9 or email [email protected]

7 4 1 3 2 8 5 9 6

1 7 3 2 4 5 6 9 8

9 8 5 4 1 6 3 7 2

4 6 8 9 1 7 5 3 2 www.aihhp.org Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru

Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru Created by Sudoku Generator - http://sudoku.smike.ru 16 Sport Hearing Times Spring 2013 Bolton Wanderers inclusion scheme works wonders 16-year-old selected A new scheme for aspiring footballers has been launched to encourage deaf and hard of hearing youngsters to take up the game competitively by a championship club in the North West of England for Deaflympics A talented young swimmer is seeking Ed Gould sponsorship after being selected to Bolton Wanderers Community Trust A mother of one of the youngsters who represent the UK at the Deaflympic (BWCT) set up a pilot programme last attended the taster sessions said that when Games in Bulgaria later this year autumn after being contacted by a local deaf deaf children are playing, their hearing team charity, Ear4Kidz. mates tend to forget that their team mate “We were contacted by them in October cannot hear what is going on around them. and invited to come up with a football “By playing with other youngsters with the programme,” Dave MacLean of BWCT told same disability they are all in the same boat Hearing Times. and they really respond to that.” MacLean, who is the Sports Participation MacLean agreed, saying that the sessions coordinator at BWCT and runs the School are designed to build up confidence in social of Football department, said that he was a environments by using a sense of inclusion, © BWCT little unsure about how best to go about it at while coaching the football fundamentals. Coach Ryan Lewis explains tactics first so he asked for advice from the National “The sessions are great and the behaviors Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). of the children are excellent,” he said. “The boards, to get the necessary information Emily Noden, 16, of Holywell, Chester “Following that, we signed up to the NDCS youngsters certainly pay attention to the over. is stepping up her training programme in pledge that will make us a more deaf friendly coach, who is a role model.” Players between the ages five and eighteen preparation for the event as well as trying to football club,” he said. attend the scheme, which is held at The raise £2,625 to attend. The community trust decided to run a Training sessions involve visual Dome, an indoor facility at St Joseph’s RC British deaf athletes do not receive couple of taster sessions to try the idea out. training methods, such as tactic High School and Sports College, in Horwich, Government funding and Emily must raise The first ran in November and was only a boards, to get the necessary each Sunday. money to cover her own stay in Bulgaria as three week programme, but this was soon information over. MacLean said that he would welcome well as a proportion to cover the cost of two followed by another which ran over a five more deaf and hard of hearing youngsters officials to accompany the team. week period. According to MacLean, this is because the to become involved, including any girls who Emily learned to swim when she was a baby “We were a little held back by the snow in coach appointed by the trust to work with wanted to play. and had her 10 metre badge by the age of 18 January that covered most of the country, but them at the training sessions is himself deaf. “We have a regional tournament coming months. She was swimming competitively by the full project is now ready for a three month “Ryan Lewis is a level three coach in the up for the under twelve and under sixteen the age of seven, made the finals in all her period,” explained MacLean. sport and highly rated,” MacLean continued. age groups which, for many, will be their first events in the European Deaf Championships BWCT said that after this new full project “He uses an interpreter as well as sign taste of competitive football,” he said. in Germany in 2010, aged 13, and last year had run, it hoped to make the programme language to communicate.” competed in the World Deaf Championships a rolling one which will coincide with term The training sessions tend to involve plenty Anyone wanting to sign up can do at in Portugal. times. of visual training methods, such as tactic www.bwct.org.uk The Deaflympics takes place in July and August this year, but Emily must juggle her gruelling 12-14 hour weekly training sessions with revision for her GCSE exams if she is to Deaf golfer wins top volunteer award follow her intended career path of medicine. Kevin Whalley has been recognised as one of England’s top volunteers for his She said, “When I made the qualifying contribution to deaf golf time in Sheffield in November and the coach called me over to let me know I had been Kevin, profoundly deaf since birth, has Other winners at the awards dinner at the selected, I was really happy because I felt won the men’s Lifetime Achievement Award County Golf Development Conference at that my dream had come true. This could be for Services to Golf at the England Golf Loughborough University were: the peak of my swimming career as I’ll have Partnership’s annual Volunteer of the Year • Charlotte Stanton of Staffordshire to focus fully on school work next year, so I’m Awards. It recognises his contribution to deaf Young Volunteer of the Year going to make the most of this opportunity.” golf, both in the UK and around the world. • Wendy Wootton of Suffolk With the help of her school, The Queen’s Club Development Award School, Emily is fundraising for donations Kevin started organised deaf golf • Beverley Dodd of Lancashire towards the cost of her attendance. in England in the early 1980s and Volunteer Coach of the Year To sponsor her contact the school on has run more than 100 events • Alan Covey of Sussex 01244 312078. over the years County Development Award • Nickie Clarke of Norfolk Kevin, a member at Mill Green Golf Club, Lifetime Achievement Award for London continues as an said, “It›s wonderful to receive this award after Services to Golf (female) 30 years of volunteering and it is particularly For more on volunteers and full details of all the © Design & Print Service, Loughborough University international sporting host special because it is recognition for deaf golf. award winners go to www.golfvolunteers.org. Kevin Whalley was celebrated for playing a London will be once again hosting an “I look forward to the challenges that deaf They were applauded by a packed crucial part in growing the game of golf international sporting tournament golf will bring in the future and to see the conference hall made up of those leading the The Deaf Champions League (DCL) will be day when England Deaf Golf will be world EGP’s vision to ‘Grow the Game’ through the hearing golf in England as recognised by hosted in North London by the current three champions.” County Golf Partnership structure. England Golf and UK Deaf Sport. Tony times champion, St Johns Deaf Football Club Kevin started organised deaf golf in Phil Beard, the EGP’s Volunteer Manager, Jacklin (Open Champion 1969, US Open from 11 - 14 April 2013. England in the early 1980s and has run more said, “These volunteers are wonderful people Champion 1970 and 4 times Ryder Cup The DCL, like its name suggests is the than 100 events over the years. He became who give up their time to inspire others to Captain) is our patron. Deaf Champions League where the best elite a director of the British Deaf Sports Council take up and enjoy golf. They play a crucial Tony is hard of hearing these days and Deaf football clubs in Europe compete over before becoming closely involved with the part in growing the game and these awards supports deaf/hard of hearing golfers. The a long weekend to be crowned the best in English Deaf Golf Association, of which he is recognise and underline their importance.” EDGA are also a charity organisation entirely Europe. Now coming into it’s sixth year, the currently president and treasurer. The national volunteering programme is run by volunteers to help, advise and support DCL has support from the European Deaf He was the secretary and treasurer of delivered via the England Golf Partnership’s deaf golfers of all levels beginners to elite in Sports Organisation (EDSO) and the Deaf World Deaf Golf Federation and organised ‘Whole Sport Plan’ for golf and is an integral England. International Football Association (DIFA). the first World Deaf Golf Championship in part of the England Golf Partnership’s vision Between 12-16 teams will be competing for 1995 at the Forest of Arden after seven years’ to ‘Grow the Game’. For more information about taking up golf the ultimate prize; to be named as the best research to find countries with deaf golfers. The English Deaf Golf Association (EDGA) or taking part in EDGA events contact Deaf Football Club in Europe and a cash The World Deaf Golf Championships is the governing body for deaf and hard of [email protected]. recently completed its 9th edition in Japan – prize of £1000. www.2012wdgcjapan.com - this would have Everyone is welcome to come along as not happened if it was not for people like Former rugby captain collects almost £600 for NDCS spectators and can also participate in the Kevin. varied evening events. There will be an Former Cullompton RFC captain Jon Sage that their son Harry exhibition running alongside the football with England will be hosting the 2020 World is one step closer to trekking up Peru’s Machu was deaf at the age of Deaf Golf Championships to celebrate the a variety of businesses showcasing their Picchu in aid of the National Deaf Children’s three months. wares. Children are encouraged to watch silver anniversary of the event. Society after collecting almost £600 from Kevin is a 12-handicapper and he has and be inspired, there will be a bouncy castle supporters during the club’s match against To sponsor Jon’s also developed a website dedicated to deaf and entertainers for younger ones. There is Chard on Saturday. trek visit his golf history that he has accumulated all the also the chance to sign up as a mascot for Jon is hoping to complete the challenge in donations website information during his time being involved the final stage matches. May to repay the support given to him and his www.justgiving.com/ with deaf golf in general. You can visit the site For further information visit wife Sharon by the charity after discovering Jon-Sage at www.deafgolfhistory.co.uk. www.dcl2013.com © Copyright Hearing Times 2013 | Published by Hearing Times C.I.C. | The Lansbury Estate | 102 Lower Guildford Road | Woking | Surrey | GU21 2EP | Tel: 0845 2930688 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd | Newspaper House | Morton Way | Horncastle | Lincolnshire | LN9 6JR | Tel: 01507 523456