News

Deaf Action (Tayside) Gets Off To A Strong Start
Two of the oldest organisations working with deaf people in Scotland, Deaf Action and Tayside Deaf Association, were delighted to officially recognise their merger on 16 March.  Between them, the two charities have nearly 300 years of experience in working with deaf people and providing services to promote independence.

In September 2010, Deaf Action and Tayside Deaf Association announced their intention to merge; creating the largest deaf organisation in Scotland.  On Wednesday 16 March over 140 people, including local Councillors, health representatives, organisations and clients gathered at Discovery Point, Dundee to celebrate the launch of Deaf Action (Tayside). 

At the launch event, Petra Claydon, a Deaf BSL user and young mum spoke passionately of her feelings of frustration at being unable to communicate throughout her education with hearing colleagues and today with young mums at the school gates.  “After discovering the Training Services available from Deaf Action and working with their staff, I am delighted that I am now in a position to deliver Deaf Awareness Training and British Sign Language Training to hearing people.  It is courses like this that address the very same communication difficulties I have faced in my life,” explained Petra who is now working with Deaf Action in Tayside to provide training courses to others.

Bill Nicol, a member of the Perth lip reading group, stressed what the group meant to him; “The lip reading classes cost very little to sustain but they provide members with much more than the skills of lip reading.  People diagnosed with a hearing loss can very quickly become isolated; by attending lip reading classes people get valuable support, advice and companionship, it is important that these services continue and develop.”

Liz Scott Gibson, Director of Deaf Action commented “We are overwhelmed by the number of people here to support our launch today.  To meet so many representatives from the Tayside community that have come along to find out more about us and our services has been very encouraging.  We are looking forward to continuing and developing the services currently available in Tayside, and in working together to develop innovative local services to meet the needs of deaf people today”.  The celebrations came to close with an inspiring performance from Claypotts Primary School Signing Choir. 

Since 1893, Tayside Deaf Association has been supporting Deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people throughout Tayside.  The merger with Deaf Action will see the introduction of new services for deaf people in Tayside including; a Specialist Equipment Room, Information & Advice, Online Communication Support, Multimedia Translation and increased Community Activities.  Deaf Action (Tayside) will continue to deliver the established services for deaf people including: Communication Support, Social Care, Development and Training and the Sound Sense Befriending Project. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to expand and strengthen the choice of resources for deaf people in Tayside.  Merging with Deaf Action ensures the people of Tayside will continue to receive vital support and advice from an experienced and prominent organisation”, added Ian Johnston, Tayside Deaf Association’s Chair.

It is estimated that 62,000 people in Tayside are affected by some degree of hearing loss.  Deaf Action is the leading provider of services for deaf people in Scotland and has a long history of providing services for and working with Deaf British Sign Language users as well as those who are deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Deaf Action Readies For The Launch Of SignVideo
From January 2011, Deaf Action will begin offering an online interpreting service throughout Scotland, in collaboration with SignVideo, an award winning service developed by Significan’t, a deaf-led Social Enterprise.

Throughout the UK there is a shortage of British Sign Language/English interpreters; this is a particular problem throughout Scotland with the ratio of qualified interpreters to sign language users estimated at around 1 interpreter for every 200 sign language users.  This shortage means that interpreters are booked up in advance and many interpreters are unable to accept bookings at short notice.  Commonly, sign language interpreters are booked for a minimum of two hours, even for an appointment that may only last 15 minutes.  Evidently, this booking process has not always been the most convenient for deaf users of the service.

In January Deaf Action will address this problem with the introduction of SignVideo.  SignVideo will allow Deaf Action to deliver the same high quality interpreting service, for which Deaf Action’s Communication Support Agency is renowned, as an online service.  The online interpreting service for deaf people will provide instant access to experienced SASLI registered BSL/English interpreters using the most advanced technology in the field.  Deaf Action’s SignVideo will provide deaf people with access to video interpreters within seconds - over the last six months the average wait for a SignVideo interpreter has been 30.6 seconds!

SignVideo has, for over six years, been delivering and continuously developing a highly regarded unmatched video interpreting service.  As a result SignVideo provides a simple, easy to use interface that provides BSL interpreters on demand, regardless of geographical location.  SignVideo is part of an extensive network of video interpreting services throughout Europe, ensuring network stability and supported servers so that Deaf Action’s SignVideo always remains on-line.

Liz Scott Gibson, Director of Deaf Action commented: “Listening to our service users has always been a priority for Deaf Action, and the shortage of sign language interpreters in Scotland has always been a concern.  With this in mind, we are delighted to be introducing a tried and tested online interpreting service for deaf people in Scotland.  Not only will this provide deaf people with instant access to interpreters it will also provide our service users in remote locations with a team of interpreters when they need it.”

Deaf Action to Work in Argyll & Bute  BSL Version
The Scottish Government will provide funding for Deaf Action to carry out a two year pilot project to establish a new service for both deaf people and visually impaired / blind people in Argyll and Bute on the west coast of Scotland.

Argyll and Bute consists of remote, rural and dispersed areas, and people sometimes have to travel great distances to access services. Deaf Action will trial a multi-purpose resource, taking services to people by using local centres (e.g. church halls / community centres), where deaf people and visually impaired / blind people can try out specialist equipment and receive advice and information on how to cope with hearing / sight loss. The project will also deliver training to social care and health providers in deaf and visual awareness.

If you would like further information about this new service, please contact Jackie Slater, Community Development Manager at Deaf Action at:

Email: jackie.slater@deafaction.org
Tel: 0131 556 3128
Fax: 0131 557 8283
Text: 0131 557 0419
SMS: 07775 620 757

Deaf Action to Work in Aberdeenshire  BSL Version 
Aberdeenshire Council has awarded Deaf Action a contract to provide services to Deaf and hard of hearing people in the Aberdeenshire area. 

The service will provide:

• Information and Advice
• Development and Facilitation
• Equipment

Deaf Action will be working closely with the Council’s community care teams who will be providing a care management service to deaf and hard of hearing people. This new Deaf Action service will start at the beginning of April 2010 and along with our work in Highland, will promote Deaf Action in the north of Scotland as a major provider of services for Deaf and hard of hearing people in that region. If you would like further information about this new service, please contact Jackie Slater, Community Development Manager at Deaf Action at:

Email: jackie.slater@deafaction.org
Tel: 0131 556 3128
Fax: 0131 557 8283
Text: 0131 557 0419
SMS: 07775 620 757

Deaf Action brings Services Together to Improve the Quality of Life for Hard of Hearing People in Fife
On Thursday 28 January, just under 100 people walked through the doors of the Rothes Hall in Glenrothes to gather information about hearing loss.

Organised by Deaf Action, this Information and Advice Open Day proved to be a great success in giving deaf people in Fife information about how to improve their quality of life and how to seek support for hearing loss.

A range of organisations came together for the event including Fife Council Deaf Communications Service, Hearing Concern Link, Fife Carers, Fife Employability Network, Fife Community Police, Fife NHS Audiology and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. A lipreading tutor was also available.

In 2008, thanks to a reward of £222,454 from the Big Lottery Fund, Deaf Action launched a new project in Fife and Lothian – Including You – aimed at providing support, advice and learning opportunities to hard of hearing people.  The project improves the quality of life of hard of hearing people in Lothian and Fife and helps to give them the tools needed to continue leading positive independent lives.  Project Workers, Kirsteen McFarlane and Debbie Gibson, provide advice about hearing aids, benefits available and community and support groups who can help increase people’s confidence.  The project also works with friends, families and employers of hard of hearing people to provide advice on how they can improve the way they communicate with those who have a hearing loss.

For more information about Including You, please click here.

Facebook
Deaf Action is now on Facebook.  Just search for ‘Deaf Action’ and make yourself a fan of our page to receive regular updates about our news, services and events.

You Tube
Deaf Action now also features on YouTube. Visit our page for more information about our services and events in BSL.

Breathing Space - BSL Services
Breathing Space is a free and anonymous phone line and website service for people experiencing low mood or depression. A webcam service now offers online advice, information and support for Deaf people in Scotland. Trained advisers use British Sign Language (BSL) via a webcam to discuss any concerns that may be affecting an individual’s mental wellbeing.

The service can be accessed at www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk and by then clicking on ‘BSL Service’. The BSL service is open on Wednesday 6pm-10pm, Thursday 6.30pm-10pm, Saturday 9am-12.30pm and Sunday 2pm-6pm.

PARENTS AND CHILDREN BSL Version
Deaf Action is looking for new ways to encourage Deaf parents to come along to Deaf Action and have the opportunity to chat with other parents to share information and take part in activities.  We would like to ask you a few questions to find out how you would like this group to run – please complete this questionnaire and return it to Kaz Langlands, Health Project Worker, or Debra Wherrett, Health Project Co-ordinator.  Information on how to return the form is enclosed on the questionnaire.

ACCESS TO LEISURE FACILITIES IN EDINBURGH FOR DEAF PEOPLE BSL Version
Deaf Action’s Health Project has been working closely with Edinburgh Leisure in order to make leisure facilities in Edinburgh more accessible for deaf people. Discount Cards, which are part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Access Programme, are now available from, and will be administered by, Deaf Action’s Head Office at Albany Street in Edinburgh. In most instances, these discount cards will allow holders to access Edinburgh Leisure facilities for just £1 at off-peak times (Monday to Friday before 4pm) – this includes gym facilities, swimming and fitness classes. Badminton and squash courts are reduced to £2 per hour.

Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest leisure provider in Edinburgh and also has facilities in South Queensferry. Their Community Access Programme is designed to support community groups and encourages people to start doing some physical activity through making more and better use of Edinburgh Leisure facilities - and at an affordable price.

Please note that because there is no charge for carers or support staff, they will not need a discount card in order to accompany someone to an Edinburgh Leisure facility.

For more information, please visit Edinburgh Leisure’s website at www.edinburghleisure.co.uk or contact Deaf Action’s Reception on:

Tel: 0131 556 3128
Fax: 0131 557 8283
Text: 0131 557 0419
SMS: 07775 620 757
Email: admin@deafaction.org

EDINBURGH LEISURE
Edinburgh Leisure have a new text and email service for Deaf customers. If you want to make a booking, enquire about activities and classes, or ask for advice or support, you can contact them by either text/sms: 0797 076 5960, or by email: deafactive@edinburghleisure.co.uk.

HEALTH INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN BSL
New resources in BSL are now available from Health Rights Information Scotland.  DVDs with BSL translations are available on the following topics.

• NHS Scotland: Health Care for UK Passport Holders Living Abroad
• NHS Scotland: Health Care for UK Pensioners Visiting Scotland
• NHS Scotland: Health Care in Scotland for Former UK residents Now Working Abroad

These are just a few of the BSL resources available from Health Rights Information Scotland.  For more information, visit their website at www.hris.org.uk or contact them at:

Telephone: 0141 226 5261, Fax: 0141 221 9695, Email: hris@consumerfocus.org.uk.

SWINE FLU
NHS 24 have produced information on Swine Flu in British Sign Language. It will be on their website tomorrow. It is currently on Sign Tube - use this link: http://www.sign-tube.com/video/863/NHS24-Swine-Flu

SPEAKING UP, ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE
This report outlines some of the barriers that hard of hearing people face in accessing public services, together with action points for service providers and useful contacts.

HEALTH INFORMATION IN BSL - NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD
NHS Scotland - NHS Scotland have provided us with a range of information leaflets which have been translated into BSL and are available on DVD. The titles available are:

Consent It’s Your Decision
Making a complaint about the NHS
It’s OK to ask!
The NHS and You
Confidentiality – your right
How to see your Health records
Health Care for UK passport holders living abroad
Health Care for UK pensioners visiting Scotland
Health Care in Scotland for former UK residents now working abroad

If you are interested in viewing any of the above titles, you can pop into Deaf Action and ask to see them.  Alternatively, if you would like your own copies or, if you know anyone else who may want copies, then you should contact your local NHS board.  You can view details on their website at www.hris.org.uk.

Scottish Intercollegiate Network (SIGN) - The following DVD’s have been produced by Scottish Intercollegiate Network (SIGN): 

For Patients: Lung Cancer
For Patients: Arrhythmias
For Patients: Chronic Heart Failure
For Patients: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
For Patients: Stable Angina
For Patients: Acute Coronary Syndromes
For Patients: Dementia
For Patients: Epilepsy in children and young people
SIGN guidelines

If you are interested in viewing any of these DVD’s, you can pop into Deaf Action, or you can contact SIGN direct at 28 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN.  Email: sign@sign.ac.uk or view their website: www.sign.ac.uk.

REPORTING HATE CRIME
Hate Crime is the name used to describe a range of crimes against members of a minority group, such as name-calling, vandalism, assault or harassment. Criminals can target groups because of, for example, age, gender, race, faith and disability, including hearing loss.

But how can Deaf and hard of hearing people report a Hate Crime? Can police station staff communicate with them? Do police have textphones or SMS messaging? How do police staff reassure and advise Deaf and hard of hearing people?

Deaf Action's Edinburgh-based staff have been working with Lothian and Borders Police to address these issues. Deaf Action is now a Remote Reporting Centre - Deaf and hard of hearing people who are victims of Hate Crime can talk to a member of Deaf Action Social Care staff, who will link with Police Officers to resolve the situation. You can report a crime formally, informally, or anonymously, but however you decide to do it, the police want to hear from you.

So if you, or any friends or family are the victim of Hate Crime, come and talk to our Social Care staff, and together we can tackle the problem.

MENTAL HEALTH AND DEAFNESS
Deaf Action and NHS Lothian are both delighted to report that their new locally based mental health service for deaf people is now live. This is the first such service of its kind in Scotland.

Assessment and treatment is provided by a Community Mental Health Nurse and Occupational Therapist who work directly with deaf people. Both members of staff are based at Deaf Action's Head Office in Edinburgh and they work closely with the Social Care Team.

The new members of staff also have a liaison, education and awareness-raising role across all specialist mental health and primary care mental health care areas in Lothian.

For more information contact the Head Office, or click here.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (CAB)
There are many CAB offices in Scotland where trained volunteers provide information on problems such as applying for Disability Living Allowance, returning items to a shop (like a pair of trousers, TV, mobile phone) if they are torn or broken or dealing with a debt - for example not paying the Council Tax, or owing money to a catalogue company.

While these volunteers provide a vital service to the public, many will possess an inadequate level of British Sign Language skills or none at all, and therefore if a Deaf person makes an appointment to get advice, a BSL/English Interpreter will be required.

However, with the help of new volunteer, Rosie Addis, a fully qualified BSL/English Interpreter, Portobello CAB office has changed all that. Located on Bath Street (next to Scotmid), Rosie is available on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, between 9.45am and 12pm. If you want to make an appointment to see her, you don't need to book an interpreter, just email portobello@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk. Alternatively, you can pop into the office on a Wednesday or Thursday morning before 11am and make an appointment. To be sure of seeing Rosie it is advisable to make an appointment.

DEMENTIA AND DEAFNESS
Copies of a exploratory paper highlighting the lack of understanding of dementia and deafness and a booklet produced following the project - printed copies available on request.