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Charity challenges people in
the North West to become more deaf aware
DURING Deaf Awareness Week that took
place between 2 May 2016 and 8 May 2016, national charity Action on Hearing Loss
has urged people in the North West to become more deaf aware to ensure people
who are deaf or have hearing loss are not being excluded from everyday
interactions that their hearing peers are taking for granted.
1 in 6 people (11 million) across the UK are currently living with hearing loss,
with the number set to rise to one in five by 2035. However for many of them
going to work, managing money at the bank, using public services and taking part
in social occasions can still pose an unnecessary challenge.
To mark Deaf Awareness Week this year the charity has run a social media
campaign tearing up society's assumptions and turning the spotlight on the
incredible things deaf people and people with hearing loss definitely can do.
Paul Breckell, Action on Hearing Loss chief executive said:- "What is
clear is that with the right support available, hearing loss by itself is not
preventing people from achieving their dreams and being equal members of
society; the only barriers in their way are the ones that often stem from the
simple lack of awareness around their communication needs. I would
encourage all those living in the North West to follow the simple tips below to
ensure that no one is excluded from everyday interactions and help us build a
more equal society for all."
The charity is promoting the following top communication tips:-
► Make sure you have the person's attention before you start speaking.
► Enquire about the person's preferred method of communication.
► Chat in places with good lighting so that you can be lipread and where there
is no background noise.
► Face the person and speak clearly, using plain language, normal lip movements
and facial expressions.
► Check whether the person understands what you are saying and, if not, try
saying it in a different way; never say:- "don't worry about it."
► Keep your voice down as it's uncomfortable for a hearing aid user if you
shout; and it looks aggressive.
► Learn finger spelling or some basic British Sign
Language (BSL).
► If you are a business owner, check that simple equipment such as hearing
loops, which amplify speech over noise, are in working order and that your staff
have received deaf awareness training.
For more information or advice on hearing loss contact the Action on Hearing
Loss Information Line on:- 0808 808 0123 or send an email to:-
informationline@hearingloss.org.uk. |
