Deaf Community’s response to Swine Flu

On behalf of the Deaf, hard of hearing, deafened and Deaf-Blind community, and ourselves here at Action Deafness, can we ask everyone here concerned to be mindful of issues facing people with Disabilities, and in our case, our Deaf and hard of hearing citizens of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

To date, as an organisation, we have had extreme difficulties in getting accessible easy to read information sent out to our community members to give them the peace of mind they require to deal with this situation.

The only accessible information we have found so far is the following …

http://www.sign-tube.com/video/863/NHS24-Swine-Flu

This is accessible to those who have access to a computer, are computer literate and understand British Sign Language.

Can we disseminate any information amongst those of us in this email group that would be useful and relevant and accessible to people with disabilities.

If you have anyone within your organisation and networks who has a hearing loss, can you bear in mind the following …

• People with a hearing loss will not be able to access telephone support
• People with British Sign Language as their primary language, will struggle to understand the complexity of information through English as their second language
• People who have a dual sensory loss (eye/ear) will also have their own ways of accessing information, VISTA would be best able to provide awareness of how to make information accessible taking on board the dual sensory issue
• People who are most disadvantaged with not have access to the computer/internet facilities
• People who are Deaf/HoH and come from another language/culture (eg Punjabi, Gujurati, etc) will need easy to read versions in the community language from which they reside

If you are re-producing information, can you add the following …

• Minicom number
• Fax number
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Website address
• Identified personnel within your organisation who can sign

Also, know where you can signpost people with a hearing loss and require access to an interpreter

If you require further information to assist the Deaf and hard of hearing citizens of Leicester, do let us know.

Catherine White
Head of Services
Telephone 0116 257 4800 • Textphone 0116 257 4850 • Fax 0116 257 4846
Email catherinewhite@actiondeafness.org.uk

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