History of 3 deaf schools at Cardiff

We are obliged to refer to an Article by Brian Lee.

"I DIDN’T know until reading Cedric Moon’s A Tale of Three Deaf Schools in South Wales that there used to be a school for deaf-and-blind children in Wood Street. Known as the Cardiff Oral School, it stood adjacent to St Dyfrig’s Church and was there from 1894 to 1898. A Miss S A Gibson, of 45 Clare Road, Cardiff, was appointed as a “teacher of deaf- and-dumb children at a salary of £70 a year”. However, she resigned after a year and was replaced by Emma Young, one of three applicants, at a salary of £100 a year.



It was later recorded that “deaf children to be transferred from Wood Street School to rooms used by the blind children at Adamsdown”, and the blind children transferred to another school. Other Cardiff Deaf school locations were Fitzalan Place 1898-1907, Howard Gardens 1907-1941, Llandaff School 1941-1943 and Jackson Hall in Westgate Street 1943-1950.

One person who was sent to Howard Gardens was Desmond Smith who was born in 1932 into a family of six sisters and three brothers. He became deaf when aged two after a fall down the stairs at home. He remembers that he spent a great deal of time speech training with the then new audio equipment and headphones.

Another Howard Gardens pupil David Hallewell, who was born deaf in 1930, remembers that the teachers were very strict oralists with much speech training involved. Signing was strictly forbidden. David lived near the docks and during the war where he lived there were smoke machines which “belched out an artificial fog to cover the docks and hide it from the Germans”.

Tremorfa-born Lawrence Viney was an early victim of the World War II when during an air raid alert, he ran to the nearest bomb shelter and hit his head on the door frame with such force it knocked him out, resulting in him being hospitalised for some time. On leaving hospital his mother noticed that he was misunderstanding things she said. He was eventually placed in the Oral School at Jackson Hall.

In his conclusion to this unique book, the author says: “The debate on oral or manual (sign and finger spelling) teaching methods was shown to be alive and kicking from the start. Of the three schools the Cardiff Oral School lasted longest, though in my view it was too small to be a really effective school.”

(A Tale of Three Deaf Schools in South Wales is published by The British Deaf History Society and obtainable from the society 11-13 Wilson Patten Street, Warrington,WA1 1PG at £10).

SOURCE

STOP PRESS: Tuesday 8th March 2011
2nd Book Launch of ‘A Tale of Three Deaf Schools in South Wales’.
At the Bridgend Centre for the Deaf, Tremains Road,
Brackla, Bridgend CF31 2AP
Doors Open 7 pm

Wales it DOES recognise BSL Access ?

Recent comment on another welsh site was "Now the yes vote is unanimous, will this mean BSL will achieve equal status alongside the Welsh language ?". Below is the WAG official stance. It stands by interpreter support, does not put BSL on equal footing really. There was no real access at all to inform deaf people of the YES vote or referendum itself.

British Sign Language (BSL)
Delivering in British Sign Language: Advice for Public Services
British Sign Language (BSL)

"We've taken positive action towards ensuring public services in Wales will be able to deliver their services in British Sign Language (BSL).

Facts:

BSL is a visual, spatial language with its own grammar, syntax, idioms, and regional variations. BSL is the first, or preferred language of an estimated 3,000 citizens of Wales.
BSL is recognised by the Welsh Assembly Government as a language in its own right.
More information about BSL can be found by visiting the useful links section at the bottom of this page.

BSL Futures is a unique scheme to improve access to public services for BSL users across Wales. The project was created in partnership with RNID Cymru, Deaf Association Wales and the Association of Sign Language Interpreters. The project set out to increase BSL teaching capacity and train more than 30 new interpreters and achieved its aim to train and register at least 30 professional BSL interpreters to work in Wales. The project was funded £2.7m by Welsh Assembly Government and the European Social Fund.

We have taken a leading role to ensure that services and service providers in Wales are fully able to meet the needs of BSL users across Wales.

The Assembly Government developed, for the public sector in Wales, best practice advice on providing services in BSL. This Best Practice advice will mean better utilisation of interpreter services in Wales. Capacity has been increased as a result of the BSL Futures project and will improve delivery of services in BSL in Wales by ensuring availability of interpreters to public bodies."

SOURCE

Wales says YES !

Wales has voted 2 to 1 in favour of the 'YES' vote, There are some considerable reservations deaf people had no idea of what it was all about, or were informed, either in their communications formats or at their clubs. I know most of my local deaf club had no idea there was even an referendum in the offering, let alone what it was about. Not since the BDA had funding 5 years ago, to inform on electoral policies, have welsh deaf got much at all from the political process via information.

What will the result actually mean - for Wales and the rest of the UK? The consequences of a referendum can range far beyond the question on the ballot paper. The direct result will be a substantial increase in the Welsh assembly's legislative powers.

At present, the assembly has powers over 20 broad policy areas, including health, education, the environment and transport, but it must ask parliament for primary law-making powers on a case-by-case basis. Now Wales votes Yes, the assembly could pass laws without first having to gain the consent of Westminster.

What is done with those powers, though, will depend greatly on the outcome of May's election, and any coalition negotiations that may follow. The implications of a Yes vote do not stop there. A substantial Yes vote will give a more general boost to the standing of the Welsh assembly.

A more powerful Welsh assembly and the Westminster government's planned reduction in Welsh MPs from 40 to 30 would likely produce a distinct shift in Wales's political centre of gravity. What goes on in London would still matter for Wales. But rather more of Welsh political life would tend to focus on Cardiff Bay.

Some consequences of a Yes might extend well beyond Wales. A more powerful Welsh assembly would reduce, though not eliminate, the asymmetries in devolution across the minority nations of the UK. This might lead to a renewed focus on devolution's major remaining anomaly - the position of England. The boost to the standing of the assembly and its ministers from a Yes might have consequences for Wales' weight in on-going discussions about revisions to the Barnett formula that governs the block-grants given to the devolved bodies.

The emerging consensus among Wales' political elite in recent years has regarded devolution as a developing process, with steadily growing - though not fervent - public support. Many people have criticised the Welsh referendum as being unduly technical - for concerning a matter of detail rather than one of fundamental principle. This may well be true. The outcome of the 2011 referendum vote is likely to do much to shape Welsh politics, and Wales' position within the UK, for many years to come.

Cymru Am Byth....

Are you Deaf and Welsh ?

Online welsh deaf are vastly unrepresented via an site or forum or any centralised area where they can gain or exchange information and viewpoints on the their daily lives, or their aspirations, would you like to see such a site set up ? and, importantly, would you support it ? suggestions and or support welcome.

Important: (1) NOT an social area as such, as it is pointless vying with Twitter and Facebook.
(2) NOT a dedicated BSL, site but an inclusive one. Let's take barriers down.

NO welsh site has ever fully represented all wales, can the deaf and HI do it ? Look at North Welsh Deaf Association see what they can do, and why, with SOUTH Wales being the most highly populated area, is completely unable to display anything like it ?

Pictorial dictionary by Eliza Pughe

A little bit of Welsh Deaf History for you.

This volume was created by Eliza Pughe, Coch y big, Clynnog who was about 12 years old at the time. The biographical note inside the volume says that she was born about 1831 and died about 1850 and that she was deaf. It's possible that she received her education at home as no formal system of educating deaf children was developed until the 1890s, but this volume is proof that someone had endeavoured to educate Eliza Pughe.

The beginning of the nineteenth century saw a number of important developments in education for the deaf and it's possible that this volume shows this influence. In 1817 the American Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (1787-1851) founded a pioneering school for the deaf in the United States. He was following in the footsteps of other pioneers including the Scot, Thomas Braidwood (1715-1806) who had founded a school for the deaf in Edinburgh in 1760.

The book comprises a series of drawings to illustrate everyday words. Interestingly, often there is a Welsh term and an English term under the drawing. A note inside the cover states that the volume was bound by Eben Fardd (Ebenezer Thomas, 1802-1863).



Ebenezer Thomas, 'Eben Fardd'/ Samuel Bellin, ca.1851.

View entire book HERE


SOURCE

Passports ? Going Abroad ?

(Assuming they don't CLOSE the only Passport office in Wales !).

Specific facilities are available for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those who are blind or partially sighted. If you need some other help contact the Identity and Passport Service Passport Adviceline (see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service), who will try to provide the necessary help.

If you're deaf or hard of hearing: The following services are available at passport offices:

a member of staff who is trained to use sign language skills

a textphone service with trained staff at the Passport Adviceline (see under heading Contacting the Identity and Passport Service)

induction loops (only available at some offices)

access to a quiet room, if the person has difficulty hearing what is being said because of noise at the main counter.

Unless you know different.....

The VRS Campaign at the Angel Hotel Cardiff

After arriving at Cardiff Hotel, I was shown into an ante-room where SOS (Sign on Screen), were holding a small but interesting display of technology, all was sign accessible. A number of people were there from Swansea, Cardiff, Bridgend, and Newport, a few Americans too !

Later we were ushered into the main hall to listen to Paul make the introduction for the VRS campaign team, currently traversing the UK to get support for an national VRS (Video Relay Service) set up in the United Kingdom. I got to ask a few questions after the intiial campaign speech, but was put on the spot by Carolyn Nabarro, and front of house ! to do BSL which isn't my thing at all.

Curiously there was an lip-speaker/audio dialogue going on at front of house. For hearing aid using deaf ? or just the video they were making ? I rather expected some interpreter back up, but no-one offered, so I did the best I could sign-wise. I asked about staffing levels, and regional interpreting via VRS, was not really satisfied they gave a lucid answer to this question, and the Lady officiating, was having difficulty following me I think. Very much an VRS campaign gig, but if they expect people like myself to take up VRS it is a non-starter, because I would see huge issues of them accommodating ANYONE but an BSL sign
using person, although again a bit vague on who that is, or how they could identify them in Wales, or, if the proposed system can accommodate various regional signs.

Glaringly, the VRS campaigns are not visiting Mid or North Wales, so South seems to be getting the privilege again !

If the VRS campaign is to be narrowed down to the type of signers I saw today, then take up is going to be very poor (My view), even if they succeed with a national campaign. How many will take the info BACK to their peers ? we will have to wait and see.... I was rather surprised the BDA rep said nothing at all, despite advertising on their website and sending their trustee there. Questions really needed to be put so deaf would know options, as usual it was the hard sell as expected, and low time allowed on accepting questions (Also the norm as we who are time-wear attendances at these functions).

There was a video or two, I am sure the Woolfe Family were in one of them, then again they are in everything aren't they. The vids very much staged, and you had to ask if in an emergency everyone would be as coherent as we saw. There seemed a lack of understanding with some speakers, although I had asked about costs and stated the American/Canadian experience of losing street terps to VRS work, and the UK was still struggling 3 or 4 terps per 300 deaf, it was repeated again about 10 minutes later. They needed text access as an extra, but I suppose the whole point was the assumption the system is solely for BSL using deaf only.

Which raised the issue how many exactly are there in Wales ? Surely not enough for an national set up ? The attack on 'English' was very much to the fore, so why all the publicity material was in it was a conundrum, I felt this was a sop to some deaf activism and not really useful to draw lines between deaf or 'Deaf' people,but accept this is sadly a norm now. The VRS accept deaf DO know English, but want to run a campaign on deaf NOT wanting it, or even unable to follow it.

I felt this shows some lack of deaf awareness at source of the VRS campaign, as most will have little issue with English. We had that 'preference' thing raised as an issue again, when the campaign is about NEED. Most deaf are freely bi-lingual and not really struggling as texting is a deaf norm now. Indeed was being used to twitter the proceeds of the meeting.

What sign would be used ? was another question I tried to put, would it be BSL /SE ?SSE? would we be able to insist on regional terps ? How ? there are less than 30 here as it is. Again VRS appeared vague on specifics, talked 'nationally' and in ignorance basically of the Welsh differences.... we were told only some 'central' area of interpreting. I was left with the same questions I went with. Also it was evident the VRS campaign knows it doesn't need welsh support, as most meetings are in English highly populated areas.

On the issue of medical interpreting, would deaf get a download of the diagnosis proceedings, as back up, and as a refer point if something went wrong or misunderstood ? Not the question anyone would really answer except, patient confidentiality and Hippocratic oaths, so NO basically. I'd prefer something to refer to in case (A) I Missed something or (B) wanted to raise issues, or even (C) not altogether following what the terp was stating, especially medical terminology.

They needed to mirror speech to text access which offers a print out, I suppose the sign version would require a video output given, but how this was to be done.... Never believe any deaf that say they got it all first time, it's common they talk afterwards to re-check as we know ! VRS without these questions being asked is going to be a non-starter I felt. Deaf in Wales also need to understand those who manufacture the VRS technology are using sales pitch and offering financing support to the VRS campaign, (TAG and UKCoD to name but 2 groups), we might ask is there a vested interested at work here ?

What THEY said.

Welsh YES vote AD captioned.

Thanks to Alison Bryan for this...

New Theatre Cardiff Access

Facilities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People:

Hearing Enhancement & Headsets

To enhance enjoyment for people who are hard of hearing, an Infrared audio system is available throughout the auditorium. Headsets are available for anyone who is hard of hearing or wishes to use the audio description service available for certain performances.
There are two different types of headsets available. The first requires hearing aids to be removed as it fits into the ears.

There are three settings giving amplified sound in one or both ears or providing audio description of the performance in one ear. Alternatively there is a headset that is placed around the neck and requires hearing aids to be switched to the ‘T’
setting.

Please note this type of headset is not always compatible with newer models of hearing aids.

Advance booking of headsets is recommended on 029 2087 8790.
Headsets can be collected before performances from the Box Office and Front of House
office. Please note that a £5 deposit is required.

For people who use hearing aids

To use the induction loop system, switch your setting to ‘T’. This service is available inside the auditorium and at the right hand counter of the box office.

There are a number of performances interpreted in British Sign Language.

COMMENT: No real mention of sign access or captions, or viable deaf telephonic contacts, anyone know if this has been updated ?

Access to the Millennium Centre

Facilities for Deaf and Hearing Impaired People:

There are induction loops at all key counters - tickets and information, stage door, Urdd reception, merchandise positions and all main bars.

An infra red assisted hearing facility is available in the Donald Gordon Theatre and Studio Weston.

British Sign Language (BSL):

Wales Millennium Centre provides BSL interpreted performances for appropriate productions. Please mention that you would like to use the BSL interpretations service when booking your tickets so the Ticket office staff can ensure that you are seated in the best possible area.

Captioned Performances:

Captioning converts the spoken word into text, which is displayed on a caption unit that is viewed by the audience. As the caption roll (delivered live from a laptop computer by a trained captioner) audience members can follow what is said, when its said and by whom. Sound effects and off stage noises are also included. Caption performances are available for appropriate performances. Please mention that you would like to use the Caption service when booking your tickets so the Ticket office staff can ensure that you are seated in the best possible area.

Surtitiles (Subtitles even !):

Are supplied for opera performances in foreign languages. These subtitles are projected onto a screen above the stage.

Welsh Council for deaf people

Wales Council for Deaf People



Glenview House
Courthouse Street
Pontypridd
CF37 1JY

Tel Voice: 01443 485687
Tel Text: 01443 485686
Web

The Wales Council for Deaf People is a registered charity and the major voluntary body in Wales concerned with deafness. It is an umbrella association of organisations, both voluntary and statutory, working in the field of hearing loss and representing people who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deaf/blind. The main aim of the Council is to support all activities of benefit to people with hearing loss in Wales with the object of enabling these people to lead fuller and more independent lives.

The Council is involved in the following.

Representation either alone or in co-operation with other organisations to obtain access and equality.

Setting up community volunteer groups to fulfil local need and to participate in local planning of services.

Providing training, running courses in sign language and lip-speaking.

Access to a freelance communicator agency which encourages user organisations to provide communication access for people with hearing loss.

Producing magazines, newsletter, handbooks, and information booklets.

Offering services including freelance interpreting, information and advice, advocacy.

The Council produces an Information Booklet (published in Welsh and English) that includes sections on: helping hearing impaired people enjoy better communication; aids to daily living with list of suppliers; list of training courses and fees; list of local support groups and deaf clubs; tinnitus and lip-reading.

Checked: 19 Mar 2010

Organisations Specifically For Acquired deaf

ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES SPECIFICALLY FOR DEAFENED PEOPLE

The LINK Centre for Deafened People

19 Hartfield Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 2AR

Tel: 01323 638230 (Voice) 01323 63998 (Text)

Fax: 01323 642968

Email: linkcntr@dircon.co.uk
Website

Provides information and advice on a wide range of issues relevant to deafened people.

Its main service is intensive one-week residential rehabilitation courses for deafened people and their partners or other hearing members of their families. These courses are run in Eastbourne although they are open to people from any area; but LINK is developing similar residential courses in other parts of England and Wales. Your local Health Authority or Primary Care Group will meet the cost of your course, and staff at the LINK Centre will make all the necessary arrangements.

In addition LINK is developing a variety of other locally based services, including:

Challenging Deafness, a course of seven weekly three hour sessions for small groups, led by deafened people with special training, designed to equip participants to take control of their deafness in their daily lives. This course has been developed jointly by LINK, NADP and Breakthrough(Deaf/Hearing Integration), and is being tested in different parts of the country;
one-to-one information and support for recently deafened people in their own home area, offered by trained Information Officers who are themselves deafened. This project is run jointly by LINK and the National Association of Deafened People(NADP);
communication groups specifically for deafened people and their families, to help them improve their communication skills through sign-supported lipreading.
LINK also has a Hearing Resource Centre at its base in Eastbourne that provides technical aids and communication support for anyone with a hearing loss who lives in East Sussex or the surrounding areas.

As well as working directly with deafened people, LINK runs training courses for professionals such as audiologists, hearing therapists and social workers. The courses offer insight and skills training covering a variety of issues relevant to deafened people and their families.

Finally LINK works closely with some cochlear implant centres. One project trains implant users to run support groups for deafened applicants for implants to help them get the most from their implant team during their assessment. Another project trains therapists on the team to work with groups of implant users to build up their social confidence and communication skills.

There is more detailed information about all these services on www.linkcentre.org To find out whether a particular service is available within travelling distance of your own home area contact LINK Centre staff by phone, fax or email.



NADP(National Association of Deafened People)

PO Box 50
Amersham
Buckinghamshire HP6 6XB

Tel:01494 723613 (Voice/Text) Fax:01494 431932

Email: enquiries@nadp.org.uk
Website

Run by and for deafened people. Provides information/advice on many issues which concern deafened people through its publications and produces a quarterly newsletter "Network" to keep its members in touch with each other. Its members have also formed local groups of deafened people who meet in:

Chester/North Wales

South Wales ?

Bridgend Deaf service provision...

Getting help from Social Services for deaf people and people who are hard of hearing,

These services are for:

“Deaf People” who are people with no hearing are now sometimes described as “culturally deaf”; they will usually use British Sign Language (BSL)

“Deafened People” or hard of hearing people, are people whose hearing is impaired.

Deaf people and hard of hearing people who have visual impairments or are blind or often described as having “dual sensory impairments”.

Specialist Social Services

Social Services have Specialist Social Workers who work with deaf and deafened people; they will provide an assessment of your needs and any support services you require regardless of your age, to maximise your independence with communication whether it is at home or in other social situations. Please see the leaflet - Getting Help from Social Services, for more information about this process

The Specialist Social Workers and support staff will discuss with you different communication support options and will try to assist you in the following ways:


they will give you advice and tell you where you will be able to find appropriate communication support services such as BSL interpreting, lip-speaking and text to talk services

they will be able to suggest equipment or assistive technology to help you to communicate and promote your independence at home

where appropriate they will link you to specialist support services for deaf people who have acquired dual sensory impairments, or other services if you have for example, other physical and mental health needs

where eligible, they will register you as a deaf or hard of hearing person; this may provide you with access to support services and VAT exemption

they will work with you in partnership with the local audiology clinic, and voluntary sector organisations to improve your access to a wider health social care and community services

they will work with you to maximise your income and assist your participation in your community
If you feel you need help, please talk to the First Contact and Information Team:-

Social Services

Bridgend County Borough Council

Sunnyside

Bridgend

CF31 4AR

Phone 01656 642279

Mobile Text ABC+447976972020

Minicom 01656 642383

Fax 01656 642300

Email firstcontactteam@bridgend.gov.uk

Out of office hours, in the most serious emergency only, the Emergency Duty Team can be contacted on:-

Phone 01443 849944

Fax 01443 849955

Welsh Deaf stuff England.

WALES DEAF RETAIN THE BROADSTREET CUP

Wales Deaf 21 – 9 England Deaf
Sardis Road, Pontypridd, 5 February 2011

Wales Deaf put a smile back on the nations’ rugby fans with a 21 points to 9 victory over England Deaf at a windswept Sardis Road, Pontypridd. Meeting for ninth time, Wales were looking to build on last year’s victory in Coventry and record an eighth victory against England. Playing with the strong wind at their backs, England went into an early lead after 2 minutes with a penalty by centre Craig Orrick as Wales were penalised for handling in a ruck.

From the kick off, Wales went on the attack and following some good approach work, the English midfield were penalised for off-side. Dunvant outside half Richard Lewis levelled the scores with a penalty from 22 metres. A scything 30 metre touchline break by Wales full back Nigel Francis resulted in a further penalty to Wales as English defenders were penalised for not rolling away at the tackle. Struggling with the gusty wind, Lewis put the kick narrowly to the right of the posts.

On 14 minutes, Wales stretched their lead to 8 – 3 with a blistering break by Francis who tore through the English defence and crash over for a well taken try. The physical England forwards put together some good phases of play in the tight, however the lighter Welsh pack competed well in the scrums. On 20 minutes, England narrowed the lead to 8 – 6 with a penalty from 35 metres by centre Orrick as Wales were penalised for handling in a ruck.

As England started to enjoy more possession, Wales were penalised for not retiring 10 metres at a penalty and from the resulting kick, centre Orrick put England ahead by 8 – 9 from 40 metres.

SOURCE

Electronic note-takers (Wales)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Joan Quirk

Location: Swansea

Telephone: 01792 427102 or 07841 419104

Email: joanquirk@btinternet.com

Preferred Areas: Wales, but prepared to travel occasionally

Preferred Work: Anything, except court work.

Charges: £20 per hour (2 hour minimum) + travel and expenses

Qualifications:
CACDP Certificate in Electronic Note-taking for deaf people Level 2
CACDP Deaf Awareness
CACDP BSL Level 1

Other Information:
10 years experience as an electronic note-taker.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Name: Lyn Claridge

Location: Vale of Glamorgan

Telephone: 01446 795221 or 0780 0877 665

Email: lyn.claridge@live.co.uk

Preferred Areas: South Wales and South West England

Preferred Work: Business, education. Court work not preferred.

Charges: £20 per hour (2 hours min) + 40p per mile travel expenses

Qualifications:
CACDP Electronic Note-taking Level 2
CACDP Deaf Awareness

Other Information:
8 Years electronic note-taking experience in education and business.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Margot Tierney

Location: Glamorgan

Telephone: 02920 515 899 or 07779 223 618

Email: margot100@hotmail.co.uk

Preferred Areas: Prepared to work anywhere.

Preferred Work: Any considered.

Charges: £25 per hour, 3 hours minimum. 40p per mile + travel time at 50% over three hours.

Qualifications:
CACDP Electronic Note-taking Certificate
Deaf Awareness Certificate
Electronic Note-taking Tutor + FAETC Certificate

Lip Speakers (Wales)

A lipspeaker is a hearing person who has been professionally trained to be easy to lipread.
The lipspeaker makes sure they are clearly visible to the lipreader and silently and accurately repeats the spoken message. The lipspeaker reproduces the rhythm and phrasing of the words used by the speaker, supporting their meaning with gesture and facial expression.
If requested, the lipspeaker will fingerspell the initial letters of words that are difficult to lipread.

Some lipspeakers have sign language skills and can offer lipspeaking with sign support if requested by the lipreader at the time of booking. A lipspeaker may be asked to use their voice, using clear communication techniques, thus enabling the lipreader to benefit from any residual hearing. If necessary, lipspeakers can relay a deaf person's voice. Lipspeakers can be booked for workplace, legal, medical and other settings.

Currently there are two levels of qualification; the level of lipspeaker you will require depends on the nature, speed and complexity of the language used. For assignments that are more than two hours long, it is suggested that two lipspeakers would be required.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Anne Jones (3)
Nearest town(s): Flintshire
Telephone: 01352 732060 Textphone: 01352 732060
Mobile: 07855 685632 Fax: 01352 218538
Email: ajcariad@dsl.pipex.com
Additional info:

Name: Clive Ellis (3)
Nearest town(s): Cardiff
Telephone: 02920 612951 Textphone: 07801 912 928
Mobile: 07801 912 928 Fax: 02921 620794
Email: clive.m.ellis@googlemail.com
Additional info:

Name: Tracey Pycroft (3)
Nearest town(s): Cardiff
Telephone: 07889 065 867 Textphone: n/a
Mobile: 07889 065 867 Fax: n/a
Email: tracey@pycroft.co.uk

Interpreters (South Wales listings).

List of Sign language interpreters (South Wales)


Miss Hafwen Parry South Wales
Ms Susan Williams South Wales
Mrs Gaye Hampton South Wales
Ms Patricia Rafique South Wales
Mrs Fiona Morgan Carmarthen SA31
Ms Samantha Elson South Wales
Mr Paul Lewis Swansea SA4
Mrs Julia Ann Anderson South Wales
Miss Sarah Green South Wales
Mrs Rachel Smith South Wales
Mrs Cerys Barwick-Morgans South Wales
Mrs Jessica Lewis South Wales
Miss Rachel Young South Wales
Ms Cathryn McShane South Wales
Mrs Rebecca Leeds Caerphilly CF83
Mrs Tracey Pycroft South Wales
Mrs Angela Shipp Risca NP11
Ms Hilary Evans South Wales
Mr Karl Jenkins South Wales
Ms Claire Anderson South Wales
Mr Clive Ellis Cardiff CF14
Ms Lydia Boydell South Wales
Mrs Julie Doyle (nee Watkins) South Wales
Mr Martin Chainey South Wales
Mrs Nez Parr South Wales
Mrs Olivia Retter South Wales
Miss Nicola Williams Ystrad CF41
Mr Scott Hamilton South Wales
Miss Lynn Delfosse Swansea SA1

Swansea Services

Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (Swansea SS).



A Guide to Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Telephone: 01792 636519

About this factsheet

This factsheet provides information for those who have are D/deaf or who have a hearing loss. It provides a guide as to what services are available from the City and County of Swansea Social Services Department and how you can apply for help from the Department and other organisations and it explains more about registering your hearing loss.

A note on terminology:

You may see the term "deaf" spelt with or without a capital "D". Capitalisation is used to distinguish between medical and cultural models of people with hearing impairments. The British deaf Association define the differences thus: "Deaf" (with capital D) - Someone with a strong cultural affinity with other Deaf people, whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language (BSL).

More about hearing loss

There are different types of deafness. Some people are born deaf and may have their first language as BSL. Some people have acquired hearing loss as a result of e.g. illness, a hereditary condition or ageing.

Registration

The Authority holds a register of people with hearing loss.

Is registration compulsory?

No, registration as D/deaf or hard of hearing is completely voluntary. If you chose not to register you will still be able to access the same services.

Why register?

It makes it more straightforward for you to access certain services and benefits.
It also allows your name to be included on the register which assists your Local Authority in planning future services for yourself and other D/deaf people.

What is available to help me?

Social Services can advise you where to get help, support and information with regard to:

Welfare Benefits
Communication formats
Housing issues
Referral to Adult Education/Employment Services
Bus Pass
Rail and other travel concessions.
Personal support in times of need.
Information on sign language, lip reading classes (where available).
Community Alarm (Life line) and Big Button telephones
Carer's Assessment
Functional assessment
Information on BSL Interpreters, lip Speakers and Deaf/Blind Communicators
Certain services are only available if you meet the eligibility criteria. A Care Manager would assess your circumstances and identify needs.

Newport Support Info

Hearing Aids. Service Outline

The Audiology Department at the Royal Gwent Hospital carries out assessments for hearing aids. Contact:

The Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
Telephone: (01633) 234234
Website

Patient Liason Royal Gwent Hospital: Florinda Hall.

BE AWARE. Once on wards staff may NOT be aware of your needs once a terp has gone, ask them to refer to Ms Hall if you have difficulty. Still little or NO support re emergency admissions, also be aware after hours there may be difficulty contacting MS Hall too. ON any admission insist she is contacted regardless.

PATIENT LIAISON LEAFLET.

We have developed this leaflet to give you information on how we can assist you. If you are due to attend a hospital appointment and you feel you need help and assistance due to a medical condition or disability, we may be able to help.

For example, a welcomer/volunteer may be able to sit with you whilst your relative/carer parks the car. Whilst waiting if you require a porter/wheelchair the welcomer/volunteer will try to request this. If you have a special need, we may be able to help minimise your worries and anxieties by highlighting your needs to the relevant department.

If you need further information about your hospital stay or treatment, where appropriate, we will try and help you find the information you need. Alternatively, we will ask the relevant department to contact you.

If you need language support during your hospital visit, please tell us and we will try and get you an interpreter.

Please contact the Patient Liaison Service on the following numbers:-

Tel. No:- 01633 - 238027

Minicom:- 01633 - 238957

Fax:- 01633 - 656040

These telephone lines are equipped with an answer phone facility. Please leave
your name, contact number and message and we will call you back as soon as we
can.

You may also email:- florinda.hall@wales.nhs.uk

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Newport Deaf Youth Services:

Newport City Council - Youth Service Deaf Youth Club:

Telephone 01633 266872
Fax 01633 263387

Project Leader Address: C/O YMCA, Mendalgief Road, Pill, Newport NP20 2HF.

Service outline:

The Club is run by Newport Youth Service and it provides a youth club for deaf or hearing young people.

What the Service Offers:

Friday evening Youth Club sessions between 6.00-8.30pm. The youth club sessions offer a range of activities including: Issue based workshops Arts and Craft workshops, Sports activities.

Who the service is for:

Young People aged 11-25 years who are deaf or hearing impaired young people.

How the service is accessed and any referral criteria: Self Referral.

Related Contacts: Counselling and Befriending Service for DeafYoung People

Cardiff Support Info

BSL Informational Video from Cardiff Council


If you are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing person, we can provide communication support free of charge to help you access our services. We offer:

British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Supported English (SSE) interpretation
lip speaking
speech to text reporters
notetakers
deafblind interpretation

All of our BSL interpreters, lipspeakers and speech to text reporters are qualified and registered. It can take 3 to 15 days to secure an appointment.

When can I get communication support?

How can I get communication support?

Before you ask for communication support

If you experience any problems arranging the support or want to tell us how we can improve the way we communicate with you, please email us: equalityteam@cardiff.gov.uk

If you need information about the policy in different formats such as large print, easy read, Braille, audio, or in a different language, please email us: equalityteam@cardiff.gov.uk

Welsh deaf youth turn the screws on the WAG...

Deaf young people in Wales call on politicians to improve services

A group of deaf young people in Wales have been grilling politicians as part of a Question Time-style debate in the run up to the country's election. The nine deaf pupils, from St Cyres School in Penarth and Llanishen High School in Cardiff, went to the National Assembly to find out what each of the main political parties is proposing to do for deaf young people in Wales. As ambassadors for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Cymru, the budding young journalists quizzed politicians on a number of issues.

These included the need for improved deaf awareness in schools and public places, better access to sport and leisure activities, and more signing in museums. Jayne Dulson, director of NDCS Cymru, said the young people raised a number of issues that are important to them and many other deaf young people.

"We hope that the event has helped to raise the politicians’ awareness of barriers that deaf young people in Wales are facing and that the politicians will take the issues highlighted today back to their parties with a view to influencing future policies," she said.

SOURCE

More Child Implants in North wales ?

Hopes for child ear implants at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, North Wales. Cochlear implants in children could be carried out at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan if a health board gives the go-ahead.

Youngsters from north and mid Wales currently have to travel to England for the proceedure. A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokesman said more details were needed before a decision could be made. Ysbyty Glan Clwyd was the first hospital in Wales to undertake cochlear implant surgery in 1990.

Since the first 21 years ago, a total of 185 operations have been carried out at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

SOURCE BBC (Wales)

Charity and the WAG applying pressure on poor MH services.

Welsh Assembly Government joins forces with NDCS Cymru, RNID Cymru, and other charities to improve mental health services for deaf people. 2 February 2010. The Welsh Assembly Government is working in partnership with deaf charities, led by NDCS and RNID Cymru, to run a workshop on comprehensive mental health services for deaf people in Wales.

Supported by Health Minister, Edwina Hart, the workshop will bring together professionals to discuss the need to develop mental health services in Wales for children and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Reference.

Cwmbran Parent fights Bristol School closure

Deaf Child leaves Wales for BSL education.

One mother's campaign to get her child an signing education.

A family from Torfaen are fighting to keep a specialist school for deaf children open, because it's the only one their son can go to. Six-year-old Owain Sanders from Cwmbran has to travel to Bristol because there are no British Sign Language schools in Wales. But now even Elmfield Primary is threatened with closure, meaning the nearest school would be in Exeter.

Video Link

VRS Display at Cardiff

The VRS Today Campaign is coming to Cardiff to raise awareness. This will be on: Tuesday 15th February (afternoon) 14.00pm – 15.30pm OR (evening) 18.30pm – 20.00pm at:

Barcello Angel Hotel
Castle Street
Cardiff CF10 1SZ
I hope to see you there! Come along and meet your friends too, there
will be FREE FOOD BUFFET and DRINKS!

Please spread the word!

Plaid Cymru backing Welsh Deaf

Plaid Cymru Launch National Deaf Strategy
09/02/2011

Currently 480,000 people, one in every six in Wales, are deaf or hard-of-hearing. With deaf children far more likely to experience abuse and go on to suffer from some form of mental health problem than their peers, Plaid Cymru are keen to promote greater awareness and support for people with hearing difficulties.

Helen Mary Jones AM, Plaids Health Spokesperson, said:

“Our proposals will have three key strands. We will ensure equality of opportunity, better hearing support and enhance the quality of life for deaf or hard-of-hearing people. We want to make sure that people who suffer with hearing problems are given the right assistance they need to overcome basic obstacles that are present in everyday life.”

“We believe that having a hearing problem should not impact on your access to services or ability to take part in work, education or leisure. This strategy is about bringing a greater level of engagement to tackling the stigma of hearing issues in our communities.”

Link

Why Welsh representation is not working

By Richard Jones Why welsh deaf are failing in their duty to each other. Alison Bryan recently posted on the DEAF WALES group (Link on left side), saying, "What's up with Wales?".

Richard said: "She has summed it up beautifully! I tell you what's up with Wales - there are far too many individuals all with their own agenda and fighting for their corner. If it does not concern them it does not matter.

In Wales we have the following people:

Alison Bryan
Tim Blackwell
Mervyn James
Gareth Foulkes
Helen Foulkes
Sarah Lawrence
Norman Moore
Cedric Moon
Sheila Moon
Anthony Troy
Jeff Brattan-Wilson
Hazel Rutherford
Dafydd Eveleigh
Phil Edwards
Rosie Thompson
David Roberts
Eddie Hurley
Fiona Nicholson
Sarah Smith
Jane Duffield
Karen Parker
Jason Davies
Michelle Fowler
Peter Powe
Rob Wilks
Glyn Rosser
Cathie Robins-Talbot
Richard Boddy
Simon Gaunt
Alan Hale
Jonathan Lloyd
Rosalind Dalladay
Paul Lewis
Matthew Ronan
Mochynddu - whoever he or she is!

I know there are many more and I apologise if I have missed anyone else out.

These people above are intelligent and very clever people. But they do not
get together and discuss what Deaf people and deaf communities in Wales
need, if they do that then imagine what could be achieved!

So here is a challenge to all of us - get together and work together!"