New guidance on counselling services for deaf in Wales.

SCHOOLS are set to receive new guidance on providing counselling services for deaf pupils.

Funded by the Assembly Government, the new guidance is in response to research, which suggests that deaf children and young people are 60 per cent more likely to experience mental health problems than other children. The resource, written by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) and another charity, highlights that growing up deaf in a hearing- orientated world can be challenging.

It also offers school counsellors practical pointers on how to meet varying communication needs and ensure that services are accessible to deaf pupils. Jayne Dulson, director of NDCS Cymru, said: "Living in a hearing-orientated society can present particular emotional challenges for deaf children and young people, and a general lack of deaf awareness can leave young deaf people feeling isolated.

She added: "With the appropriate support, deaf children can grow up to be confident and independent individuals." Leighton Andrews, Education Minister, said the new guidance will help ensure confidential counselling is available in schools for those deaf youngsters who may need additional support. "By 2011 we want every secondary school in Wales to have high-standard counselling services available so pupils can have someone to turn to if they need help or support," he said.

Welsh Deaf teen to compose Music for BBC/Olypmics

A deaf teenager has been asked to compose a piece of Olympic themed music to be played by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2012.



Lloyd Coleman, 18, who is also visually impaired, recently won a place at London's Royal Academy of Music. He will be mentored by Larry Ashmore who has worked on films including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. "Larry is now in his 80s and has developed a huge amount of knowledge," said Lloyd, from Bridgend. Returning the compliment, Mr Ashmore said: "I have known Lloyd for about 18 months and, as a professional musician myself of some 50 plus years experience, I can say with confidence that he is an outstanding young musician in several fields; as a player, as a composer, and as a conductor."

The former Pencoed Comprehensive School pupil has moved to London to take up his studies just around the corner from his mentor for the Olympic piece. The opportunity came through a partnership between Disability Arts Cymru and Cardiff-based UCAN Productions in a project called Whose Flame Is It Anyway. UCAN received £140,092 from the Big Lottery Fund in January to help develop young, visually impaired musicians. Lloyd said his work will incorporate a poem by Giles Abbott, who is also visually impaired.

"It's called Breaking the Wall because, after Giles and I started talking about marathons and how runners hit the wall and have to overcome humungous challenges, we realised there were parallels with the kind of challenges disabled people face," he said. "Our idea is to also have a narrative around the Greek athlete Pheidippides, who ran something like 150 miles in two days to summon more support to stop invaders taking over their territory. "This will also make it more relevant to the Olympics. I see it as being a piece with an overall metaphor of how everyone can achieve their dreams.

"When it's played in 2012 it will be just tremendous. It will be the biggest thing of my career. "I hope it will inspire so many younger people, create a bit of noise and show disabled and able-bodied people that disability is not a barrier to success." Lloyd's sight problems began after a suspected bout of viral meningitis when he was just eight weeks old, while his deafness became apparent by the age of three when he started talking. But he says his parents soon spotted his musical ability.

"I've been told that from a very young age, before I could talk, I would sing nursery rhymes in perfect pitch," said Lloyd. In 2005 Lloyd passed an audition to study at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, and performed at the Royal Albert Hall a year later, aged 14. Since then he has been composing music for professional orchestras and music groups across the county and also conducts using enlarged sheets of music. "One of the most important things for me is that I don't want my impairments to define me as a person," he said. "I don't want to be known as the musician who's a bit deaf; I want to be known as Lloyd the person and Lloyd the musician.

"I want my reputation to be built on my musical ability which I hope will inspire others to set themselves goals and get what they want out of life. "I already have - music is my life."

And the Winner is......

Chivonne Chapman wasn't going to let a small thing like her deafness get in the way of her perfect wedding. In episode 11, we meet the blushing bride and witness her dream day marrying hubby Adam. We caught up with Chivonne after the show to get all the gossip.

What made you apply to be on Four Weddings?

I applied because I wanted to see the difference between people that can hear, and deaf people.

Did you have any idea you'd win?

I had no idea that I was going to win until the end.

Who was your main competition out of the other brides and why?

There wasn't really any competition because I felt like all the brides were the same. But Adam really loved all the attention.

Will you keep in contact with any of the other brides?

Of course, I'd love to keep in touch with the other brides. I speak to Annmarie the most, we've chatted a lot recently.

What was your favourite part of the competition and why?

Erm... I'm not sure.

What are you looking forward to most about your honeymoon?

I'm looking forward to it being just me and my husband. It will be nice to spend some time together on our honeymoon, as we haven't been and done that for five years – we always go on holiday with family and friends, so there's never time for just the two of us.

For any viewers considering applying to be on Four Weddings, what would you say to them?

Well I'd would like to say a huge thanks to Four Weddings, who arranged everything. It means so much to us. They are all such a lovely group. I'm really going to miss them! People should definitely apply.

SOURCE

LINK

Watch it here

Annmarie plans a wow-factor wedding

SKY Living channel four weddings show has an deaf bride from Wales..... and EVERYONE wants to impress on their wedding day.

Annmarie Jones had even more reason to try and wow her guests – because she was being judged by a male version of Katie Price, a devout Christian and a deaf bride in the hope of winning a luxury honeymoon! Annmarie, from Merthyr Tydfil, is one of the latest contestants taking part in Sky Living’s Four Weddings, where three brides and a rather flamboyant bridegroom battle it to win a holiday to Grenada.

She has to prove her wedding is worthy of a win by allowing the three to attend her own wedding ceremony, as well as judging theirs as a guest. And she certainly goes all out to ensure her wedding to husband Ian is a day to remember for her, her family and the three extra-special guests – model and singer Adam, profoundly deaf Chivonne and regular church-goer Remi. The couple, who’ve been together for almost 10 years, tie the knot at Cyfarthfa Castle in front of 50 guests and hold their reception at the Bessemer Hotel in Dowlais, with 150 people in attendance.

He's the male Katie Price and he knows how to party. Model and Jordan impersonator Adam describes himself as "basically a bitch", so expect fireworks as he ventures opinions on Anne Marie's black and white Welsh castle wedding and Remi's African-themed Pentecostal church do.

The question is, can Adam learn enough sign language before Chivonne's wedding to upset a profoundly deaf bride and groom?

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Welsh Deaf Actor in Radio Play...

David Bower who also took part in "4 weddings and a Funeral" film is to star in a Radio play! (David was born in Wrexham, North Wales)....

Shall I say a kiss? is on BBC Radio 4, Tuesday 28th June, 2011 1415 and 30th March 2011. It's a New radio drama starring two Deaf actors and bringing to life a moving true story. The cast includes David Bower, and Emily Howlett, up and coming new Deaf actress, plays Eva and Miriam Margolyes. Alongside the radio drama, a signed version of the play and the transcript on the BBC website, for the transmission and a week after it, making the play accessible to new audiences. They will work with award winning Sign Dance Collective, artistic directors David Bower and Isolte Avila on the signed version. David Bower, Isolte Avila, Deaf actor Jacob Casselden and Laura Goulden, will perform.

Remark TV, the Deaf lead media company, will also make a short programme about the project for broadcast in its own internet channels, and the British Sign Language Trust website.

NDCS (Flint) Fun day...

Flintshire Deaf Childrens Society (FDCS), are having a Family Fun Day, open to all, to launch their group to the community and really hope you can come out and support them.

FDCS is the newly formed local branch of the National Deaf Childrens Society (NDCS). There will be a bouncy castle, various rides and stalls, a raffle plus information stands from numerous public and charitable organisations. All in all it should be a great day for the family to enjoy, starting at 11am and finishing around 4pm.

Details: Ysgol Gwyneddd Grounds (rear entrance), Prince of Wales Ave, Flint, Flintshire, CH6 5NF.

Date: Sat 23rd April 2011

SOURCE

New bi-lingual information card from WAS...

EXTRA support is being offered by ambulance crews to deaf people in Wales thanks to the launch of two new schemes.

A new bilingual medical information card has been unveiled by the Welsh Ambulance Service to support emergency crews in giving care to a patient who is having trouble communicating. The organisation has also signed up to the national emergency SMS service, which allows deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired people in the UK to send a text message to the 999 service which will be passed onto the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard.

To apply for the service, text "register" to 999.

Medical Information Card

The Welsh Ambulance Service has made a Medical Information Card for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The card will help you give important information to paramedics and other emergency service staff if there is an accident or emergency. You will need to fill in as many details as you can on the card and keep it with you at all times. Remember to give the card to the emergency service staff when they arrive.

The information on the card will have your name, any medical problems and allergies and any medication you take. (If you fill in the Welsh side of the card please fill in the English side too as the paramedic who helps you may not be able to read Welsh) To get a card please contact by e-mail, make sure you give your name, address and postcode. We will then send you a Medical Information Card.

Inspirational Susy

A CARMARTHEN karate expert has proved disability doesn't halt success.

Susy Evans is profoundly deaf and communicates by lip-reading; she does not use sign language. Despite this she's recently achieved her 4th Dan grade and has been awarded for her work in the corporate services department at Dyfed-Powys Police. Susy, who was born in Cardigan, but now lives in Carmarthenshire, attended the individual 20-years service ceremony in 2009 which recognised her value and time of individual service to the police service.

She helps with new student police officers acting in role plays, demonstrating and further educating them in how to deal with a person who cannot hear. Susy said: "If I can inspire and give hope to people who are deaf, disabled or to anyone, then this is all worth it." Susy has 18 years experience as an instructor. "I started karate in 1989 and have taught at clubs in Pembroke, Narberth, Crymych, Carmarthen with Shihan Barbara and the late Keith Mumberson 6th Dan back in 1991."

Susy is now an Instructor at Peniel School Hall, every Monday night. She is setting up a new club at Llandybie Memorial Hall on April 19. Susy's outstanding karate history stems back many years and is a former national and international fighter. She was named Young British achiever by The Queen and attended Buckingham Palace in 1998.

SOURCE

More help for welsh Deaf children

The Welsh Assembly Government today launched new quality standards today to improve services for deaf and hearing impaired children.

In Wales, about 40 children every year are diagnosed with significant permanent deafness which will cause problems in developing speech unless they receive help. Most of these are found to be deaf early in their lives following hearing screening after shortly after birth. Some are diagnosed later as deafness can occur at anytime throughout childhood and into adulthood. Many other children and young people have temporary problems and need hearing tests to help sort out the best treatment.

Children and young people and their families need a high quality service and recognising this, the Welsh Assembly Government has supported the development of the Quality Standards for Paediatric Audiology (Wales). The standards have been designed to work in conjunction with existing guidance, covering all aspects of service including access and the journey through the service whether it's a simple hearing test or full support for a family with a deaf child or young person. Dr Sally Minchom, audiology standards project director at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "The standards emphasise working together, as paediatric audiology services are delivered by a health team with important links to education, social services and the voluntary sector.

"This project will ensure that Wales is at the forefront of quality assurance of Paediatric services." Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "These new standards aim to improve patient care and ensure the help and support available for children with hearing difficulties is consistent across Wales. "The implementation of these standards will encourage close working between NHS professionals and external agencies to deliver the best services for the children and young people of Wales."

Cardiff Deaf FC Best in the UK

A TEAM of hearing-impaired teens has been named national champions at the UK’s biggest tournament for deaf-friendly football sides.

Cardiff City Deaf FC youth team won every match they played at the competition held by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). Defeating 10 other teams to take the under-16s title, Cardiff City’s Mitchell Price, 15, was also named sports person of the tournament and was awarded his trophy by team GB Deaf Women’s player Cath Eyley.

“The team are over the moon to be bringing home the title to Cardiff,” said Marcus Sharrod, Cardiff City Deaf FC team coach. “The players get so much out of being part of the club and it’s fantastic to get the chance to compete at an event like this, and even better to take the trophy.” The tournament, held in Derby on Sunday, was part of the NDCS Deaf-Friendly Football Project, which encourages junior football clubs of all sizes to open up their teams to deaf players.

The scheme is funded by the Football Foundation, which is the country’s largest sports charity. Launched in July 2000, the Foundation has supported more than 8,000 community projects worth £947m using money from the Premier League, the FA and the Government via Sport England. Hayley Jarvis, NDCS inclusive activities manager, said: “There is a severe lack of accessible football activity for deaf young people across the UK; only 83 of out of 120,000 teams are registered as deaf-friendly.

“This tournament celebrates the clubs and the coaches who have taken the simple steps to become accessible to deaf young people. “As we’ve seen at this weekend’s tournament, involving deaf children in football is great for their confidence and social skills. We want to make sure that deaf young people have the same opportunities to take part in sports as any other children and encourage other clubs to take the NDCS deaf-friendly pledge.”

SOURCE

Debbie's Courage

A GIRL who suddenly went blind one night 18 months ago has described feeling “lost, lonely and scared.”

Debbie Pye is a normal 15-year-old girl, she enjoys celebrity gossip and listens to Katy Perry. On meeting her I was astounded to find that she was both blind and deaf. 18 months ago, aged just 14, Debbie was dealt a cruel blow and lost her sight due to a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa.

“It made me upset that I could not play PlayStation, and now I’m behind on the gossip because I can’t read my magazines,” joked Debbie. I could carry out an interview, thanks to cochlear implants which allow Debbie to hear levels of noise which she has trained herself to understand as words. Debbie was adopted by the Rev Alex Pye and his wife Julia, when she was three years old. They knew that she had been profoundly deaf since birth. The family, who live in the Beguildy Vicarage, learned how to live with the deafness and assist Debbie in leading a normal childhood.

SOURCE

Lobby your Assembly Minister now...

An deaf children's charity is calling on Assembly candidates to make a commitment to improve support for deaf children and young people... but they need your help!

The National Assembly for Wales has the power to make its own decisions and laws on key services, including education and health. That is why NDCS Cymru wants as many candidates as possible to pledge to improve services for deaf children and their families if they are elected to the Assembly on May 5.

You can assist this campaign by contacting your local election candidates to tell them about the pledge - our special online action makes this really quick and easy to do.

Other ways to get involved

Election candidates will soon be knocking doors and looking for votes. You can also help by downloading a copy of our pledge to pass on to them. (NDCS Cymru NAfW Election Pledge 2011.pdf (86 kb)


You can make a difference - candidates will listen to you because they want your vote! Thank you!

Contact

No access for Mark

A DEAF film fan says visiting the flicks has become a nightmare after he was forced to leave a screening when staff refused to turn on the advertised subtitles. Martin Griffiths, 45, from Caerphilly, went to watch a 5.55pm showing of Black Swan at Cardiff’s Cineworld on February 14 after seeing it listed with subtitles.

Having suffered problems in the past, Martin checked the website and posters outside the cinema on Mary Ann Street before double-checking with staff – all of which confirmed there would be subtitles. But when the film began the on-screen text was missing and after Martin alerted staff they said they were powerless to help.

Martin, a charity project manager for Deafblind Cymru, said: “I always say: ‘Please can you check and make a phone call to the projection room to make sure they remember to put the subtitles on’. “They did that and I bought my ticket. As normal, none of the adverts or trailers had subtitles, but then the film started and there were no subtitles.”

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Deaf Awareness workshop

SOURCE This is an PDF file.

VENUE: The Skill Learning and Development Centre, Rhyl

(Update date has now passed for this)..... Anyone attend ? how did it go ?

Corpus BSL project

For those who took part in this BSL project at Cardiff, there is to be NO roadshow in Cardiff to see results of it, find below official response, and if you want to attend Bristol, let them know.

Hello,

It is with regret that I have to say there will not be a roadshow in Cardiff. We wanted to visit all the cities involved in the corpus project and as we only received money for six events, we decided to group Cardiff and Bristol together as a single event.

I understand that you must be disappointed but I hope that won't put you off attending the roadshow in Bristol. We are currently investigating the possibility of paying for a minibus from Cardiff to Bristol if there are enough people interested in attending.

Kind regards,
Jordan

Jordan Fenlon, PhD
Research Associate, British Sign Language Corpus Project
DCAL Research Centre
University College London
49 Gordon Square
London
WC1H 0PD

CONTACT