What we as Welsh deaf can do about Hate Crime

Wales suffers a lot of Hate crime. By far the Cinderella of this unpleasant crime is via deaf people, so what do we do if we feel we are being targeted by neighbours or others because we are deaf ?

First we can contact the South Wales Minority Support Unit and fill in an complaint form HERE as yet there is no direct sign access you can use, but why not lobby the Police for that too ?

What IS 'Hate Crime' ? there is an assumption mostly it only applies to people who are coloured, homosexual or have gender issues, this is NOT correct, this is 'profile' media spin, but deaf people come under 'disability', (This is no time to play deaf politics when you are being attacked !), This is also valid under the Hate Crime law too. An legal definition :

Hate crime can take many forms including:

physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson.

threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints.

verbal abuse or insults - offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace

Police definition of a hate crime:

Any incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

Hate Incident:

Any incident, which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

Hate incidents include those motivated by disability.

All hate crimes are hate incidents. However some hate incidents, such as inappropriate name calling in a non-confrontational situation, may not constitute a criminal offence and therefore will not be recorded as a hate crime. ( NOTE: With regards to this grey area, consistent and relentless name calling, IS, so do not be put off by the police suggesting they cannot do anything !).

Last 5 years 11 deaf families living in rented accommodation in South Wales were re-homed due to relentless hate crime lodged against them, not a single case was recorded AS an hate crime, because the deaf people agreed to be re-homed, recognise it for what it is and contact the Police to get it stopped, or the haters win ! You do NOT Have to be an homosexual or a coloured or ethnic or migrant person to get police support. Act now to silence these morons. Also tell police they must RECORD your complaint as an hate crime, without that, no statistics can be used to alert to it happening and thus get it addressed.

Welsh 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 e-mail ppi.team@wales.nhs.uk, make sure you give your name, address and postcode. We will then send you a Medical Information Card.

Fire Service Roadshow

DEAF people from Ellesmere Port can learn to protect their homes from fire at a roadshow rolling into town as part of Deafness Awareness Week 2011.

It marks the start of a year-long series of events run by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Deafness Support Network. The hi-tech community roadshow vehicle will be at Ellesmere Port Market between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday, May 3. The event is co-ordinated by Melanie Pitts, deaf persons advocate, who said: “Visitors to our roadshow will be able find out about the specialist support available to them to make their homes safer, look at equipment designed to alert them to a fire and find out about our online home safety assessment service.”

A British sign language interpreter will be on hand to assist and information cards will be available showing the signs and signals that can be used in an emergency.

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ZULU !!!

I'm depressed dispirited and disappointed, my fave welsh film of all time has been disputed as inaccurate. Bit Freudian there with so many small d's but...in mitigation one fact may interest us.

Gonville Bromhead (Played by Michael Caine in the Film), was partially deaf, a disability not mentioned in the film. All the characters in the film pronounce Bromhead's name as it is spelt. In reality it was pronounced 'Brumhead'. He was also significantly older than portrayed and like many Victorian gentlemen of the period sported substantial facial hair.

A typical Welsh iconic historical moment ? erm... maybe, like the Welsh flag at the Alamo I suppose.... but hey we signed their Independence Declaration.

The 24th Regiment of Foot is described as a Welsh regiment: in fact, although based in Brecon in south Wales, its designation was the 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. It did not become the South Wales Borderers until 1881.

Of the soldiers present, 49 were English, 32 Welsh, 16 Irish and 22 others of indeterminate nationality.

The song "Men of Harlech" features prominently as the regimental song; it did not become so until later. At the time of the battle, the regimental song was "The Warwickshire Lad".

There was no "battlefield singing contest" between the British and the Zulus. (Albeit it gave Ifor Emmanuel a spot).



The British infantrymen of the Anglo-Zulu War did not wear sparkling white pith helmets. They were stained a tan colour (with tea or coffee) without helmet plates.

Let us hope the English got the words right at least.... I'm still wondering if a friend I had in Merthyr Tydfil was right, in that he insisted a long lost ancestor was Davy Crocket... Even How Green was my Valley was made in the USA...

Disabled/Deaf lose rail concessions

Rail users in west Wales have voiced concern at the end of half-price travel concessions on local trains. Carmarthenshire council has agreed with Arriva Train Wales to remove the benefit for people aged over 60 and others with certain disabilities. It allowed them half-price travel between Swansea and Pembroke and on the Heart of Wales line. The council said it made the decision reluctantly in tough economic times, while Arriva declined to comment.

Rail volunteer Hywel Jones said the elderly were "going to feel the pinch" in a measure saving £60,000 a year. The Carmarthenshire pass has given people aged over 60 or with certain disabilities the right to half-price standard single or day return fares on rail journeys operating within the county. It has also been valid on local train services to and from Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Llandrindod Wells, provided the journey began or ended in Carmarthenshire.

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Welsh Pharmacies risk Legal Action by Deaf.

Superdrug were inaccessible to hearing aid users in 19 branches that were surveyed Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing find it difficult to buy medicines and health products because pharmacies across the UK have not made provisions for them, according to research by a deaf charity.

The charity found that of the 52 branches of pharmacies analysed, a staggering 81% are failing to comply with accessibility laws because they don't have fully working induction loops, essential equipment to two million people who wear hearing aids. Among the worst culprits was Superdrug, who were found to be inaccessible to hearing aid users in all 19 branches that were surveyed, while 67% of Boots stores visited were inaccessible.

A spokespeson for the charity said, “Pharmacies will be concerned to learn that, by not providing a full working induction loop, they are failing customers who are deaf or hard of hearing and putting themselves at risk of legal action under the Equality Act 2010."

Is YOUR chemist accessible ? Let us know...

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

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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.