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Involving the Deaf Community in Developing Policy. Presentation by Carolyn Nabarro, Bristol City Council. Two perspectives on deafness: ‘deafness = disability’ ‘Deafness = membership of a cultural and linguistic minority’. Sign Community. Clearly concerns British Sign Language users
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Involving the Deaf Community in Developing Policy Presentation by Carolyn Nabarro, Bristol City Council
Two perspectives on deafness: ‘deafness = disability’ ‘Deafness = membership of a cultural and linguistic minority’
Sign Community Clearly concerns British Sign Language users In the past “Deafness” based on medical model causing confusion on its definition. RNID estimate that there are over eight million people in the UK with hearing loss, most often associated with ageing. The first or preferred language of over approx 75,000 Deaf people in Britain is BSL
The Linguistic Model: • Focus on language and culture to ensure access needs are met • Representing members of a linguistic minority group • Respect for BSL community – people with their own identity, language & culture How do we involve Sign Languageusers?
How we establish links with Deaf people BSL Charter In house interpreter BSL Forum Mystery User Local Deaf people Deaf Equality Officer
Deaf CommunityWho are they? • BSL preferred language • uses Council facilities • BSL Forum • Deaf Employees
Local Deaf Users • BSL Forum • Deaf Studies Trust’s 50+ Project • Bristol Deaf Centre (Social Club) • Deaf Community • Youth Services
Empowering & Partnership • Recognition of Sign Language users • Working towards BSL Charter • Access • Information • Human Rights • Partnership
Implementing the BSL Charter BCC BSL Policy Statement 2001 DDA 1995 Face to face communication BCC BSL video clips 2002 Remote interpreting service
BSL Charter Charter Pledge 1 Improve access for Deaf people to local services and information
BSL Charter Charter Pledge 2 Promote learning and high quality teaching of British Sign Language
BSL Charter Charter Pledge 3 Give all Deaf children the option of bilingual education (BSL/English)
BSL Charter Charter Pledge 4 Ensure key staff working with Deaf people meet minimum standards of BSL skills
BSL Charter Charter Pledge 5 Consult with our local Deaf community on a regular basis
Way Forward • Employ Deaf Equality Officer • Training to raise Awareness • Choices • Use Technology to enable communication