Statistics on deafness in the UK, South East and employment

Some facts and figures about deafness

U.K. Deaf Population

·                     There are estimated to be about 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK. The number is rising as the number of people over 60 increases.

·                     Over 680,000 people are classified as severely to profoundly deaf, which is equivalent to approx. 1% of the total UK population.

·                     108,000 of them are between the ages of 16 – 60

          

Deafness in the South East of England (Excluding London)

Although there are no official statistics regarding the numbers of deaf people in the South Eastern region, it is believed that the percentage of the deaf population is roughly the same throughout the country.

• This would mean that in an estimated population of 8,000,000 people in the South East, there would be approximately 80,000 severely to profoundly deaf people.
• 12,712 of them would be between the ages of 16 – 60

Deafness and the difficulties finding employment

• Prior to the recession, there were already one in five deaf people out of work, compared to one in 20 in the UK labour market.
• Nearly a fifth of those unemployed had been looking for a job for five years or more, with 36pc searching and applying for roles with no success for more than two years.

            Sign Language

Many people who are prelingually deaf use sign language to communicate. It is difficult to say how many people in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first or preferred language - current estimates suggest between 50,000 and 70,000. It is estimated that about 250,000 people regularly communicate in sign language, many of them hearing. 
More people (Deaf and hearing) use BSL, than speak Welsh or Gaelic.

For more information and news stories about deafness and British Sign Language (BSL) please visit our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk 

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!

Silent Sounds would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all of our customers and also to our deaf clients.
We will be continuing to provide a full range of our excellent services on an emergency basis right through the Christmas and New Year period. However, as well as Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years Day, our offices will be closed for the Bank Holidays on 27th & 28th December. 
At all other times, we will be open for any enquiries.
See our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk for news items and articles on deaf issues and British Sign Language.

Helping people in the deaf community get back to work

Before the recession, there were already one in five deaf people out of work, compared to one in 20 in the UK labour market. Nearly a fifth of those unemployed had been looking for a job for five years or more, with 36pc searching and applying for roles with no success for more than two years.

The figures, which come from the Royal National Institute of the Deaf’s latest employment survey, reveal that even in the so-called “boom” time, the UK’s 70,000 profoundly deaf people found it harder to get into work. Add to that the worst economic slump in the UK since the 1930s, and it is safe to say that looking for a job when you’re deaf has just become a lot harder.

For those of you who are deaf or have other disabilities, Shaw Trust are an excellent source of help when it comes to assistance in getting back to work.  Every year they help thousands of people who need extra support to achieve their employment and personal development goals. 

For people that are claiming benefits, unemployed and want to work, looking for support in work, or want to take control of your daily care, they can help you by providing: 

• pre-work activities which enable people to become more 'work ready' and acquire life skills
• personal development and training courses to help you decide where you want to be and to equip you with the skills and motivation to get there
• employment programmes   to help you move from benefits into employment. They operate a range of employment focussed services including Pathways to Work, New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP), Workstep and projects funded by European Social Fund.
• Independent Living Services which can help you to make choices about managing your own care.   

Please check the blog page on our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk for other articles and news stories regarding deaf issues and British Sign Language.

Does anyone have any horror stories about deaf UNawareness?

We have come up against all kinds of prejudices working in the deaf community, some of them from what many people would consider to be surprising sources. We have instances of medical professionals (and I use that term lightly!!) demanding that BSL interpreters only literally relay what is happening in an appointment, and not to interpret in any way.
We have had them being rude to both the deaf patients and the language service professional, and in many cases treating them in a patronising and antagonistic way.
In situations such as these, we will advocate that deaf awareness training is offered to the culprits in order that they will hopefully understand a little bit about what it must be like for the people that they are disrespecting.
We all know about the good work that is done during deaf awareness week, but do you think it is about time that we launch a deaf UNawareness week?
This might be a good way for the deaf community to come forward with stories to highlight the many instances when they are not treated in a respectful, informed and dignified manner.
So come on everyone, send me your stories of deaf UNawareness, and we will see if they can be used to help raise understanding of the issues that the deaf community are facing on a regular basis!!
You can read more about deaf awareness and British Sign Language in our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk

WEMBLEY student, Conrad Kaad, never let being deaf hold him back.

The 21-year-old motor mechanic, who studiesvehicle repair and paint at the College of NorthWest London, has been awarded for his sterlingwork at a special ceremony organised by thetechnology department.

Fijian-born Conad, of Manor Drive, Wembley, has been able to learn the art of paint refinishing thanks to the help of a specialist tutor who supports him during lessons in signlanguage.

Conrad was joined by his proud parents, Richard and Tina, at the awards ceremony . Tina made sure Conrad, who was born deaf, understood and enjoyed the evening by interpretingall the speeches in sign language for her son.

Tina learnt how to sign 12 years ago – also at the College of North West London. She believed it was the best way to communicate with Conrad in the future. Dad Richard doesnot sign but has his own ways of communicating with his son.

Conrad’s teacher, Stuart Dingwall, has also learnt the basics of signing to help Conrad following a deaf awareness course.Mr Dingwall said: "There are several hearingimpaired students in the faculty of technology. I communicate a bit in sign language but Conrad and I have almost developed our own language and if I sign something wrong, he lets me know. He’s got a great sense of humour.

Conrad got top marks in his course this year and hopes to work in a specialist garage that combines motor bike and car work once he qualifies.

Excerpt found on www.harrowobserver.co.uk

VRS technology for the UK deaf community?

Should the UK deaf community be given access to VRS (Video Relay Service) technology? In the USA, there is a levy charged on all mobile telecom bills to fund the provision of the VRS network, so video interpreting is available to the deaf at the cost to them of a normal phone call. Would the general UK public object to paying 1p extra per month on their mobile bills to fund this worthwhile and essential facility??
American VRS giant Sorenson Communications Inc. are launching a PR campaign to raise awareness of the poor communication facilities for deaf people in this country, no doubt with the intention of creating a new and profitable market for themselves!! Whilst their motives are no doubt money-oriented, the end result could be the opening up of new opportunities for deaf people and a greater access for them into the mainstream "hearing" community.
I'm sure that we all agree that this service could prove invaluable to tens of thousands of people in this country, but should this be something that should be brought in by a US corporation (who would profit from the revenue raised!!) or would our own government or perhaps a UK deaf charity be a more suitable organisation to provide this service and reap any benefits??

Would you like to learn British Sign Language?

Would you like to learn British Sign Language?  

Silent Sounds, the UK's leading deaf communication service, are now offering a two day course which will increase your understanding of the Deaf community, Deaf culture and the fourth official language of the U.K, British Sign Language.
You will learn:
• About the people who use BSL
• The ‘Two’ handed finger spelling alphabet
• A full range of useful BSL phrases
• How to work with other Language Service Professionals

This course is extremely interactive and is very much a “hands on” course, where you will learn in a fun Environment, by means of games, questions and answers and lots of practice.
This course assumes no prior knowledge and is perfect for total beginners.

After this course you will be able to progress to BSL Level 1 or Level 1 Certificate in Developing Awareness & Communication with Deaf and Deafblind people.

Call us for details of the next course at our High Wycombe training centre,

For more information please call 01494 796 030
Check our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk
or e-mail info@silent-sounds.co.uk

Silent Sounds presence at Wycombe Business Expo a great success!!

Silent Sounds UK Ltd, the country's leading deaf communication service exhibited at the inaugural Wycombe Business Expo on 28th October 2010

   

We had a great day, and really enjoyed meeting with all the local businesses and some of the public sector organisations too. Buckinghamshire is the entrepeneurial capital of the UK, with over 40% more new businesses starting every year than the national average, and this was reflected in the enthusiasm and commitment of our fellow exhibitors.

Richard Durrant, Silent Sounds'  Business development manager at the Exhibition

This vibrant event was held on Thursday 28th October 2010, at the newly built £31 million Cressex Community School. There were local exhibitors, guest speakers and ask-the-expert workshops. This event being the first of its kind in the local area, the Wycombe Business Expo was an excellent place to be for local business owners looking for suppliers or new customers.

Silent Sounds are the UK's leading provider of deaf communication services, including British sign language interpreters. You can find out more about our services on our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk  

Silent Sounds at Wycombe Business Expo

Silent Sounds UK Ltd, the country's leading deaf communication service are exhibiting at the inaugural Wycombe Business Expo!!

   

Wycombe Business Expo is a Business to business event in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Over 60 Exhibitors, Guest Speakers, Free Ask-the-expert workshops and more... The Wycombe Business Expo offers local businesses within the Wycombe District the perfect opportunity to network and show-case their products, skills and services to other South Bucks businesses.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday 28th October 2010, at the newly built £31 million Cressex Community School. On the day there will be local exhibitors, guest speakers and ask-the-expert workshops. This first of its kind, the Wycombe Business Expo is the place to be if you are a local business owner looking for suppliers or new customers.

Come and see us on the day, and meet the team. You can find out more about our services on our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk

Silent Sounds On-Line BSL Interpreting service

Leading deaf communication service, Silent Sounds are introducing a revolutionary new On-Line BSL interpreting service working in partnership with deaf charity Sign Health. 

Richard Durrant, the Business development manager for Silent Sounds said:

"Silent Sounds have been looking at various ways that we can increase our support for the deaf community, and also to help cut costs for our customers in the Public sector. On-Line BSL interpreting is something that we have been looking at for some time and that we believe is an inevitable development, considering the technological advances over the last few years, particularly with regards to high speed broadband, and also the public sectors desire to cut costs.

On-Line BSL interpreting is not and never will be a replacement for face to face British Sign Language interpreting, but is something that can be used to compliment the services that are already being offered. We believe that its' main use will be in hospitals, for emergency reception type appointments, such as outpatients, A&E units and maternity units, and it will also become widely used for basic GP appointments. Its’ primary purpose, would be to deal with initial enquiries and basic appointments, and not in-depth consultations.

Silent Sounds will be working as partner to deaf charity Sign Health. who are providing the infrastructure for the On-Line interpreting service. A small piece of software loaded on to any pc/laptop within the client's organisation, will then enable the client to access the video interpreting service.

There is no huge outlay to be made on capital costs to set up this service, all that is needed is a reasonable quality webcam, and a pc/laptop with an average specification, together with a high speed broadband line, and telephone handset.

We believe that this innovative service will provide the deaf patients with much needed immediate access to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, and will help the organisations using the service to make significant savings"

Please go to www.silent-sounds.co.uk if you are interested in receiving more information regarding the Silent Sounds/Sign Health On-Line BSL Interpreting service.   

New U.S. Study into Age-related hearing loss

New U.S. Study into Age-related hearing loss.

FRIDAY, Oct. 15 (HealthDay News) -- 

New insight into how different types of age-related hearing loss may occur could help lead to the development of drugs to preserve hearing, scientists say.

The team at the University of Minnesota Medical School looked at how two closely related genes affect hearing in mice. Mutations in these genes are associated with deafness in humans, they noted.

The study, published online Oct. 14 in PLoS Genetics, found that proteins produced by the genes play a key role in two important processes that are required to maintain hearing in mice.

"These separate maintenance pathways are likely important for maintaining auditory function during aging and may contribute to future understanding of common forms of age-related hearing loss in humans," study author Ben Perrin said in a news release from the journal's publisher.

Because animal studies frequently fail to produce beneficial results for humans, additional research is needed.

(Funding for the study was supplied by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.)

Silent Sounds On-Line BSL Interpreting service

Leading deaf communication service, Silent Sounds are introducing a revolutionary new On-Line BSL interpreting service working in partnership with deaf charity Sign Health. 

Richard Durrant, the Business development manager for Silent Sounds said:

"Silent Sounds have been looking at various ways that we can increase our support for the deaf community, and also to help cut costs for our customers in the Public sector. On-Line BSL interpreting is something that we have been looking at for some time and that we believe is an inevitable development, considering the technological advances over the last few years, particularly with regards to high speed broadband, and also the public sectors desire to cut costs.

On-Line BSL interpreting is not and never will be a replacement for face to face British Sign Language interpreting, but is something that can be used to compliment the services that are already being offered. We believe that its' main use will be in hospitals, for emergency reception type appointments, such as outpatients, A&E units and maternity units, and it will also become widely used for basic GP appointments. Its’ primary purpose, would be to deal with initial enquiries and basic appointments, and not in-depth consultations.

Silent Sounds will be working as partner to deaf charity Sign Health. who are providing the infrastructure for the On-Line interpreting service. A small piece of software loaded on to any pc/laptop within the client's organisation, will then enable the client to access the video interpreting service.

There is no huge outlay to be made on capital costs to set up this service, all that is needed is a reasonable quality webcam, and a pc/laptop with an average specification, together with a high speed broadband line, and telephone handset.

We believe that this innovative service will provide the deaf patients with much needed immediate access to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, and will help the organisations using the service to make significant savings"

Please go to www.silent-sounds.co.uk if you are interested in receiving more information regarding the Silent Sounds/Sign Health On-Line BSL Interpreting service.   

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-10

Tip 10 - Same as everyone 

Deaf people vary like everyone else - in temperament, work rate, intelligence, special skills. Like everyone else, they expect to be respected for what they can do at work. They expect to contribute to the team like everyone else. While sign language is complex and takes time to learn, Deaf people will respond positively to anyone who tries to be visual and who makes the attempt to communicate directly.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-9

Tip 9 - Hearing interruption 

One of the most annoying things for a Deaf person at work is when a hearing person responds immediately to sounds (like the telephone or someone calling) while the Deaf person is in conversation with that hearing person. Because a Deaf person may not be able to hear this sound, he/she will feel suddenly cut off if the hearing person looks away or grabs the phone. If you have to, indicate visually or gesturally that the phone is ringing or someone is calling. In signing it is usual to establish the topic first, then to explain about it. It is important for you to make sure the person knows what you are going to talk about before you start explaining. Be visual (use gestures to point to the object or write down the heading) if you wish to change topic or to do something else.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-8

Tip 8 - Clear line of sight 

It is best to remove objects that are on tables, obstructing the view between you and the Deaf person (flowers, menu cards, stacked trays for incoming mail, etc). Ideally a Deaf person should have a place of work, (desk, workstation, workbench) which allows them to see the rest of the room and other people working there. It is a bad idea to be facing the wall. It should be well lit but not facing the sun. People who come to the desk should have the light on their faces not behind their heads.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-7

Tip 7 - Attention 

With Deaf people, you get attention by gently waving your hand in their line of sight, tapping them on the forearm or moving into their field of vision. You can also gain attention by tapping on the desk or table and by flicking the lights on and off quickly. Try not to approach from behind, never touch on the back or head and DO NOT SHOUT!
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-6

Tip 6 - Speaking 

Some Deaf people´s speech sounds odd to hearing people; however, you should not believe it is an indicator of stupidity. If you had to try to speak a foreign language which you have never heard and when you cannot hear your own voice properly, your speech would sound funny. If you do not understand, be patient and ask for a repetition. If it is still not clear to you, ask the person to write it down.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-5

Tip 5 - Lip - reading

Deaf people do not lip-read - actually nobody can lip-read English - because around half of it is invisible on the lips - people who seem to lip-read are mostly using guesswork based on their existing knowledge of English and on the context. When you are with Deaf people it is a good idea to face them and speak directly at normal speed, while they are looking at you. Do not cover your mouth/face with your hands and do not sit with the light behind you (eg with the window at your back) as that casts a shadow on your face. Try to avoid visual distractions like waving a pen or random gestures or looking away. If asked to repeat, do so patiently as it does not indicated lack of attention just that the Deaf person just wants to be sure of what you are saying.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-4

Tip 4 - Hearing Loss 

Deaf people have different degrees of hearing loss and that hearing loss can seem to vary from day to day and from situation to situation. Deaf people who don´t turn around when called, are not ignoring you .... even if they seemed to hear better yesterday. Some Deaf people can hear and people who are hard-of hearing will be able to use a hearing aid. Individuals vary - so some people will be able to conduct a conversation through hearing if the surroundings are quiet but not in noisy situations nor where there are groups of people. Generally, you should not rely on their use of a hearing aid - make your communication as visual as possible.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-3

Tip 3 -English

Everything that can be said in English can also be signed. It is a recognised language and will serve the purpose of all members of the Deaf community. Some Deaf people can use both languages - English (usually written) and BSL - but they may use the English better in some contexts rather than others - not because Deaf people are unintelligent, but because they have had limited access to education.
If you would like more information, please check our website http://www.silent-sounds.co.uk/blog.php or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-2

Deaf Awareness in the workplace-Tip2
Language

Deaf people use sign language - more accurately, British Sign Language or just BSL, which has a different structure to English - it is not English on the hands. Finger-spelling is used to represent specific English words when needed. In fact in BSL, the face, the body and the hands are all equally important; Deaf people watch the face when signing, not the hands. BSL is different to other sign languages (eg American Sign Language and French Sign Language) and has been known to exist for over 400 years in the UK.
If you would like more information, please check our website www.silent-sounds.co.uk or call our office and speak to one of our helpful staff.