Decision Day - Getting a CI - by Eleanor

I realised yesterday that I hadn't kept up to date with the appointments. As you know, I have been to the assessments and was just waiting to find out if the team to decide if I was eligible to have one...

 On Tuesday last week I had an appointment to meet 'a member of the ENT team'. The end result is that they would like to offer me a Cochlear Implant. It was odd hearing those words, with the idea of actually having an operation seems unrealistic, as if it wouldn't happen to me. "You're on the waiting list now, it'll be up to 4 months" the consultant said, "It'll probably be me or my colleague operating so you might see me again". With that, I left the room armed with a consent form and a letter requesting me to get a pneumococcal meningitis injection for protection. I'd also been given another appointment entitled 'device information' for the following week.

 The 'device information' session was with a lovely rehabilitationist who is actually leaving soon so I probably won't meet her again. Nonetheless she was lovely and walked me through the possibility of colours and battery packs. I decided to go with the sandy beige because it actually goes with my hair quite nicely and I thought if I ever do want to stand out I can always pimp it up myself. With regards to battery packs, I could choose different sizes depending on how long you want it to last as they can be charged up via electricity as apposed to disposable batteries. The CI requires a lot of power which means generally either option doesn't last terribly long. They were only able to order two different batteries so I went with a disposable pack and a chargeable one with shoes on. "You can buy your own if you want anymore" she said, "they're only around £70-£100 each"...

 Then, a few days ago I was emailed with some surgery dates! What a surreal moment, from being prepared for a 4 month wait which is actually only going to be around 3 weeks wait instead. It was like being struck in the chest and you can't breathe because you know something strange (and potentially painful!) is going to happen. But a few seconds later a smile spreads across my face and I know, I know I'm ready for this new chapter. It's been so difficult, especially lately to keep hanging out with people, even people I know and love because I'm so tired all the time. I find myself doing everyday things and wondering what it will sound like with a CI. I found myself on a beach listening to the waves crashing against the pebbles at the weekend and I wondered what it will sound like with my CI. So long have I been astonished and astounded by young children with CIs, secretly jealous of their ability not to have to lipread all the time.. it may not work so well for me, who knows but I'm excited to see.

 After the operation I have been advised not to wear my HA in my operated ear, leaving me with just one HA for 6 weeks before the switch on. It will be a quiet christmas for me, but the more I talk about my concerns, the more my family seem keen to use BSL, even just the odd few signs, which I completely and utterly adore and appreciate. Thank you.

Norfolk Signing Choir by Eleanor

So, a while ago I talked about how excited I was about setting up my very own Signing Choir with (an extreme amount of) help from my very lovely and generous friend Claire.

 We started back in September 2013 and we have been enjoying it so much! We have a range of songs already such as 'Happy' by Pharell Williams, 'Let it Go' from Frozen, 'Roar' by Katy Perry, 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA, 'Shake it off' by Taylor Swift and a few others.

 We are open to all, young or old, beginner or expert at BSL. If you love music and you want to sign (BSL) then do come along! We meet once a month in Norwich, England.

A Deaf Identity - by Eleanor

Being deaf irritates, frustrates, annoys and even pleases me. There are many advantages to being deaf, getting a quiet night sleep, not bothered by irritating noises or even loud noises that would make most people jump out of their skin. It even makes awkward situations easier because you can play the 'deaf card' when all else fails. Take for example, drawing some money out at a cash machine but the well positioned homeless person sitting next to it calls out 'got any change please?'. Potentially awkward.. if you heard them.

 As a deaf child growing up, I never had a deaf role model. I remember being amazed when I saw people with hearing aids. I must have felt alone because my parents always made a point of pointing them out to me, making me feel like they were out there, somewhere in the universe, people just like me. ME. The only child at school with hearing aids and constant 'my granddad wears them' jibes from misunderstood and curious peers.

Now as I continue to grow, I see deaf people more and more because I've chosen to immerse myself in their community, I've set up a signing choir, I volunteer for the NDCS and stay in touch with other volunteers.

The deaf community is small because people take on their deaf identity in different ways. This is often influenced by their parents and how they are brought up. However, this isn't always set in stone. As children grow up, like me, they begin to find their own identity and how they want to be defined.

 For some people, hearing aids are just an aid, they feel they can keep up enough in the hearing world by lipreading and therefore having them, doesn't make them any different to a hearing person. This is probably a good example of how I used to feel, growing up. Even though I knew I missed things, I simply didn't know enough of any other options (British Sign Language for example) to consider otherwise. I'm not saying I wasn't happy, quite the opposite, I was extremely happy and blessed with such a supportive family.
 This identity can also be influenced by rejection from the deaf community or a negative experience which can be as simple as trying to communicate with a fluent BSL user and not being able to understand any of the signs. This almost creates a confirmation in their mind that there are no other options and they can continue to survive (or perhaps thrive depending on their situation) in the hearing world.

For other people, deafness is their identity. They may have a strong deaf family or have been involved with the deaf community from a young age. BSL is their primary language. Some may have tried to interact with the hearing world but had negative experiences or perhaps feel that not many make enough effort to learn their language. They feel at home with other deaf people because they don't have to concentrate 10 times harder and they most definitely don't have to justify themselves to anyone.

 Sometimes, an identity is based on one experience. It can be so difficult to change your thought process when you have a negative experience because your head tells you that's it. A bit like being rejected from someone you love, or for a job. That heart wrenching feeling that someone didn't want you, that you're not good enough and no one could possibly want you again. That human need to be loved, to be appreciated. You could go through life having tens of thousands of positive experiences but its always the one negative that you'll remember in the dead of the night.

 For me, I am proud to be deaf. It is a part of my identity. Admittedly I can't stand it when people know me as 'that deaf one' because that's not all there is to me. Equally I get frustrated when people aren't naturally deaf aware. Why don't people speak clearly naturally? Why don't people move their mouths properly? Why would people want mustaches that cover their lips? Why do people talk across a room? Why do they even need to? Is it meaningful? Why do people have to have group conversations? What's wrong with a 1:1 intimate conversation?

 I think I will always have an inner battle with myself, the girl who doesn't like to step up and tell people to be 'deaf aware' and the girl who embraces being deaf, who enjoys turning her voice off and her hands on.

Starting Norfolk Signing Choir: By Eleanor

My First Signing Choir

 

Ever since I’ve been learning to sign I’ve become more and more absorbed in the ‘deaf world’. As well as using BSL with my communicator in the classroom, I’ve also been teaching signs to the young children as I continue through my PGCE training. Just a few weeks ago I finished at my first placement school and we had to perform an end-of-term play. Being in a reception class, this meant that the majority of the play was with singing which turned out to be a complete delight. I can’t sing myself and it is something I refuse to do unless I’ve got alcohol in my system.

 

 The reason the school play songs were an absolute delight was because it gave me the chance to sign along to the songs. I half expected the children not to be too bothered, and to be fair, not all of them were enthused about signing as I was but some of them completely surprised me. The amount of practising we did (mainly for singing rather than the signing aspects) was crazy, the amount of ‘quick ten minutes’ here and ‘super quick five minutes’ there was mad. It got to the point where I was in a classroom supervising break-time and I could see a young girl signing all the songs without the music, without singing to her friends. It was a heart-skipping moment, and if I watched her any longer I may have shed a tear. It was so beautiful to see these hearing children open their eyes and heart to sign language.

 

 It made me remember a time when I used to love singing in school, however badly and out of tune I was, it really didn’t matter when you were 4 or 5. It made me think about watching people on YouTube sign along to music, particularly the infamous Lee and really wanting to be a part of that. I was talking to my communicator about how much I really wanted to be a part of a signing choir and it was difficult with the limited amount of choirs in this area. I know there is one in Kings Lynn but they get together at awkward times for me. I wanted a choir where it didn’t matter if you didn’t know sign language, where it didn’t matter how old you were – because those children that I taught in a reception class were amazing and so motivated to join in. That love and passion for something quite often dies away as you get older, yet when you’re a child, the magic lasts forever, no matter how many times you repeat a song.

 

 My communicator (Claire) really surprised me with her response. She said ‘Why don’t you make your own?’ I was really taken aback by this, how could I make my own? I’m not an expert in BSL and at the best of times I use SSE (Sign Supported English) more so than BSL. How would I be able to know when to start a song, if I forget the words I can’t pick it up again by listening to the music, how could it possibly work?

 A few days passed and I mentioned that I was still thinking about this, how I could possibly make my own Signing Choir and she surprised me yet again by saying how she would love to start one up too, perhaps we could work together. The conversation instantly changed from how would it work, to how could we attract people? I no longer had the worry of translating because I knew I had her support no matter what, and from first-hand experience, I knew that she would be my cue when I forget the words or I miss the start of the lyrics.

 

 From that, Norfolk Signing Choir was born. I have to point out that it is REALLY early days but I am so happy. I designed a flyer and posted it on Facebook to every deaf group that I’m a part of, I started looking at sign song videos on YouTube to see how others were doing it and thinking what songs could we do. I started telling people, no matter who they were, hoping that they would pass the message through. I started enquiring about where we could have these meetings. I am so lucky for Charley South and her kind offer of using the Brickmakers Pub in Norwich.

 

 Yesterday, Saturday 3^rd May was the day of the first practise. I was really nervous because I wasn’t sure if anyone was coming. Quite often, people want to come but can’t make it, or are very nervous about coming to the ‘first’ event. So, I was so happy to see some new faces come through the door! Claire is our ‘conductor’ and we had a fab time learning part of a song. We didn’t manage to finish a song, but for the first event we did fabulously! I really, really enjoyed myself and that was what my aim for this Signing Choir was/is. From other comments, it seems that everyone else enjoyed it too! Thank you guys, for coming and joining in, and I can't wait to practise the rest of the song :)

 

 We are now in the stages of planning our next meeting, I don’t want to say any dates until we are absolutely sure but we are planning on having a practise once a month every month on Saturday at 2pm finishing around 3.30pm. Please, come and join in, we are open to all ages, all abilities and all sense of humours!! Find us on facebook @ Norfolk Signing Choir.

 

Experiencing a Deaf School: By Eleanor

In February 2014 I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit a deaf school in London for 7 days. This was almost a milestone in my life because it meant two things:




 1. That I would be living with my cousin, his landlord and another flatmate in a house in London that I'd never been to before.


 2. That I had the exciting opportunity to visit, observe and learn from a deaf school, a school that promotes bilingual philosophy, meaning they teach BSL and English equally.




So, the time rolled around so much quicker than I expected, much like this whole PGCE course. I found myself on the train heading to London. Just to point out, I love London. Whether its intended or not, it has subtitles almost everywhere. On the train, on the tube, on the bus, I didn't have to worry about missing my stop because the electronic information boards reassured me every other minute, subtitling the tannoy for me. The bus stop outside of Kings Cross had writing, just to tell me that there would be a bus in literally 2 minutes of waiting (this is most definitely not the Norfolk Way).


 Wednesday morning I arrived at the school, unsure what to expect. It was a small school, much smaller than anything I had seen before. In the Nursery and Reception there was no more than 6 children in each with 1:1 staff and TAs as-well as the teachers. I almost worried myself into thinking there wouldn't be much to do with all this staff and support, how wrong was I?


 Looking around the school it was very clear how much they promoted and respected their bilingual philosophy, all the displays had English and BSL signs, a good majority of the staff were profoundly deaf themselves, all staff whether hearing or deaf could sign, BSL classes were highly advertised throughout the school. I'd never seen such a school where I could feel so involved and welcomed from day one. Every conversation I could be a part of whether I wanted to or not, there were no hidden agendas, no hidden or lost conversations.
  The children, the beautiful children using their hands to communicate and their open eyes innocently gazing, interpreting and communicating. Their voice, their language, a different world.

Stories were signed to the children, a different perspective, dramatic, intriguing and exciting, a story that could never be portrayed quite the same in English.
 The ones that wore hearing aids or Cochlear Implants quite often made their own little noises, some could talk quite clearly and others were just learning, making sense of their noises, their voice.


 My seven days at the deaf school went by just as quickly as they came. I learnt so much. I learnt about a world where deaf children could grow up and feel as valued and loved as mainstream children do. A world where they could be supported, taught visually, seeing the beauty in the movement of our hands rather than the sound of our voices. I learnt that telling them that I wore hearing aids just like some of them, I was automatically accepted.
I was no longer different, I was the same, the same, the same.

 “Deaf people can do anything, except hear.”

King Jordan (Former President of Gallaudet University)

Compromising the Fantasy by Eleanor

 So, I really wanted to clarify something before I start this blog (I know, I've already started it, so what exactly am I on about?) that although I can complain and moan and scream the walls down about how difficult it is being deaf, that I'm actually proud to be who I am.
I know I've not really got much choice, but I am so lucky to be someone who is automatically accepted in both the hearing world and the deaf world because of the machines in my ears. It can be really isolating at times, but life is what you make of it, and I can most be selective with the information I chose to gain. Other bits of information take alot more attention and effort to get it, but if I really wanted it, I'd just say 'What was that again?' several times. Not that I do, because its only acceptable to say it three, four times at the maximum and then nod your head like you TOTALLY understand.

 I went to the cinema on Saturday to see Frozen with subtitles. I went with the local deaf club and I felt so proud to sit there and watch the film with such clarity. So many times I've been to the cinema and plonked a fake smile on my face because everyone else is laughing and I don't want to stand out. This time, I was the one laughing at the cheesy jokes and poor slap-stick (this is in no way implying that this is a rubbish film, quite the opposite, I REALLY enjoyed it... watch it!!).
 I felt truly refreshed having sat next to a young girl who was signing to me throughout the film. I don't think she was deaf, I think she had a relation that was deaf and had learnt BSL that way. But she recognised that I could sign to her, that I could understand her and she loved the opportunity to use that, and I did too.
This is the children I want to bring into the world from my classroom. When I become a teacher (not IF) I will teach the children that we all have different support methods, but inside, we are all the same. I want to show the children the beauty of British Sign Language, not only to communicate with me, with deaf people, but to communicate with each other - it is a language that they can learn, enjoy and spread beyond the classroom. BSL is so visual, so clear, when I see people signing to me, its like a picture forms in my head and everything becomes transparent. Words can get jumbled and hurried and lose all meaning but BSL lingers.

 It's been a rough few weeks. I completed BSL Level 3 part 1 with a view to continue onto getting my NVQ Level 3 but have been told that I need to work on my BSL structure more before I could comfortably achieve this. I automatically took this as an insult, that I can't sign therefore don't fit in the deaf world, I can't communicate orally as well as hearing people, so I don't fit in there.
 But whats my real hurry? Why do I need to achieve it so badly that I'm trying to stress myself out by studying for my PGCE and BSL at the same time? Why don't I just enjoy the ride? I've got a lifetime to obtain a piece of paper, what really matters is what I do with the time now, and that means meeting more deaf people, building my confidence up and becoming an even stronger person.

 This isn't me giving up, this is me sitting in the backroom plotting my explosive return.

 P.S Make the date in your diary - 17th December at Majestic Cinema, Kings Lynn, the Hobbit 2 is subtitled at 19.30pm... be there!! :)

Why I enjoy studying BSL: Eleanor

 Although I am deaf, I was brought up orally. From the very beginning my dad was insistent that I wouldn’t be given ‘labels’, that I was perfectly able to speak like pretty much everyone we knew.

As I grew up, I didn’t know any different. My world was surrounded by hearing people and I’d never met any people like me, or Deaf/deaf.

It wasn’t until I became a teenager that I had an eye opening experience. I went to a summer school with the NDCS for 2 weeks and it quite literally changed me. I met people who could sign fluently but couldn’t communicate orally. At first it scared me, I had problems of my own with communicating so how could I communicate with them? I met other people who were similar to me, brought up orally and relied heavily on lipreading. These were the ones that I straight away connected with, the similar toil and troubles of studying at school and explaining that hearing aids aren’t a cure, just an aid. I made lots of friends at this summer school and have the fondest memories of those two weeks. The unforgettable experience of the summer school has set the bar with my volunteering at NDCS, I want each child to go home feeling how I felt, and with their heads held high.

After attending summer school I realised I wanted to learn to sign, I wanted to connect with these people and communicate, find out their thoughts and hopefully become friends. We all have a voice, just some are louder than others. With help from my ToD (Teacher of the Deaf) and various mock classes that some of her other students and parents were invited too, we were all taught basic sign language. That wasn’t enough for me, I wanted more. My mum and I then signed up for BSL Level 1 when I was still a teenager.

 I really enjoyed BSL Level 1. Mainly because I was like a sponge at that age and took BSL like a duck to water. I never needed to practise, it was more my mum that worried about the assessments etc. and used me to practise on. When it finished I was determined to carry on but my mum decided not to.

 

 I signed up for Level 2, but when it came down to it, I was still that shy withdrawn girl in the corner, how could I even pretend that I belonged to the deaf world when all I knew was ABCs and various basic signs? I retreated and decided not to go to the classes. This, I know now, was a big mistake and I regret not attending. However the following year it made me more determined and I signed up for it again, (it was now called the pre-level 2 qualification). I forced myself to go to the first class and it was scary because there were only 6-7 of us, all girls (apart from the tutor, lucky man!) and they all knew each other. It was extremely intimidating, they had all been on the course that previous year and the signs were still fresh in their minds. It took a lot of willpower to stay for that class, many times I wanted to run away. It was still difficult because at pre-level 2 there are still lots of students talking rather than signing, especially when you can’t think of the signs for what you really want to say. I missed out, even in a BSL class!! At times it made me angry and confused, I couldn’t seem to fit in with the hearing world anymore, not with this knowledge that there were people like me out there! But I couldn’t find the comfort, support and knowledge that I needed to fit in.

After a few classes I started to become more confident, comfortable. I knew more signs than some of the others and once they realised that I was deaf myself they began helping me out with conversations that I’d missed. Or at least trying to, with our limited BSL vocabulary! Towards the end I started enjoying myself and made friends. I’m still in touch with one of them which is really nice J

The next level was difficult. I live in Kings Lynn area and there were no classes in the area for Level 2. I now had to travel to Norwich for the nearest class (about 35-40 miles away) for 18:30, not finishing until 21:00. It was difficult to fit in with my college studies but I was determined and motivated now, I wanted to be able to communicate with BSL users more than anything, I was still volunteering for the NDCS and sometimes the WNDA (West Norfolk Deaf Association) which really spurred me on, I wanted to see this thing all the way through!

On Level 2, I was extremely lucky to meet one of my now close friends. When we first met we instantly got on, many people asked if we already knew each other and were surprised when we said no. She was also deaf, in a similar position to me and we got on like a house on fire. Of course we had our little girly giggles in the middle of classes though!

I’m now on pre-level 3 at the moment and I love it. When we get there our voices are turned off and our hands warmed up. Everyone is so keen to sign and learn new signs too. In our group conversations quite often someone will start signing about something and there’s at least one blank face. You are then bombarded with other signers who understood what was said and keen to explain, hopefully in a clearer way for you to interpret. Everyone is so warm and understanding of my needs. Even if there is a funny noise outside someone will instantly sign to me what’s happened and I no longer feel stupid for asking. It’s probably one of the only places in the world where I feel right at home.

"Magic Hands": Cbeebies - by Imogene

Yesterday I was watching some Cbeebies with my son. I watched his favourite programme with him and up pop a sequel video of a new programme that’s coming soon to the channel called “Magic Hands” – I was so fascinated by this trailer as it appeared to be done by Deaf people as their wasn’t much sound and I noticed there was BSL! I thought this was great as I already praise Mr Tumble (another Sign-Language programme) and Freddie has started signing “Hello” and “Spotty Bag” from that so was interested to know more about this new programme! I went onto the internet and typed it in and found the Cbeebies Grown-Up page and I have to say it seems really good!

“Magic Hands is a show featuring poetry for children translated entirely into British Sign Language (BSL).

Featuring poems from Robert Louis Stephenson to Roger Stevens and Michaela Morgan the programmes are fun, five-minute packages that mix sign language, the spoken word, music and animation to bring the poems to life and capture the imaginations of both deaf and hearing children.

The production is breaking new ground; it’s the first time poetry has ever been translated into British Sign Language and the first production with an entirely deaf cast using British Sign Language.

The Magic Hands presenters are all new to children’s television and are all profoundly deaf. On set they worked with professional interpreters along with the series’ artistic director, Jean St Clair, and both deaf and hearing production crew.”

I wonder why there is a new BSL programme. Is it because there are more children that are deaf? Or is it because Mr Tumble’s been so successful that they find more children are learning more from it? I’m just glad there’s more deaf awareness coming in for the younger generation. And of course BSL isn’t just used by Deaf people but by children who have communication problems, who have now found a way to speak!

I tried uploading the trailer video, but I can't find it, but this is the only thing related on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VrrjB0GPR0

I am very excited to watch this, and mostly see how my son interacts with it! (I shall report after our verdict!)

*The writing in red is from the Cbeebies Grown-Ups page - No Copyright Intentions.

How I could imagine dealing with the news of having a disabled child - by Imogene

This is a topic myself and Eleanor was talking about the other day. We were chatting about one of the latest storylines in our favourite soap 'Hollyoaks'. The storyline is a couple of months old now, but it's about a young couple who have had a baby boy, and find out at the first hearing screen that he is profoundly Deaf. We both rather liked this storyline, what with being deaf, but also as it tackles and shows how people deal with their child having a disability. Like in most soaps they don't handle it very well. But after the screening, I enjoyed the episode where the mother went to visit, almost immediately after the birth to find a way to make her son 'hear'. It was very emotional as, she is desperate to help him and talks to the doctors about ways to make him a hearing child. There was a discussion on having a cochlear implant, but they found it wouldn't improve him anymore than he is. So they've gone against having the operation and now are living with a child who can't in affect hear anything.

It then lead to a discussion on how we would cope in the same situation and we both had different views with linking similarities.
I always think if I had a Deaf child that I'd be completely fine with it, as I'm deaf myself and have an understanding of what type of life you can lead with deafness; however that's only with hearing aids. But saying that, if my child had a profound level of hearing I would know that my child would almost be in safe hands as I know some teachers of the deaf around my area and I know they give 100% in the learning of each child. I would also know that there is support networks out there to help and there is BSL (British Sign Language) as a way of communication, so as a deaf person - It is possible to lead a normal life.
Obviously as a mother I'd worry about them growing up and hoping people become more deaf aware so that they can get the most out of their life. But as to quote Eleanor it is scary for new parents who don't know about being deaf and the support a child can get - it's terrifying. It's like if you imagine our child being blind - we'd worry!
Which is so true, it's only because we're in the boat, that we'd be easy to accept, but if it was any other disability we'd all worry and panic about the support and the type of life our child would be able to lead.
I personally did have the same worry with my son when he was born, not that he was Deaf, (I knew he was a hearing baby as soon as he came out) but the doctors did have a worry that he could possibly have cerebral palsy, and breathing problems as he didn't react to some of the tests they do to make sure they're healthy and everything is working as it should. At that moment when they said that I burst into tears, simply out of being scared. I didn't really know what it meant, nor what it was really - not enough to be clued up. But my gut instinct wasn't as if he did have any disabilities, some might say it could've been a natural denial state or mother intuition. It turns out he has neither of them things and is perfectly healthy!
But for that couple of days, I now understand when I read/see how people cope with a new baby being disabled. I suppose it's mostly because we all crave for a happy, healthy baby, simply as it's a easier life for them and probably deep down for us too.

So, How would I cope with the news of having a disabled child? I don't really know, I think I'd have to be in the position to be able to tell you. I know I would do my hardest to help to give them the best possible life, and make sure they were happy and felt loved. I know I would deal with them being Deaf very well, simply because I know how life is for that - so It's only because I have the experience. It's true, we're good with what we know.

I'd love to know your thoughts, or experiences with this article? How did you deal with the news that your child was deaf/had a disability? How would you cope with the news?

(This article is only of my own opinion and I hope non of the content offended anyone, as it certainly wasn't meant - Imogene.)

Latitude for Deaf people

I’ve never really been a festival goer. I’ve been to the V Fest for the day, and I once went to Hyde Park to see Oasis (Kaisbian were one of the supporting groups and they were amazing!).  I even went to the KLFM concert one evening simply because it was cheap (not many tickets were getting sold so they were dirt cheap… quite a nice evening, especially as there were no queues in the bar.. because hardly anyone was there!!) but it was rather cold and full of debut acts.

 I’ve never camped anywhere further than my back garden. Partly because I’ve never needed too, but partly because the thought of not being able to hear people around the tent whilst I’m asleep kinda scares me!

One of my friends who works as a BSL interpreter told me about Latitude and how it’s one of the major festivals with deaf access. They actively promote Latitude to deaf people by offering cheaper ticket deals to ensure they can come, providing BSL interpreters for some of the goings on. It all sounds amazing but in the bottom of my heart I know that doesn’t really help me. I am deaf, with a hearing family, brought up orally and although I’ve learnt some BSL I’m definitely not confident enough to follow BSL 100%. I’m also not able to follow speech 100% of the time, I rely heavily on lip-reading which can involve several incidents/frustrations with accents, moustaches and generally lazy talkers!

For all you deaf readers, please consider Latitude, things can get even better if people show their support and enthusiasm for additional deaf access. Perhaps in the future we could get certain events captioned for those inbetweeners (not the film!!) like me. But things can only improve or become better if we communicate our needs and fight for equal access. Just because we happen to have some sort of hearing loss, doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to know what’s going on.