Do we still need Deaf Awareness these days?
There are hundreds of Deaf Awareness seminars or short sessions delivered every year in every part of the U.K. Surely we’ve reached saturation point? Well, as we know the world continues to change rapidly and the workplace for deaf people looks very different from even just a few years ago. Our experience is that Deaf Awareness is still needed but it looks very different from even last year!
And this brings us to the main topic of this e-news – Deaf Awareness
Deaf Awareness? Deaf Access? Deaf Equality? What should we call it these days? I think we should call it whatever the audience recognises. For the general public, I’d stay with Deaf Awareness. For a company with deaf staff, I might call it just that “Working with Deaf Colleagues”, for a political organisation they might receive “Deaf Equality” better. So does the name matter? Yes if you want to attract people to your seminar!
What about our communication at the workshop? Ah yes, the million dollar question. Again my advice is to do exactly what is right for you. If you use a sign language interpreter (SLI), then use one at your workshop. If you prefer to use your own strategies, then do that instead. The most important thing is to make a connection with your audience. Remember it is all about relationships.
There’s actually a stage before that
What are you going to cover in your course? If you are a delegate, what do you want to see? As a trainer, people are expecting good things from you. Some facts, some opinions, some engagement all mixed in with a little humour. If you are the student then do the tutor a favour, and say (a week before the course, if you can) what you would like to see even if it is “A deaf neighbour has moved in next door, how do I communicate with them?” Think about these issues before you go to the Deaf Awareness seminar.
Anything else?
Have a look at our Top Tips section (click on “Resources” on www.deafworks.co.uk) and you’ll see our Ten Top Tips on “Choosing the right Deaf Awareness workshop for you”. And for goodness’ sake, check the trainer is Deaf! (If you are the trainer and you are not D/deaf or involved in the Deaf World then what are you doing being a Deaf awareness trainer?) Choose your course carefully and you’ll have fun and learn a lot.
Our next Deaf Awareness course – 10 Dec 09
Laraine Callow, Director Deafworks runs one day workshops (10am – 4pm) near Kings Cross, Central London which are informative and fun. The next one is on Thurs 10 December ’09. Book a place via www.deafworks.co.uk.
This is what people say about Laraine’s courses:
- “Thanks so much for your help with advertising the our BSL-assisted family day. your 8 families attended – result! So thanks for a much needed helping hand.” (Museum).
- “I have been meaning to tell you how much I enjoyed our days training. It was very informative (and fun!) and I feel much more confident working with deaf people and organising events for deaf visitors to the gallery.” (Art Gallery)
- “It was excellent – I really learnt a lot & I feel I will be able to do my job better now.” (Social Services
- “I feel more confident when having contact with deaf colleagues – I was worried I was being patronising or doing the wrong thing when I deliberately spoke slowly and loudly but I can see it’s important to adapt to how you communicate and it’s not wrong to do so.” (Large IT company)
- “I am very happy to report that there has been a HUGE improvement in terms of awareness and communication with my team. I feel a lot happier seeing them making a lot of effort!” (Civil Service)
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