Deaf Sussex Today The Newsletter for the Deaf Community in Sussex issue 3 winter 2003

PLUS

Mental Health Do you think you know everything? Come to a workshop!

Sally Reynolds Dreams, fears and the seaside!

The new Forum What is it doing for you?

Members FREE Non-members £1

Contents

Note from the Editor 2 Contact details 2 A day in the life of a Sign Language Interpreter 3 One-day Workshop How to use an Interpreter 4 Profile: Sally Reynolds 5 Brighton & Hove Deaf Equality and Access Forum 6 News from the Forum 7 One-day Workshop What is Mental Health? 8 Captioned / Interpreted Theatre 9 Deaf/BSL Theatre Project search… 10 A Brand New Youth Club for Deaf Children 10 Lifelong Learning Project – Update! 11 Type and Talk to Local NHS Services 11 Apology from Deaf Sussex 11 Deaf-Sussex-Info Egroup advertisement 12 Chereme advertisement 12

Note from the Editor By the time you read this edition, we will be a month into the New Year and it’s not too late to wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful one – we really need this hope in light of the gross uncertainly that seem to dominate the media every single day. I¹m pleased to introduce an insight into the lives of two Brighton residents, both of whom are actively involved in the Deaf Community in very different ways, yet share the same interests and concerns in their search for improvements in our area. Not many of you might be aware of a Deaf Users Forum that is active in the City of Brighton & Hove. It is our aim to bring to you as much information as we possibly can. My apologies if we have omitted valuable information but it is just as important for readers to feed us too. On a personal note, I am afraid to say I have now written my last editorial. I am resigning my post as Editor at the completion of this issue. I do hope that there some budding Editors out there who will come forward to take my place. Deaf Sussex Today is proving to be a worthwhile source of information for many of you in all three areas that we cover. Happy Reading Hilary Warner Editor

Contact details Address Fax Deaf Sussex (DST) 01273 845727 PO Box 4288 Worthing Email Sussex deafsussextoday@talk21.com BN13 2BZ

Disclaimer

Deaf Sussex is not responsible for external articles or advertisements printed in this magazine. All contents in this issue are copyrighted and none can be used for personal or professional use without written permission from the DST Editor or the rightful owner.

If you ignore this friendly warning and use the picture or article anyway, the Editor has the right to demand compensation in the form of a fee negotiable.

2 Deaf Sussex Today

Sign language interpreting – an occupation in demand within the Deaf Community, yet so few really understand the simple day-to-day worries the job brings…

sign language interpreter

a day in the life of a

Alarm goes off at 6am, it’s a cold dark winter’s morning and I’ve got to get the 7.30am train to London Bridge. Hope there isn’t any delays. Hope there aren’t any train strikes, tube strikes, fire fighters strikes. Hope I can get there on time.

Hope I can find the venue. Hope I can understand what is being discussed - didn’t receive any preparation material but it should be ok. Never met the Deaf person before – hope they’re not from Scotland – finger spelling: every interpreter’s nightmare! Hope my co-worker is supportive.

Wish I could work in Sussex more and not have to go to London so much. On the train, looks like it’s leaving on time and I’ve got a seat. Result!

Check the directions again and check my ‘A to Z’. I hate being late. Hope when I get to the venue they know I’m coming and don’t make a big fuss. Hope they’ve thought about where I could sit. I hope the chairs are comfortable so I don’t have a bad back by the time I’ve finished.

Hope no one says to me “how rewarding it must be to be an interpreter”. Hope no one asks me “so why did you learn sign language?” just as I’m trying to have a break. Hope no one calls me a “signer” so I have

to reply “I’m an interpreter actually, sign language is a proper language just like French or German”.

I hope the Deaf person is included and their contribution taken seriously. I hope the Deaf person does contribute so I can do some voice-over. I hope the other people realise it’s the deaf person contributing even though it’s my voice. I hope they don’t all look at me and never at the Deaf person. I hope that if they do look at me the Deaf person will challenge them and I don’t have to.

The booking should finish at 5pm, that should be enough time to get back to Brighton for our ‘Sussex Interpreters’ meeting. We meet every couple of months. It’s partly a support group and partly a campaigning group trying to improve services in Sussex. We all want to work more in the area. I really enjoy our meetings. If I have any dilemmas I can ask for advice. It stops me feeling lonely.

Hope I can get there. Hope I’m not too tired. Hope there isn’t any delays. Hope there aren’t any train strikes, tube strikes, fire fighters strikes. Hope I can get there on time.

Sue Long

Deaf Sussex Today 3

Do you use a son, daughter or friend

to help you with communication? Communicator, CSW, Trainee, Qualified Interpreter

– confused which is the right one for you?

How to use an Interpreter Saturday 8th February 2003 10am – 4pm Arundel, West Sussex John Walker, a freelance trainer, will be providing demonstrations to show you what exactly an Interpreter does. The mistakes people make and why it is so important to protect us from harm. In this workshop, you will be able to:

See the problems that can occur Ask questions about how Interpreters work Try out using a Sign Language Interpreter Share your past experiences – good or bad

This workshop is funded by West Sussex County Council and strictly for residents of West Sussex only. There are only 18 places on this workshop. If you want to come, please book your place using the booking form. Further forms can be obtained from Deaf Sussex, PO Box 4288, Worthing, BN13 2BZ (Please enclose an S.A.E.)

4 Deaf Sussex Today

Following the request by our readers to feature a profile of a deaf person living in Sussex, we interviewed Sally Reynolds, who is currently the scheme Manager at the NDCS Jack Ashley Millennium Awards.

profile

Sally Reynolds

So, Sally, you’re a resident of the city of Brighton & Hove? How long have you lived here?

I moved here from Bristol in 1998, so nearly five years now!

What attracted you to the city – was it the seaside??

Yes the sea factor was a strong pull! But, in addition to this my partner at the time had a job with Sussex Police. I had completed my PhD studies at Bristol University, and was looking for work. I felt that I had the option of commuting to London from Brighton & Hove, so saw it as a base that Bristol could not offer to me at the time.

Describe yourself in three words.

Sociable, quick witted, warm hearted.

What are your dreams or ambitions?

I have several, I would love to go to South America to do the Inca Trail, do a boat dive in the Galapagos, and go to an orang-utan sanctuary in Borneo. To be successful career wise, but to also have a balance socially. To continue to see deaf people achieve in all areas of life without any barriers being in place.

And what are your fears?

Narrow-minded people causing destruction, and their actions leading to war and terrorism. Cruelty and abuse to children. Unequal distribution of wealth (but that is just the Marxist in me as I did a Sociology degree!).

Do you have a role model you look up to?

Too numerous to mention, age is not an issue. I admire people who have a zest for life and are doers not just “talkers”!

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Blue clear skies and a warm climate, not going to work (!), being surrounded by good company and perhaps throw in a bike ride by the seafront, a long meal with wine, and a good film or book!

What do you think of the Sussex deaf community?

I think there are a lot of positive opportunities coming up for deaf people in Sussex. The momentum is here now for the local deaf community to come together, and it has been fantastic to have seen and been part of this development in the last five years. This is largely in part due to the efforts and hard work of key people in both the Deaf Sussex group and the Deaf Forum who represent Brighton and Hove. The Brighton BSL march in 2001 was an excellent example of people coming together in one of the most vibrant cities in the UK without any prejudice.

What would you like to see develop in the same community?

I would like to see more community-based activities, led by deaf people in paid positions.

And lastly, what’s the best advice you would pass on?

Carpe Diem – Seize the day!

Many thanks, Sally!

Brighton BSL March 2001

Deaf Sussex Today 5

In the City of Brighton & Hove a new Forum has been launched to represent the needs of D/deaf people directly to Local Authority Departments and, through effective consultation, empower service providers to become more relevant and responsive. The Forum is made of individuals who are keen to see Brighton and Hove to become a better place for residents in our new City. We are all volunteers and do not operate as service providers in Brighton. As expected, there will be lots of questions you want to ask – and in anticipation of this, we hope the information provided on this page will answer all the queries you have!

Brighton & Hove Deaf Equality and Access Forum

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is a Forum? A: A Forum is where a group of people, from different needs and backgrounds, meet to provide advice, information and

ideas through discussion and support. Everyone acts independently but when they agree, the Forum can campaign as a united front.

Q: What are the main aims of this Forum? A: The main aims are:

To represent all groups of D/deaf people where representation is required To provide information and consultancy to interested organisations and committees To improve currently poor quality services and assist in improving resources To consult with the Deaf Users and provide feedback to service providers

Q: Why is the term ‘D/deaf’ used? A: Whenever the Forum writes about the group of people in question, one way is to write a list of sub-groups of people

that the Forum includes but at least one group will feel left out. Therefore, to generalise the concept, ‘D/deaf’ is used. ‘Deaf’ refers to Deaf people who regularly take part in Deaf community and uses Sign Language, whilst ‘deaf’ refers to deaf people who consider themselves as a deaf person with a medical condition. In this way, everyone is included.

Q: Why are Parents of Deaf Children included? A: As we are all adults, the D/deaf child is still left out communication wise and the experiences of parents of deaf children

are crucial when covering topics such as education, hearing screenings and family support. We would like to invite Deaf People, Hearing Impaired, Deaf Blind, and Parents of Deaf Children to support the Forum and its development by becoming a member, which is free. If you would like to know more, please contact John Walker – email john.chereme@btinternet.com or fax 01273 416287

6 Deaf Sussex Today

News from the Forum

Sign Language Interpreter contracts are underused in the Health Sector!

One year ago the new service was set up to provide Sign

Language Interpreters for your appointments with GPs, Dentists, local Nurse and anyone else who medically treats you locally in Brighton and Hove City. 22% of Deaf people leave their GP appointment not being clear about their illness. Have you ever gone to your GP and left feeling even more confused than when you arrived?

Deaf people are generally still not aware of their right to have an Interpreter at their appointment. Your local GP surgery should have a leaflet explaining how to book one; you can do this either through the Sussex Deaf Association (SDA) or the Royal National Institute of Deaf People (RNID). Please note that, although, hospital appointments are served by a different contract – you can still use the SDA or the RNID.

Brighton and Hove DEAF are aware that many Deaf people still prefer to bring a relative with them such as a husband, wife, parent, child, brother and/or sister. There is nothing to stop you from bringing a member of your family to the appointment and having an Interpreter. This will give them a break from communicating for you and start looking after you, especially when you are ill!

When you book a Sign Language Interpreter, s/he will: Keep details about your appointment private Allow you to ask the questions you want to ask Interpret everything the Doctor says into your first

language, BSL Not charge you for the service, it is paid for by your

Primary Care Trust directly Make sure your GP knows before your appointment what you

need and book a Sign Language Interpreter for your next appointment. If they are not aware of how to do this – ask them to contact the Primary Care Trust for more information.

Brighton & Hove DEAF to set up a regular Pub night

Brighton and Hove DEAF have been working closely with Zell

Ltd. to develop a Deaf accessible pub. The Grand Central, next to Brighton Station, has been undergoing refurbishment and this is due to be finished by the end of January. Brighton and Hove DEAF have passed on a list of adaptations suitable for Deaf people and other disabilities, which include good lighting, a telephone box with a Minicom, deaf aware staff, as well as ramps and adapted toilet facilities for people with other disabilities.

John Walker, Chair of Brighton and Hove DEAF, says, “Zell Ltd are really enthusiastic about making Grand Central a centre-point for local Deaf people to meet or Deaf visitors from London. We are planning to have a monthly evening where you can not only meet your friends but also receive information, support and pass on your views about services to the council in BSL.

The pub will be decorated in the style of cabaret musicals and will also provide a table service. Over the first part of the year, a theatre will be built upstairs and we have asked to make sure a loop system in put in place. I look forward to seeing you all there!”

Please keep an eye on Deaf Sussex Today for more news or contact John – john.chereme@btinternet.com or fax 01273 416287.

Mental Health services coming to Brighton

The Primary Care Trust are now looking to provide a local

service for Deaf people who need Mental Health treatment closer to home. So far, Deaf people have been referred to National Deaf Services in London, which is part of Springfield Hospital. At a local consultation, Deaf people have found the travelling to London to be too stressful and as a result, their treatment are affected.

It has also been found nationally that Deaf people are more likely to be long-term outpatients or finish their treatment too early. Problems of communication with local staff and not being able to access a counselling service are contributory factors.

The National Deaf Services would like to provide a Counsellor and Clinical Practice Nurse on a regular basis as both can sign BSL. They are looking for a local Deaf aware Doctor who would like to focus their time on Deaf patients. This service will not only be available for Deaf people who are currently being treated but also for other Deaf people who would just like to see a Doctor or Counsellor for whatever reason.

We, Brighton and Hove DEAF, are waiting to see if Primary Care Trust will be able to confirm some details before this goes ahead. We would like to pay a special thanks to Donna Davis, Caroline Leveaux, Pam Morgan, Sally Reynolds and John Walker for their efforts to make this possible.

Deaf people represented at the Equalities and Social Justice Forum at Brighton & Hove City Council

John Walker and Sarah Playforth were invited to attend several

meetings to review services for Deaf, Deafblind and Blind people. Several proposals have been made over the last few months, these include: 1. Encouraging Departments to develop their budgets to make

sure Deaf people can fully access their services. This includes a 10-point list of basic requirements.

2. All public meetings are to be made accessible to Deaf people through either a loop system, or a BSL Interpreter.

3. The importance of providing Advocates, who can or are Deaf aware, where Deaf people may be vulnerable and unaware of their rights.

These points will be incorporated into a full document. This will be presented to the Chief Executive of Brighton and Hove City Council. We hope that it will eventually become part of the standard Council policy.

At the next meeting, Brighton and Hove DEAF have tabled three motions: 1. Brighton and Hove City Council to fully adopt the Social Model of Disability (“it is not our deafness that needs to change, but services needs to be improved to involve us more fully”) 2. The recognition of BSL as a full language. 3. To adopt an ‘informed choice’ and ‘continuous consultation ‘ policy on the development of a Deaf child. Any developments will be advertised in local media including the Argus and City News. Look out for any information!

Deaf Sussex Today 7

For those of you who have been on the half-day workshop last year, this is new information – so why not come along!

What is Mental Health? Saturday 8th March 2003 10am – 4pm Horsham, West Sussex Trudi Collier, a freelance trainer, will be leading this workshop to introduce you into the world of Mental Health and the various issues surrounding this topic. In this workshop, you will be learning about:

Causes of Mental Health How Mental Health affects us Terminology – Depression, Anxiety, Disorders, Phobias, etc How to prevent yourself from Mental Illness

This workshop is funded by West Sussex County Council and strictly for residents of West Sussex only. There are only 20 places on this workshop. If you want to come, please book your place using the booking form. Further forms can be obtained from Deaf Sussex, PO Box 4288, Worthing, BN13 2BZ (Please enclose an S.A.E.)

FREE!

8 Deaf Sussex Today

captioned / interpreted theatre

ROAD Jim Cartwright’s story of lost souls, repressed dreams and the desire to escape. Presented in Pilot’s unique style using original music, projected DVD images and live surveillance cameras around the theatre join us on an evening’s tour of a road moving from street corner to living room, from bedroom to kitchen. Set in the present, seven actors tell twelve stories, the kind that can happen in any town, any pub, on any road. From the writer of Little Voice and Two, Road is ‘an original, affecting and truly remarkable piece of work’ Financial Times This production is suitable for 13+ and contains strong language Thursday 20 February 2003 – 7.30pm – captioned by StageText Friday 21 February 2003 – 7.30pm – interpreted by Donna Ruane £6 (same price for one companion)

George’s Marvellous Medicine By Roald Dahl adapted by Stuart Paterson. Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when his Grandma drinks his special potion, the most incredible things start to happen…! The Birmingham Stage Company is the nation’s leading producer of Dahl’s work, with an unrivalled reputation for productions of his stories including The BFG, The Witches, James and the Giant Peach and Fantastic Mr Fox. If you’re looking for fizztickling fund and wizzpopping magic for all the family, then don’t miss it! ‘The next generation of theatre-goers will be expecting the best in British Theatre if they are treated to such quality productions as this one by the Birmingham Stage Company’ The Stage Saturday 8 March 2003 – 7pm – interpreted by Ann McAllister £6.25 (same price for one companion)

Fame Direct from the West End! Inspired by the Oscar winning movie and hugely successful TV series, Fame – The Musical takes you on a roller coaster ride through the highs, lows, romances, heartaches and triumphs of the pupils at the world famous High School for Performing Arts in New York. No one can fail to be dazzled by the dynamic dance routines, the explosive vitality and high-octane performances of the 35 strong cast drawn from Britain’s finest young talent. Friday 4 April 2003 – 8.30pm – interpreted by Donna Ruane £12.25 (same price for one companion)

Crawley Operatic Society

Singin’ In The Rain The musical with everything – great songs, great dances, and a wonderful nostalgic story. The classic MGM musical about Hollywood in the ‘20s when silent pictures were giving way to the ‘talkies’. Some of the best-loved comedy routines, dance numbers and love ballads ever written feature in this spectacular musical including the songs Singin’ In The Rain, Good Morning and Make ‘em Laugh. Saturday 3 May 2003 – 2.30pm – Interpreted by Ann McAllister £4.50 (same price for one companion)

Leigh Lawson Nigel Havers Roger Lloyd Pack in The Comedy Masterpiece

Contact details for The Hawth Theatre, Crawley

Box Office: 01293 553636 01293 539418 (Minicom)

fax: 01293 533362

The Hawth has Induction Loop installed in the box office, studio and theatre.

Art ‘a phenomenon…stunningly brilliant and funny’ The Times When Art opened in London in 1996, it took the West End by storm winning both the London Evening Standard and Olivier Awards for Best Comedy. Since then it has gone from strength to strength becoming one of the most successful plays in Broadway history, winning the coveted Tony Award and breaking box office records across the country on its two national tours. ‘You’ll roar with laughter’ New York Post Friday 11 April 2003 – 8pm – Interpreted by Ann McAllister £8.75 (same price for one companion)

Deaf Sussex Today 9

Deaf/BSL Theatre Project search for

Actors & Interpreters in the South East

The search is on for Deaf actors and sign language interpreters living in the South East of England to work on a Deaf/BSL Theatre project in Brighton in March 2003. The project is being undertaken by Deafway* and will be co-directed by the well known Deaf director Paula Garfield (Deafinitely Theatre) and by Jessica Higgs who directed the BSL version of Mountain Language.

The project will use only Deaf performers and the language used on stage in the performance will be BSL. The performance however will be open to both Deaf and hearing people and will be made accessible to hearing audience members by the use of sign language interpreters doing live voice-overs.

David Hynes, Deafway's Director said, “Deaf people, just like any other cultural and linguistic group, have much to communicate, celebrate, explore and share through the Arts. However, Deaf Theatre has never been given the funding or space that it needs to develop and flourish.”

Paula Garfield, co-director of the project said, “There are many possible forms that Deaf Theatre can take. Some may involve integrated casts of Deaf and hearing people, others may be Deaf only. There is room for all of them. This project will make an exciting practical contribution to the current debate about what Deaf Theatre is/can be.”

The directors are interested in seeing both professional Deaf actors and Deaf people without professional experience at the auditions which will be held in London or Brighton in January 2003. They will also hold interviews for interpreters who will work during the rehearsal process and in the final performance.

Deaf actors and sign language interpreters wishing to be considered for this project and who live in the old South East Arts Board area (East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Medway) should send CVs to: David Hynes, Director, Deafway, Brockholes Brow, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5AL. Minicom: 01772 652388 Voice: 01772 796461 Fax: 01772 654439 *Deafway is a Voluntary Organisation based in Preston, Lancashire, working to achieve equality of opportunity and access for Deaf people in all areas of life and works locally, nationally and internationally. For further information contact David Hynes at Deafway on 01772 796461 (voice) or 01772 652388 (Minicom)

A Brand New Youth Club for Deaf Children Where? Brighton Youth Club 65 Edward Street Brighton BN2 0JR When? Every Wednesday (Starting 15th January 2003) Time? 7-11 year olds – 5pm to 6.30pm 12+ year olds – 7pm to 9pm

60p entry fee per person

This is a youth club for deaf children run by Deaf and hearing youth workers, with communication support.

Any queries: 01273 505526

10 Deaf Sussex Today

LIFE LONG LEARNING PROJECT – UPDATE! The first of the three workshops funded by West Sussex County Council was held at East Grinstead on 23 November 2002. The subject was the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The workshop was well attended despite a few last minute absentees. Marcel Hirshman, himself Deaf, had an intense knowledge of the Act and was able to explain in depth the complexity of each section of the Act and its effect on Deaf individuals. The Act is not fully implemented at present but Marcel was able give us an insight into what is to come. Some of the comments received from participants at the workshop were:

“Having a Deaf tutor makes all the difference”

“This is my first workshop of its kind and I never realised what I have been missing”

“The DDA is very complex but Marcel explained it very well”

“I wasn¹t aware I was being discriminated at work until I attended the workshop”

”I shall certainly be attending more workshops in future” Deaf Sussex is committed to organising further workshops in various venues. Should you have a preference for any particular subject and venue, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

TYPE AND TALK TO LOCAL NHS SERVICES

A new text telephone number will make it simpler for deaf and hard of hearing people to contact community NHS services in Brighton and Hove.

Available from 6 January 2003, the new text phone number for South Downs Health NHS Trust is:

01273 601518

South Downs Health provides community services such as health visitors and district nurses, all mental health services as well as rehabilitation services for 250,000 people living mainly in Brighton & Hove. The new text phone number can be used to reach all the Trust's services. Its introduction is part of a continuing programme to make it easier for disabled people to reach and use the Trust's services. For more information, please contact Hilary Fearn, Press & Public Relations Assistant, Brighton General Hospital. Voice 01273 696011 ext 3115 Fax 01273 242215 Email hilary.fearn@southdowns.nhs.uk

Apology from Deaf Sussex Deaf Sussex is very aware that there have not been any provisions for members residing in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove City over the past year. West Sussex residents have been able to enjoy three workshops that were funded by West Sussex County Council as well as an Open Meeting held in Worthing, also supported by West Sussex County Council. The reason for this is the difficulties in obtaining funding from the other two councils. It would help considerably if members from those areas can offer themselves for nomination to the Board of Representatives of Deaf Sussex. We offer our profound apologies to those who have missed out. To compensate for the non-provisions we shall waive aside the membership renewal fee for existing members of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove City for 12 months from the due date. New members from either of those counties will, like any new member, be expected to pay the normal rate. We continue to seek funding and work toward an equal provision of services throughout the area.

Deaf Sussex Today 11

Want to know what’s happening in your Deaf Community – via email?

Send a blank email to:

deaf-sussex-info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com …and follow the instructions!

Telephone/Facsimile: +44 (0)1273 416287 Textphone: +44 (0)1273 277882 Email: chereme@btinternet.com

Chereme is the trade name of a partnership between a Trainer and a Sign Language Interpreter. Its services aim to provide creative solutions so that ACCESS and AWARENESS of/for Deaf People is

achieved in everyday life, be it in social or professional context.

Marco Nardi, a Licensed Sign Language Interpreter in the UK and Italy, offers his Interpreting services to organisations that wish to include and to work with Deaf People. John Walker, a Qualified Trainer with

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, offers creative training solutions to barriers faced by both Deaf People and their hearing peers.

All of our services have been tailored towards the organisation or individual's needs in the environment

concerned. Since our launch of this specialised service in June 2000, Chereme has catered for over 70 clients, sometimes for a range of projects.

We believe our efforts have made a difference!

chereme

A Nardi & Walker Partnership

Access & Awareness Training

Facilitation & Consultancy

Interpreting

12 Deaf Sussex Today © 2003 Deaf Sussex