on top of the world - deafblind scotland · enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends at deafblind...
TRANSCRIPT
August 2015
On top of the world
With two walking expeditions to choose from, Deafblind Scotland members were eager
to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting of Loch Lomond and Trossachs on 31st
July. With terrible weather all week prior to the walks the predictions were for heavy
rain and storms on the day. Our adventurers turned up in their waterproofs ready to face
the challenges ahead.
A couple of our members chose to walk up the challenging 2.5 mile Conic Hill while
many others chose to embark on the mile long Millennium Forest Path. The weather was
kind and we managed to undertake both walks with the rain only starting when it was
time to head back for the train.
Everyone put their full effort into the walks and showed some great tenacity especially
with the sometimes difficult terrain on the hill. The staff and members all remarked how
helpful and knowledgeable the Rangers were on their understanding of the landscape,
history and in making the walks come to life.
Deafblind Scotland was chosen as Awaz FM’s charity of the year in 2015. Since the
start of the year they have been doing fantastic work with us and fundraising for
deafblind people.
As part of their fundraising efforts Awaz FM raised approximately £8,000 selling
raffle tickets on air for some amazing prizes including a trip to Dubai!
Watch this space and tune in to 107.2 to hear more about Deafblind Scotland.
2
Dining in Darkness in Deafening Silence
Deafblind Scotland invited guests to experience having a dual sensory impairment for an evening at our Dining in Darkness in Deafening Silence event. Diners senses were put to the ultimate test at one of Scotland’s most famous Indian Restaurants, Mother India, as part of a unique sensory event.
It was met with great approval and enlightened guests to many of the restrictions deafblind people encounter. Diners said:
“Although we were all laughing at our awkwardness and the fact we were shouting at each other, the whole experience was very humbling. The fact that people deal
with this every day is incredible.” This dining experience was
received very well, not least by the de-
licious four course meal put on by
Mother India, as well as
complimentary wine and bottled wa-
ter.
June 2015
3
F ollowing the success of the
Dining in Darkness in Deafening Silence
event, we are asking you to brave this
experience for an evening and host your
very own Dining in Darkness in
Deafening Silence at home.
We are offering a free sample pack
consisting of one branded ear muff and
an eye mask, menus from our previous
events for inspiration and some ideas on
how you can make your night a roaring
success and raise money for Deafblind
Scotland.
Or purchase a full kit and take plenty of
photos and videos at your evening.
We will publish it on our social media so
don’t forget to use #dinedeafblind.
For more information or to purchase a
kit contact Deafblind Scotland on 0141
777 6111 or email
Dining in Darkness in Deafening Silence at Home
4
Disability Information Scotland (UPDATE) enable positive change by helping to guide people through the ‘maze’ of disability information. We share info when people need it, in the way they want it. We provide reliable, accurate and accessible information throughout Scotland.
Disability Information Scotland’s services include a telephone helpline and email enquiry service, a website with lots of useful information and resources including downloadable factsheets, and regular e- newsletters. We also provide the unique and comprehensive Scottish Disability Directory, which can be found on our website.
The Scottish Disability Directory is the only directory of its kind in Scotland. The touch of a button provides access to info on thousands of disability organisations and support groups, both local and national. This reliable, easy to use and regularly updated resource contains a wealth of information.
Access to Disability Information Scotland’s services is available to all: disabled people, carers, professionals, disability organisations and anyone with an interest in disability issues.
Helpline If you would like disability information please contact our dedicated disability information helpline: Tel: 0300 323 9961 / text: 0778 620 0707 Email: [email protected] Website: www.update.org.uk
Twitter: @UPDATE_Scotland / Facebook: disabilityinfoscotland - If you’re on Twitter
or Facebook, please help us to share more information by using the hashtag
#shareinfo4change
5
Network Rail is a Gold Sponsor of Deafblind Scotland . They have proudly
displayed this partnership banner in busy Waverley Station, Edinburgh.
For more information on corporate sponsorship packages contact Alison Hardie on
[email protected] or call 0141 777 6111
Deafblind Scotland is to provide a weight management programme to
deafblind people, delivered by Counterweight specialists. These
structured and customised programmes will take into account each
deafblind person’s individual lifestyle and circumstances. Network Rail
is sponsoring this fantastic opportunity.
Many thanks to Network Rail for their continued support.
Bills, Consultations, Publications and Reports
Creating a Fairer Scotland: Employability Support: A Discussion Paper
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/07/9128
From 1 April 2017, Scotland will have the power to design and deliver its own employability
services for disabled people and those at risk of long-term unemployment. This paper seeks the
views of those with an interest in employability services in Scotland, and everyone who has an
interest in building our Fairer Scotland.
Mental Health & Learning Disability Inpatient Bed Census, 2014
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/06/7555
Overview of the results of the first Mental Health & Learning Disability Inpatient Bed Census,
carried out by the Scottish Government and NHS Boards as at midnight, 29 October 2014. The
report provides evidence for Commitment 26 of the Mental Health Strategy for 2012 to 2015,
but also enhances the Scottish Government’s and NHS Scotland’s understanding of mental
health, addiction and learning disability services, and about the patients who use these services.
Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Act 2012 - Annual Report - 2015
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/06/6720
A report to the Scottish Parliament on the impacts, as they are understood to date, of the
Welfare Reform Act 2012 on the people of Scotland; and the mitigation actions taken by the
Scottish Government.
Help with Health Costs, A Quick Guide To Help with Health Costs
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/06/9235
Public information leaflet providing information on NHS dental charges, Optical Voucher values
and help with health costs including Travel costs.
Equality Impact Assessment - Results - Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care - Director Letter
(2015) 11
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/07/5672
Provides a summary of the Equality Impact Assessment results relating to the Hospital Based
Complex Clinical Care - Director Letter (2015) 11.
News The World’s First Tablet for Blind People
http://bigthink.com/design-for-good/the-worlds-first-tablet-for-
blind-people
6
Projects
Connect to Welfare Rights
The “Connect to Welfare Rights” project has been assisting more people each
month with welfare rights & equal access enquiries, with a high percentage of
positive outcomes.
We have continued to raise awareness of the service through attending events,
liaising with other third sector organisations, setting up information stand in local
hospitals and attending sensory impaired support groups.
We will be continuing to attend local hospitals, information events and visually
impaired support groups, to raise awareness of the project in the coming months.
As we continue to raise awareness of the project, we hope to build on the one to
one meetings we have already had with deafblind and visually impaired adults, to
address their welfare rights & equal access enquiries.
Please contact Helen or Chris on 0141 777 5828 or [email protected]
if you have any questions or issues in regards to welfare rights, including benefits,
money matters, access to information, information in different formats and equal
rights as a sensory impaired adult.
Health Access John Whitfield, Health Access Officer is in the process of writing up a preliminary
report based upon the findings of the health questionnaires sent out to the
members. The information and figures make for very interesting reading and will
provide useful evidence to feed back to the Scottish Government.
The number of meetings attended has risen dramatically and the training has
increased over 50% on last year. It is encouraging to know that more professionals
and frontline staff are becoming deafblind aware, however, there is still a very long
way to go before the majority have this approach to dual sensory loss.
If anyone has any examples of positive or negative treatment with deafblind people
in the health service then please let John know by emailing them to
All information will be used anonymously in the Scottish Government report in
order to improve health access for deafblind people.
7
8
Health
The project has established links with local health networks in pursuit of health
improvement. Over the last year the project has widened its scope to support ethnic
minority communities with the development of newly trained Guide/Communicators
who are multilingual and capable of facilitating at health appointments. Recruitment
and raising awareness within these communities is ongoing in order to maintain the
level of service required for our members.
Through this work, Deafblind Scotland were one of the partners involved with the
first Black and Ethnic Minority Inclusion Scotland (BEMIS) conference.
Furthermore, funding from NHSGGCHB meets its obligations under MEL 1998 (4)
by funding a guide communicator services for deafblind people in medical
settings. One member wrote: “It took the stress out of attending medical
appointments by giving me access to a Guide/Communicator”.
A new initiative for deafblind Scotland in 2015 has been to attend and participating in
Patient Information session in Stobhill Hospital and New Victoria bi-monthly. These
sessions raise awareness of deafblindness by providing information to those using
NHS GG&C services/outpatient clinics.
Throughout 2014/15 the focus has been on training the guide communicators in
health behaviour changes. 51 guides have now received the training on this topic and
it is hoped that the training will give the staff the knowledge and confidence to
recognise when a deafblind person wishes to make health changes in their life. It will
help provided the staff with the necessary information to pass on or signpost the
deafblind person to an appropriate referral or service to enable the health change to
take place, an example of health change can be weight management advice/change,
smoking advice/stopping etc.
In partnership with Deaf Connection, sensory impairment training has been
developed and delivered to NHSGG&C staff.
Clinic sessions in two NHSGG&C Ophthalmology and Audiology Departments, staff
trained on a one to one basis depending on the needs of the deafblind person.
We look forward to continuing and developing this project in the next year.
Dates for the Diary Race Night Friday 18th September, The British Legion, Carnoustie
This fun-filled evening with prizes-a-plenty is set to take place. The nights have been organised by
staff/member John in advance of his trip to the Grand Canyon in 2016.
Tickets are £5 each.
Contact John on [email protected] for more information.
Afternoon Tea
Sunday 20th September, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends at Deafblind Scotland’s
first Afternoon Tea in the Tapaella restaurant, Radisson Blu
Hotel, Glasgow, 2.00pm
Ticket price of £15 is an outstanding bargain, enjoy a treat,
with entertainment provided, in lovely surroundings.
Contact Drena on 0141 777 6111 or at
[email protected] for more information
Forth Rail Bridge Abseil Sunday 18th October, Forth Rail Bridge
Sign up to abseil 165 feet down the Forth Rail Bridge. All
sponsorship will go towards building Deafblind Scotland’s new
Learning and Development Centre “Field of Dreams.”
Contact Drena on 0141 777 6111 or at
[email protected] for more information.
BSL (Scotland) Bill Tuesday 17 September, Scottish Parliament
Stage 3 of the BSL (Scotland) Bill will take place on Thursday 17 September 2015 at 2.30pm at The
Scottish Parliament . It is vital to get all the support we can for this important legislation.
9
Training Courses Hands on Sign Lenzie, Glasgow – September- 2 part time Evenings or Full day Saturday
£100 per person, Discounts for group booking- Certificate of Attendance for CPD evidence.
This course is suitable for people with BSL Level 3 and above. Fully supported by Deafblind
people
Deafblindness - Basic Communication Duration 1-1.5 hours. Cost £40 per
person. Certificate of Attendance
An Awareness of Deafblindness Duration 2-3 hours. Cost £250 per group. Certificate of
Attendance
Deafblind Awareness Duration 1 day. Cost £250 per group. Certificate of Attendance
Deafblind Awareness in Care Home Setting Duration 2 hours. Cost £250 per group.
Certificate of Attendance
Level 2 Award in Communication and Guiding with Deafblind
people (Manual (SIGNATURE (DBG2) Duration 1 day per week for 5 weeks. Cost £500 pp (Certificate awarded on full qualification)
SQA Language: British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1(H3PA-10) Duration: 12-15 weeks. Daytime and Evening courses available
Cost: £300- New Course starting October
SQA Language: British Sign Language (BSL) Level 2 (H3PA-11) Duration: : 20-25 weeks. Daytime and Evening courses available.
Cost: £480- New Course starting September
SQA Language: BSL 1 Certificate H3PA10 - intensive course Duration: 5 days over 4-5 weeks. Cost £300 pp – Dates on Enquiry
SQA Language: BSL 2 Certificate H3PA11 - intensive course Duration: 10 days over 8-10 weeks. Cost £480 pp – New Course starting August 18th
For more information on any training courses contact Ellen on
[email protected] or call 0141 777 6111
10
…… … …………
Win a brand new car for £1 Let’s find out just how lucky you are...buy into the
draw and be the lucky winner of Deafblind
Scotland’s car raffle 2015! £1 per raffle ticket,
Tickets on sale now and the draw will be, via live
link at www.deafblindscotland.org.uk on Thursday,
24 December 2015. The time of the draw will be
given on Deafblind Scotland’s website from Monday,
21 December 2015.
To buy your tickets visit call 0141 777 6111 or
email [email protected]. Best of luck!
Sterling Silver Appeal For 25 years Deafblind Scotland has been a constant lifeline of assistance, there for deafblind
people when they need us, and you can now help continue our critical work by donating to our
Sterling Silver Appeal or signing up your business as a Sterling Silver Business Partner.
Individual Donations By donating £25 or pledging to donate more regularly, you will be supporting Deafblind Scotland
to continue its work with the deafblind community. Contact our team for donation options or
you can text SLVR99 £25 (or other chosen amount) to 70070 . You can also donate online at
www.justgiving.com/sterling-silver.
Business Partners Contact Deafblind Scotland to find out the various benefits your business
can have if you donate £25 to the Sterling Silver Appeal. Thank you to the
following businesses who have recently become Sterling Silver Business
Partners.
Shampooch Dog Grooming Unit 32 Dalsetter Avenue Drumchapel
Glasgow G15 8TE 07734 854449
Roy’s Rolls, 127 Dalsetter Avenue, Glasgow, G15 8TE. 0141 944 2112
Gray's Kitchen, 305 Crow Rd, Broomhill, G117BO. 0141 562 9493
Cornucopia Beauty 2 Millersnuke Court Lenzie Glasgow G66 5JB 01417765005
McLay Car Hire 60 High Street Kirkintilloch 0141 776 3103
Torrance Inn 96 Main Street Torrance Glasgow G64 4EN 01360622553
The Zipyard 611 Great Western Road Glasgow G12 2HX 0141 237 4143
Art Exposure Gallery 516 Great Western road, Glasgow G12 8EL 0141 552 7779
Clements Hearing Service 538 Crow Road, Glasgow G13 1N 0141 954 6030
11
12
Referrals Deafblind Scotland aims to help people in Scotland live as rightful members of their own
communities. Membership is free to anyone who has a severe degree of combined visual and
auditory impairment resulting in problems with communication, information and mobility. To refer
a person call 0141 777 6111 or email [email protected]
Mailing List If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Deafblind Scotland Newsletter mailing list
to receive this email, or if this mail was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it directly,
please contact [email protected].
Deafblind Scotland
21 Alexandra Avenue
Lenzie
G66 5BG
Tel/Text: 0141 777 6111
Fax: 0141 775 3311
www.deafblindscotland.org.uk
SCN: SC031167
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
Deafblind Scotland - DBS
@dbscotland