We are proud that we can offer timely, complete and effective support to our customers.

*  All BSL/English Interpreters are NRCPD Registered

*  All Communication Support Workers are ACSW Registered and enrolled on the DU bespoke training scheme

*  All notetakers, manual or electronic are NRCPD Registered

*  All Lipspeakers are NRCPD Registered or Association of Lipspeakers registered

* All professionals complete a 121 interview, are skills tested, qualification checked, CRB checked and enrolled on a bespoke Deaf Umbrella career development path.  See our News page for more information

Domains in which we work - Inclusive pricing without hidden fees (volume agreed)

Education - Post 16 Further & Higher Education, Exams & Vocational Training

Employment - Interview, Induction, Training, Supervision, Focus Groups, Meetings, Seminars, Forums, Appraisals, Away Day

Service Access - Jobcentre Plus, Department of Work & Pensions, Council Services, Private Service Suppliers and alike

Deaf Awareness Guide

Deafness is a hidden disability; it affects one person in seven in this country, 1 in 7!

Hearing can be lost through loud noise (war) disease (meningitis) genetic deficiency, accidents and operations. Deafness as a disability can be forgotten, as it is not obvious and mistakenly misjudged. Some people will think that hearing aids can give you clues but what about people who have long hair? Will you still see the aids then? Most digital hearing aids are worn inside the ear and coloured so well you are unable to recognise them ost Deaf or Deafened people will lip read you when they come into contact with you. Lip-reading is a challenging and tiring activity which, on the surface, would seem to be a substitute for hearing. In reality, only 30% of English speech sounds can be lip-read so why not remember some of these helpful tips:

Hearing aids do not restore 'normal' hearing in the same way glasses restore normal vision. They can increase the volume of sound, but cannot compensate for loss of frequency. Most Deaf or Deafened people will lip read you when they come into contact with you. Lip-reading is a challenging and tiring activity which, on the surface, would seem to be a substitute for hearing. In reality, only 30% of English speech sounds can be lip-read so why not remember some of these helpful tips: 

• Tap or touch the person on the shoulder to gain their attention. This is a culturally acceptable way to gain attention Speak normally without exaggeration so that your lip pattern is clear and not distorted
• Don’t put your hand over your mouth, how can you be read?
• Try not to talk while eating or chewing gum
• Gain eye contact so you know the person realises you are speaking to them
  

You may think these are obvious points but you will be surprised how many people just do not realise their use

Let’s have a look at lip-reading; shall we try something with one of your colleagues? Try to say a sentence to the person next to you about your journey to work today; without using your voice! Do they know what you are talking about? Have you had to give them a clue? Did you use your hands to help you explain? It's not as easy as you thought is it!

You will find that by giving the topic first the person you are communicating with is able to immediately know the context of the conversation and this allows them to gain some idea of what you wish to say, therefore improving the opportunity to obtain information. Many Deaf people who do not use English as their first language will use BSL instead. British Sign Language is not a signed form of English or a collection of gestures, it is a fully functioning language with its own grammar and syntax, which is very different from the syntax of English. BSL can express the same complex concepts and ideas that any other language can.

Without the assistance of the Language Service Professional you may find communication tiring and without result. Maybe the final resort to communication is passing notes between you? It is useful to remember to write information or instructions clearly and simply when communicating in this way, the deaf persons first language is British Sign Language, not English.

A sample of the support guides available to our Clients

• Client - What to expect?
• Working with Language Service Professionals
• Trainers Guide
• Control of group situations
• English difficulties for Deaf students
• Modified Text - who needs it?
• What we need for good communication
• Health & Safety at work
• Access to Work - What's available to you?
• Access to Work - Calculating your needs

For your free client copy; call now and speak to Amanda Turner:

Please remember: No communication method used by Deaf and hard of hearing people is inherently better or more effective than another – it depends on the individual and the precise nature of their hearing loss.  If you are in any doubt how to help; ask the person!

Please note: this guidance was written as general advice and the authors and publishers can accept no liability for loss or damage arising from the reliance upon any advice provided in this guidance.  © Deaf Umbrella East Ltd