London Borough of Redbridge’s Post

I feel compelled to express my recent frustrations regarding the lack of accessibility for deaf individuals at events in Bangalore and across India, especially considering it's been eight years since the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016 was passed. Specifically, Chapter 5, Section 29 of the RPWD Act 2016 mandates measures to promote and protect the rights of all persons with disabilities to have a cultural life and to participate in recreational activities equally with others. Last month, I contacted BookMyShow about the upcoming comedy show by Zarna Garg in Bangalore on April 21st. Despite offering my expertise as a Deaf Accessibility Consultant and volunteering to schedule interpreters, there's been no response. With almost all tickets sold out, many of us are excluded. I've urged Zarna directly on social media to make her show accessible, which is ironic given her captioned social media reels. Organizers need to step up. Please help if you have connections to BookMyShow or this show! This isn't an isolated incident. Yesterday, I attended the ‘O Gawwali’ show at the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), where efforts fell short. There seemed to be more concern about translating the music than providing an interpreter to share the narrative – a vital aspect for deaf and hard of hearing attendees. A simple solution, such as providing a transcript beforehand, could have made all the difference. Another upcoming show, Shreya Ghoshal's All Hearts Tour on May 11th in Bangalore, presents a similar challenge. While I may not need interpretation for all songs, interpreters should be present to translate the narrative and other remarks by the performers. I recall the Sufi concert in 2017 and 2019 by A.R. Rahman, which I assisted in making accessible, requesting my input to ensure accessibility. It was a beautiful success and a first for any concert in India to provide sign language interpreters. Encountering these barriers in 2024, especially with advanced technology, is frustrating. Solutions exist – involving deaf experts in planning ensures accessibility while adhering to the RPWD Act 2016. Challenges like interpreter availability and awareness among deaf attendees can be addressed. India currently lacks "Real Time Captioning" services, unlike the USA, where remote real-time captions are transmitted to event sites. However, this is a feasible solution! Tech innovators, could you assist us with an initial experiment? This service is particularly beneficial for deaf individuals who don't use sign language. My goal as a part of being the Mission Leader of Hear A Million, an Initiative by EnAble India, is to create a collective that focuses on technology solutions and accessibility. If you are interested in being a part of this collective, contact me. Let’s start by making all events and recreational activities inclusive and accessible to everyone in Bangalore! Who is with me? Shanti Raghavan

Silent Struggles: Deaf in the UK and Legal Perspectives on Equality (5-minute read). Culturally Deaf people do not consider themselves to be disabled. Their belief is that they are a naturally occurring variety of human-being that communicates using a different language. For a Culturally Deaf person, being Deaf is not a medical condition but a defining aspect of their identity, tied to a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life. It is rooted in the concept of Deaf culture - a distinct cultural and linguistic community where sign language is not seen as a substitute for spoken language but as a complete and expressive language with its own grammar and syntax. It is not just a means of communication but a cultural marker that binds individuals within the Deaf community. Culturally Deaf individuals share cultural norms and values, a common set of experiences related to living in a ‘hearing world’ and ownership of a shared history passed from parent-to-child of historical oppression and abuse. There is a sense of pride in being Deaf and an appreciation for the unique aspects of Deaf culture. Culturally Deaf individuals reject the notion that Deafness needs to be "fixed" or "cured" and instead celebrate their identity. Despite legal protection frameworks such as the Equality Act 2010, the Deaf community encounters discrimination that permeates their life, with obstacles ranging from inaccessible job advertisements to employers failing to educate hearing staff on respectful interaction with Deaf colleagues Legislation exists but gaps persist due to inadequate understanding within the legal profession that cases should be brought for linguicide, language deprivation and minority cultural identity. It is culturally insulting that cases are brought only under the category of 'discrimination'. The disconnection between the legal system and Deaf culture renders the law an elusive ally. The Equality Act 2010 falls short of addressing the nuanced needs of the Deaf community. The legal system's unfamiliarity with Deaf culture hinders progress, making it challenging for culturally Deaf individuals to assert their rights without succumbing to the unwanted 'disabled' label imposed by the hearing world. To combat this silent struggle, there is an urgent need for awareness and a paradigm shift toward recognising the rights of the Deaf community. The English Legal System must undergo a transformation, embracing a deeper understanding of Deaf culture -acknowledging linguistic and cultural discrimination and taking proactive steps to safeguard the rights of those who identify as Culturally Deaf. Bridging the knowledge gap is the only way to give individuals the tools they need to combat discrimination. Organizations like Deaf and Equal strive to be catalysts for change and eradicate Deaf-discrimination through education. Dawn Baxter Deaf and Equal Ltd

“Accessibility is not one size fits all” is such an important lesson to learn. Another important lesson is that it should be baked in - not an afterthought. 

CHALLENGES DEAF ORGANIZATIONS FACES AROUND THE WORLD Deaf organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and needs of the deaf community. However, these organizations often encounter numerous challenges that hinder their ability to effectively fulfill their mission. One significant challenge is the lack of financial resources. Deaf organizations heavily rely on funding from both governmental and private sources, and the limited financial support they receive poses a major obstacle for their operations and programs. This shortage of funds restricts their ability to provide necessary services and support to the deaf community. Another challenge faced by these organizations is the limited accessibility of resources and information. While the digital age has provided opportunities for greater connectivity, there are still barriers that prevent equal access to services and information for the deaf community. This includes communication barriers, such as the lack of sign language interpreters and limited availability of video captioning or transcription services. Without these essential tools, deaf organizations struggle to disseminate information and reach their target audience effectively. Additionally, a pressing challenge for deaf organizations lies in combating societal misconceptions and stereotypes towards deaf individuals. Despite progress in promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about deaf culture and sign language, negative attitudes and stereotypes still persist. These stereotypes can manifest through discriminatory practices, limited employment opportunities, and social exclusion. Deaf organizations constantly work towards educating the wider community about the capabilities and contributions of deaf individuals, striving to eliminate these prejudices and foster a more inclusive society. Lastly, communication and language barriers can also pose significant challenges. The diversity within the deaf community, including individuals who use different sign languages or communication methods, creates a need for increased efforts in facilitating effective communication. This can be complicated by the lack of qualified sign language interpreters and limited access to resources for deaf individuals who communicate primarily through oral methods. Deaf organizations navigate these language barriers by developing programs that cater to different communication needs and advocating for improved communication access in various settings. Deaf organizations face several challenges as they strive to advocate for the rights and needs of the deaf community. From the scarcity of financial resources and limited accessibility to combating negative stereotypes and resolving communication barriers, these organizations encounter complex obstacles in their mission. BY PETER NYIMBILI DEAF YOUTHS HEALTH ORGANIZATION LUSAKA ZAMBIA

A good read! Questions for hearing allies of Deaf Community in promoting sign language(s) to ask oneself, especially the allies with platforms in the mainstream media or large followings on social media: •When using sign language in a public forum, are you using it correctly and have you consulted a suitable Deaf sign language expert to ensure that is so? •Have you taken every opportunity to acknowledge the Deaf Community and people from whom you sourced the language, and to ensure Deaf people are visible in your show or platform so that the people whom you seek to expose to sign language see it in the context of the people who belong to it, and not just a language in isolation? Have you done your “acknowledgment of country”? •Is your use of sign language, in the context you’re using it, for the benefit of the Deaf community, and not, consciously or otherwise, to benefit yourself? If the former, have you taken guidance from Deaf community leaders or organisations on how you might best do this? Are you facilitating Deaf agency, and not inhibiting it? And are you sure you are not performing a role, or worse, a paying job, that might best be done by a Deaf person?

New open access publication from the JUSTISIGNS 2 project (funded through European Commission) & supported by Royal Society of Edinburgh Bilateral Network Grant about deaf female domestic abuse survivors' experiences in the UK. Co-authored with Lucy Clark Lorraine Leeson & Lianne (Gillian) Quigley: https://lnkd.in/eP7ZA4_b The article examines the potential vulnerability of deaf female British Sign Language (BSL) signers who experience domestic violence (DV) in reporting DV and accessing information and communication support. Based on online semi-structured interviews with eight deaf women in the UK, their perceptions of the factors that contribute to creating barriers in gaining adequate access and support are discussed. We present findings that concentrate around seven key barriers identified by the interviewees including: (i) access to interpreting; (ii) lack of information in BSL; (iii) lack of deaf cultural awareness; (iv) needs for on-going support; (v) deaf-specific services; (vi) training/education needs; and (vii) recognition of diversity. In considering deaf women’s reporting of DV incidences through an intersectional lens, it is clear that they experience a double, or even triple or quadruple disadvantage. We found that, despite professional interpreting services being widely available in the UK, structural barriers still exist for deaf women in gaining access to support for DV, and that barriers are created through inaccessible services, inaccessible information, and lack of awareness of the needs of deaf women in this context. These barriers can be mitigated through training and resources for sign language interpreters, police officers, and other support service providers. We conclude with suggestions for how this research can be applied to interpreting for female DV survivors in other minority communities as well as deaf communities, with suggestions for further research. Summary in International Sign: https://lnkd.in/e3HQhBdT Summary in British Sign Language: https://lnkd.in/eTGhcV84

The world is a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and communities. Among these vibrant communities is the Deaf community, a group that faces unique challenges and possesses rich traditions. To foster inclusivity and bridge gaps, raising awareness of the Deaf community is of paramount importance. In this blog post, we'll explore what Deaf community awareness is all about and how you can contribute to a more inclusive society. Understanding Deafness To begin, it's essential to understand what Deafness is. Deafness isn't solely about the absence of hearing; it's a rich cultural and linguistic experience. Deaf individuals use Sign Language as their primary mode of communication, and many are proud members of the Deaf community. Understanding Deaf culture is a key element of Deaf community awareness. Challenges and Stereotypes Deaf individuals often face unique challenges in a predominantly hearing world. Misconceptions and stereotypes persist, which can lead to discrimination and isolation. Common stereotypes include the belief that Deaf individuals are unable to communicate effectively or are less intelligent. It's crucial to dispel these stereotypes and promote the idea that Deaf individuals are just as capable and talented as anyone else. Sign Language as a Cultural Treasure American Sign Language (ASL) and other sign languages are not just a means of communication; they are languages with their own syntax and grammar. Recognizing and appreciating these languages is an essential part of Deaf community awareness. Learning some basic signs can be a valuable way to show your respect and understanding. Advocating for Accessibility One of the primary goals of Deaf community awareness is advocating for accessibility. This includes making public spaces, events, and online content accessible to Deaf individuals. This may involve providing sign language interpreters, captioning videos, or using visual alarms. These efforts ensure that Deaf individuals can fully participate in society. Supporting Education Supporting Deaf education is another crucial aspect of Deaf community awareness. Deaf children have the right to an education that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. This often means providing access to Deaf educators and resources that cater to their unique needs. By supporting these initiatives, you can contribute to a more inclusive educational system. Building Bridges Building bridges between the Deaf and hearing communities is the ultimate goal of Deaf community awareness. This can be achieved through inclusive initiatives, partnerships, and events that bring both communities together. A greater understanding of Deaf culture enriches our collective tapestry and promotes diversity. #deaf #deafcommunity #deafculture #deafworld #signlanguage #asl #deafawareness #deaftalent #hardofhearing #hearingloss #hearingaids #deafpeople #americansignlanguage #marketing

In Spain, nearly one million deaf people communicate using sign language. At SAP, we firmly support the social and labor inclusion of people with disabilities, and we join this day by advocating for greater visibility for Sign Language. In Spain, there are nearly one million deaf people, and although a high percentage communicate orally, some of them must use their own sign language to be part of society. One of these deaf individuals is Ignacio Benitez Dominguez, a colleague working as a Payroll Consultant at SAP. Ignacio was born deaf, uses a cochlear implant, and communicates in Spanish Sign Language (LSE) and orally with lip reading for hearing people. Ignacio reminds us that today, June 14, is National Spanish Sign Language Day, inviting us to join in the celebration to learn about and promote the use of Sign Language and to raise awareness of its importance to many deaf people. The more knowledge we have of these languages, the easier it will be to adopt attitudes of tolerance and empathy among citizens. This is a call for cultural and communicative recognition, seeking equality and promoting diversity. To learn or improve our knowledge, there are sign language workshops available. Hearing people often do not understand the world of deafness, but we can adapt quickly. Learning Spanish Sign Language is not that difficult. To start, we should learn the Fingerspelling Alphabet, move on to words, and finally to sentences. Nothing is impossible. At SAP, we strive to be a fully accessible company and actively contribute to equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Our commitment to the deaf community is to guarantee full accessibility, inclusion, and integration of all people with disabilities, on equal terms with the rest of our colleagues. Did you know that sign language is a language at the global level? Each country has its own sign language. In Spain, we have two officially recognized sign languages: Spanish Sign Language and Catalan Sign Language. Additionally, although the sign language used throughout Spain is the same, many signs vary depending on the region, as signs are deeply rooted in local culture. Just like in other spoken languages, there are geographical variations. Sign Language or Sign Tongue? "Language" is the human ability to express thoughts and feelings through words. "Tongue" is synonymous with language; therefore, the correct term is "sign language." Let's support this day to raise awareness that Spanish Sign Language is just another language. Let's give it visibility. Happy National Spanish Sign Language Day! https://imsap.co/60425tSzg Supriya Jha Karen Zapata Russell Renate Dötzer Lee Barnard Cristina Sánchez Alba Herrero - Passionate about People Felix Monedero