Kerry Deaf Resource Centre Update 13.02.12
SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION FOR DEAF.
There have been significant changes in Ireland for people with social,
emotional, intellectual disability and mental health issues. We have seen a
transition from institutional congregated settings to community housing.
However, the needs of Deaf adults in supported accommodation still need to
be overhauled. There is a clear lack of understanding and awareness of the
needs of Deaf adults and in particular to sign language users. In a typical
setting, staff are not Deaf, they do not have sign language skills and there
are no policies in place to ensure Deaf residents are given equality of
access. There is no specific funding available or policies to provide sign
language interpreting access or Deaf advocacy services.
We were recently given a document entitled “NDA Briefing June 10th 2011-
Deaf Adults in Need of Supported Accommodation: Policy, Practice and the
need for Change”. This appears to be written by Deafhear in June 2011. This
highlights the need for an overhaul of current services and seeks a
commitment from the Dept. of Health and Children to work towards the change
required. It argues that current services need to be reconfigured and
reconstituted to meet the needs of Deaf sign language users. They believe
this would represent better value for money for the taxpayer and a better
quality of life for many vulnerable Deaf people.
For those who receive this update via email- a copy is attached. For those
who read this in other media, please contact us and we would be happy to
email or post you a copy.
NATIONAL SPECIALIST IN ACCESSIBILITY (HSE).
The Health Service Executive has appointed a National Specialist in
Accessibility who will provide guidance, advice and strategic support in the
promotion of access for people with disabilities. The purpose of the role is
also to develop a strategic framework for the implementation of Part 3 of
the Disability Act 2005 in the HSE.
The Specialist will develop a plan to achieve compliance with Part 3 of the
Disability Act, specifically in relation to actions 25-44 of the Department
of Health and Children’s Sectoral Plan. The post is based within the
Advocacy Unit and works closely with the HSE National Disability Unit.
Over the coming months the HSE will develop a network of designated access
officers in order to comply with Section 26 of the Disability Act 2005.
Designated access officers will be located throughout the country. Further
updates will be posted on this site regarding contact details of designated
access officers once they have been assigned. For more information and
further updates, go to
http://www.hse.ie/eng/
NON-COMPLIANE WITH DISABILITY ACT (HSE)- HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT?
Are you aware that you can make a formal complaint if you feel the HSE has
failed to comply with Sections 25 to 29 (inclusive) of the Act?
If you feel you have grounds for making a complaint, please contact the
following people:
Niall Kelly, Complaints Officer (Disability Services) e-mail:
[email protected]
Angela Kennedy, Complaints Officer (Disability Services) e-mail:
[email protected]
IRISH DEAF NEWS (IDN).
The IDN continues to provide news updates in sign language. Their current
edition is now available online. The information is being presented by Brian
Crean and covers the following topics.
Sixteen year old girl shot dead in Dublin/ Murder inquiry launched after
Donegal shooting/ Greece Bailout/ Syria Uprising/ English Soccer news.
To view the clip, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?
OPEN DAY IN ST. JOSEPH’s SCHOOL FOR DEAF BOYS.
St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys on the Navan Road, Cabra in Dublin will be
hosting an Open Day on Friday 23rd March 2012 from 10am to 3pm. This event
is open to family members and professionals.
The programme of events will include: Visits to the school, residences, the
Deaf Village and the Deaf Heritage Centre. There will also be speakers on a
range of topics such as St. Joseph’s Today, St. Joseph’s And Sport, Life at
St. Joseph’s (Open Discussion with Past Pupils) and The Deaf Village
Project.
Lastly, there will be exhibits and stands and representatives from various
organisations and groups. Refreshments afterwards.
Further information is available by tel: 01 838 0058, fax: 01 838 0230 and
email at [email protected]
OUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Kerry Deaf Resource Centre
4 Gas Tce, Tralee
Mobile (text): 087 633 4687
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kerrydeaf.com
www.facebook.com/kerrydeaf
Fax: 066 712 0386
Tel: 066 712 0399