DEAF AWARENESS GROUP WORKSHOP

Statistics about hearing loss Over 50s Mild loss 21.6% Moderate 16.8% Severe 2.7% Profound 0.6% Over 70s Mild loss 26.7% an increase of 23.6% Moderate 36.8% an increase of 119% Severe 6.3%` an increase of 133% Profound 1.3% an increase of 117% To summarise - 71.1% of the UK population aged over 70 suffer some form of hearing loss. Could this statistic be replicated among U3As or are those with hearing impairments already isolating themselves because they can’t cope with everyday life? Asking for help is the most difficult thing to do so we must all SPEAK UP for our friends and fellow members. No U3A can solve all problems for everyone but each U3A can make members feel included for longer.

What are the indications that someone is beginning to struggle and what do we do about it? First of all, be aware of others and their difficulties, SPEAK UP for someone who is struggling Do they ask questions that have already been covered? Do they stop joining in conversations? Do they appear to be disinterested? Do they ask others to speak up or repeat questions? Do they stop attending groups or social events? Do we ask new members (perhaps when they join or at New Members’ Meetings) whether they have hearing (or sight) problems or do we repeat the question when they renew their membership, or even when they fail to renew! Should we ask in meetings for anyone with a hearing problem to contact the Group Leader privately How can we help members without incurring any costs at all? How can we identify members without making them feel embarrassed?

What can be done to help, firstly without any cost: In Group meetings Think about room layout – one round table is better than rows (small meetings only) Think about lighting – a good light helps, especially for the main speaker/Group Leader Check a room for good acoustic areas, near the speaker perhaps: move around to find the best positions (the best position for those using the loop system is where the loop goes round a corner!) Reserve seats for those with hearing impairments, ask members to move around A table top Loop System is a possible, low-cost support (about £100) Ask for a buddy or ally for each deaf person, someone who can relay information one-to-one Ask the Group Leader to face the audience – we all use lip reading to some extent Ask the Group Leader to repeat questions if they are unclear Ask the main speaker to stand still and face the audience, don’t move around Supply written material, whenever possible Check there is no background noise and cut out all private conversations Ask Group members to SPEAK UP and to speak up for those who may be struggling

General or Lecture Meetings All of the previous advice fits here with regard to speakers and location If there is a microphone, insist that it is used. The loop system will not operate without the microphone. Advertise the fact that there is a loop system. Tell those with hearing aids that they must check that their own system is set for loop use – this is not always done at the beginning but it is an easy job for the provider to do. Personal loop enhancers (worn like a collar) will improve loop systems for an individual All public rooms should now be provided with a loop system, use it. Get someone who uses a hearing aid with a T setting to check it, it’s the only way to do this. NOTE - a Loop Testing Kit is available, it costs about £50 and simulates the reception a deaf person would receive through a hearing aid. A lapel mic is much better than a hand-held one Advise each speaker of possible hearing problems, explain what helps and ask for supporting visuals. Use a roving mic for questions to the speaker: ask speaker to repeat questions if unclear

General Communications Support the spoken word with paper copies, on-line information, e-mails. Remember that severely or profoundly deaf members can use voice-recognition software Make sure Group Leaders can be contacted by e-mail as well as telephone. Who drives change in a U3A? Is it the Committee, Group Leaders or the members? Could it be YOU? Change normally comes because of an individual with a strong belief in a cause. ‘Pester Power’ was mentioned. If YOU are a member with a problem then SPEAK UP or ask someone to SPEAK UP for you All members must try to be aware and tolerant and to SPEAK UP on behalf of others

Where next? Third Age Trust has formed a Deaf Awareness Group (DAG) – could you do the same? Consider a Deaf Awareness/Action/Access Group – define its purpose and membership It could be for members with hearing loss to discuss equipment, personal concerns and solutions, possibly Lip Reading. It could sign-post members to other organisations where they might receive further help. It could encourage speakers on topics of specific interest. It could be for anyone who has an interest in making U3A inclusive and might discuss concerns, solutions (see above) or simply driving change for the benefit of everyone. So this type of group might be formed of members, their friends or relations, group leaders. The group could investigate loop systems, costs and funding. It could identify situations or groups where hearing is a problem (one profoundly deaf U3A member says that he can no longer go on walks) Thanks to :- Sue Watkinson of Aughton & Ormskirk U3A(with help from John Newton of Buxton U3A. Norah Clewes of Chester U3A and many others who attended the workshop)