1. Presented by Robert Powell
Deaf Awareness
Presented by Robert Powell

2. Statistics 10 million deaf people in the UK (1 in 6)*
Estimated to increase to 14.5 million by 2031*
800,000 severely or profoundly deaf*
23,000 deafblind*
Approximately 132,700 deaf people in Nottinghamshire
More than 70% of over 70s have some form of hearing loss*
At around the age of 50, the proportion of people with a hearing loss begins to increase sharply*
156,000 BSL users in the UK**
Source: Action on Hearing Loss
** Source: BDA

3. Communication Getting Attention
Move in front so you can see each other
Tap the person on the arm or shoulder
Make small waving movements in their line of vision
Flash the lights on and off several times
Stamp your foot (to feel vibration)
Bang on the table

4. Communication Golden Rules
DON’T SHOUT
FACE THE LIGHT
INCLUDE THE DEAF PERSON
SPEAK CLEARLY
OPEN GLASS FRONTED RECEPTION
BE PATIENT

5. Communication Eye Contact is Essential
Try to avoid moving around as you speak
Don’t cover your mouth or talk with your head down as you write
Hold things up for viewing or point to them when necessary
Give people time to look at what you are pointing at, then back at you

6. Communication Lip Reading
Only 30% of the English language can be seen on the lips
Some sounds that are very visible on the lips (eg F, W, Th)
FORGETFUL WILLOWY THANK
Others are cannot be easily identified (eg C, K, Y, H)
CANOE KENNEL YACHT HOTEL
 Some words cannot be distinguished from others:
PEEL/MEAL FEW/VIEW WHITE/QUITE SHEEP/CHEAP   
With these limitations, the lip-reader needs to use other clues eg expressions, gestures and context

7. Deaf Patients
Highlight patient’s preferred method of communication (eg lip reading, British Sign Language, pen and paper) in notes/computer records
Install induction loop at Reception for hearing aid users
Do not assume if you can understand the patient that they can understand you
Ensure a system is in place for booking a BSL Interpreter (notice may be required)
Allow booking of appointments/repeat prescriptions by text/SMS, textphone, internet or
Allow extra time for consultation - use double appointments
In waiting area, ensure there is a way to alert deaf patients to appointment eg visual patient call system
Give information about aftercare and use of medication in writing
Deaf Awareness Training for staff who have direct contact with deaf patients

8. BSL/English Interpreters
Highly qualified professionals, registered with a professional organisation, eg NRCPD
Interprets between two languages (English and British Sign Language) and two cultures (Deaf and Hearing)
Interprets faithfully, impartially and confidentially
Works in many different places, including health appointments, training, workplace, meetings, conferences, schools, Further and Higher Education
Follows a Code of Conduct

9. Helpful Organisations
Nottinghamshire Deaf Society/
Nottinghamshire Sign Language Interpreting Service
Action on Hearing Loss (previously RNID)
British Deaf Association (BDA)
Sense