Alison McInnes Welcomes Deaf Awareness Week 2010
June 21, 2010 12:00 AM
Alison McInnes learns sign language from Rebecca James
Local MSP, Alison McInnes, has welcomed Deaf Awareness Week 2010, which runs from 28 June to 4 July, by meeting with and learning sign language from Rebecca James of Turriff, who was born profoundly deaf.
Alison learned to sign the alphabet, say please, thank you, hello and goodbye as well as picking up tips for speaking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. The three main tips are to look at the person, don't shout and to speak clearly.
Alison also listened to Rebecca's concerns about contacting emergency services and contacted Grampian Police and Fire and Rescue to ascertain what contact options could be offered to deaf and speech impaired residents. The feedback from the blue light services was very positive with both email and SMS services set up for routine calls and a special contact by text for emergencies.
Commenting Mrs McInnes said:
"I enjoyed meeting with Rebecca and learning a little bit of sign language, I feel I have a long, long way to go yet but found it fascinating. I can understand how tiring it must be for a deaf person to have to lip read all day and interpret what they are reading. People can help a deaf person understand them better by speaking clearly, not shouting and by looking directly at the person.
"I was concerned to learn of the worries regarding access to emergency services but am pleased to find that our emergency services have a working system in place. However, I think these services could be better publicised and have suggested that Grampian Police review how the service is offered and promoted
"During Deaf Awareness Week I would urge everyone to be aware of the difficulties faced by deaf and hard of hearing people in their everyday lives."
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