Hearing Impairment Support & Information
Calderdale Council’s sign language team/service – Video Explaining the Service
Calderdale Council – if you are an adult with significant hearing loss, you can self-refer to the Council’s hearing or visual impairment teams by contacting Gateway to Care on 01422 393000, TEXT PHONE for the deaf – 0777454642, or emailing them to ask for a referral on gatewaytocare@calderdale.gov.uk Following this, the appropriate person will contact you to arrange to speak with and visit you and assess your needs on a case by case basis. For a child referral, contact: MAST Admin, T: 01422 393336
Calderdale Council Gateway To Care
Tel: 01422393000 / DEAF TEXT Phone: 07776454642 manned from 9-5 Mon-Fri
Email: gatewaytocare@calderdale.gov.uk
Website: www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/health-and-social-care/social-care-services-adults-page#gateway
Calderdale Council Customer First – Tel: 01422357257 Website: (Contact Us) www.calderdale.gov.uk/siteinfo/contacts/index.html
The RNID (Royal National Institute For The Deaf) have an excellent website full of information and advice.
British Deaf Association – The BDA is the UK’s leading membership organisation and registered charity run by Deaf people for Deaf people. The BDA delivers a range of services to achieve its aims of empowering Deaf people to overcome difficulties that they face on a daily basis.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – Hearing Dogs for Deaf People train hearing dogs to alert deaf people to select household sounds and danger signals in the home, work place and in public buildings – providing a life-changing level of independence, confidence and security.
Hearing Link – Their remit is to ensure that people living with hearing loss can find information, specialist services, and social contact, in order to live well with hearing loss. Their links page is extremely comprehensive and useful.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The CQC has introduced SignLive video service, which allows people to connect with CQC to share their feedback using British Sign Language (BSL) as well as text relay.
Hearing Impairment News
- May 16, 2024The 9th May marked one year since the British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board first met to advise the Government on key issues impacting BSL users in the Deaf community. The BSL Advisory Board has supported the development of the new BSL GCSE, and is focusing on health and social care, education …
- May 15, 2024The May/June edition of the Hearing Therapeutics Initiative newsletter, from the RNID, is out now. It’s a relatively technical document We have the main headlines below, but you can read the full newsletter online here. Every two months, they send their Network members updates on the latest …
- April 29, 2024The Royal National Institute For The deaf (RNID) is one of the key organisations behind Deaf Awareness Week 2024, which runs from 6 to 12 May. They have put together some information on the main points of deaf awareness: British Sign Language: British Sign Language is the most common form of sign …
- April 29, 2024Get ready for deaf awareness week 2024 with the National Deaf Children’s Society. Here’s what they have to say about how they are marking it: Taking place between the 6 to 12 May, this year’s theme is love and trust. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate the incredible …
- April 15, 2024Travelling by public transport can be hard if you’re disabled. When things go wrong it can be hard to know what your rights are, or how to make a complaint. Especially when this information is split across different sources. Over a quarter of disabled people told the disability charity Scope they …
- April 15, 2024National Deaf Children’s Society have some activity booklets aimed at hearing siblings. Siblings can play an important part in a deaf child’s life, from helping them build a positive deaf identity to helping other family members with deaf awareness. But siblings can also sometimes feel left …
- March 18, 2024There’s a party for deaf people to celebrate Eid being held in Bradford on 27th April. Full details are on the poster below:…
- March 13, 2024Scope is a disability equality charity that operates in England and Wales. They provide a range of practical information and support and maintain a range of campaigns, generally aimed at creating a fairer society. Their website is an excellent source of information. Visit their online support page …
- March 7, 2024National Deaf Children’s Society have a new leaflet they’d like to share. What do you say when you want to join a conversation? This may come naturally to adults, but the steps for joining a conversation can be tricky for a child! This new booklet has lots of fun activities you can use …
- March 6, 2024…
- March 1, 2024Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum (HBDAF) have their Annual General Meeting on Monday 18th March 2024 2.30pm to 4.30pm, in Hebden Bridge Town Hall and by Zoom video link. HBDAF works to improve access for disabled people in the Hebden Bridge area, and meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. In …
- March 1, 2024…
- February 19, 2024Northern Trains is set to interpret its announcements into British Sign Language (BSL) on some of its services later this year. Passengers will first see the new BSL visuals on trains between Manchester Victoria and Leeds to interpret information such as station announcements. Marc Silverwood, …
- February 19, 2024The National Deaf Children’s Society’s blogger, Skye, recently shared some top tips for communicating with deaf people. Make sure you find out how the D/deaf person prefers to communicate as this will help them feel more comfortable in the conversation. These tips may not be for …
- February 12, 2024To help you communicate with your deaf child about their feelings, the National Deaf Children’s Society have created a playlist of British Sign Language (BSL) videos for different emotions. For regional variations of these signs, you can also check out their Family Sign Language videos. In …
- February 12, 2024BSL Communications, who are based in Bradford, offer a wide range of effective Deaf awareness and basic sign language training combined with extra-curricular activities. They deliver a wide range of services, tailored to meet with the specific requirements of schools, public services, community …
- February 9, 2024
- January 31, 2024The National Deaf Children’s Society have comics for children to help them understand experiences in audiology. Join Ali as he gets hearing aids, Chloe who’s getting cochlear implants, or Harvey who’s getting grommets for glue ear! They also have a comic for what to expect when visiting the …
- January 22, 2024The NHS in Calderdale are looking to gather experience of care insight about translation and interpretation services. The contract for the Interpreting Service used by GP services is due to come to an end. The views gathered will be used to help them decide what interpreting services are needed …
- January 10, 2024…
- December 19, 2023DEX are looking back at the year in their latest newsletter: DEX Newsletter 2023 The BSL versions are available on their YouTube channel. Staff video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhjt–9tDXQ Board video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHIjiCDjS6M…
- December 13, 2023DEX will be starting a free sign songs programme on Zoom! The fab Katie J Rowley will be running the 4 week programme and it will be a different song every week! The programme is open to any deaf young person aged between 11 to 30. It will be suitable for people who already sign and beginners! …
- December 7, 2023…
- December 6, 2023From 30th November West Yorkshire Metro are launching a new orange travel wallet scheme. The orange wallet scheme aims to make it easier for people with communication difficulties or disabilities to use public transport. It’s a subtle way of letting transport staff know that a passenger with a …
- November 24, 2023See below for details of DEX’s latest social event for young deaf people, a trip to a BSL interpreted performance of Cinderella at Halifax’s Victoria Theatre. Please note the booking information details at the foot of the ad below.…
- November 20, 2023https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WECOrgcKW2A In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, you can also find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living at https://www.gov.uk/helpforhouseholds Transcript: Winter Fuel Payment 2023/2024. This video has audio and subtitles. Winter …
- November 16, 2023…
November 2, 2023Halifax Victoria Theatre’s pantomime this year will be everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale, CINDERELLA! Poor Cinderella works night and day but dreams of a very different life and with an invitation to the royal ball it looks as if her wish may be granted. Will her Wicked …
October 23, 2023The older person’s website, Independent Age, has put together a great little guide to advice and support for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Attendance Allowance This Independent Age guide explains everything you need to know about who’s eligible for this extremely …- October 23, 2023Disability Partnership Calderdale would like to invite you along to our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY. It’s totally free to attend and includes a big Christmas buffet. Once again, we will be back at the popular Old Rishworthians Rugby Club, Copley Lane, Copley, Halifax, HX3 0UG, which is accessible …
September 30, 2023National Deaf Children’s Society, the leading charity for deaf children, are running BSL courses – the details in their words are below: Learn British Sign Language We have free courses for families to be introduced to family sign language and BSL, find out more below. Upcoming online …- September 27, 2023Sat 14 Oct About British Sign Language Tour: Erwin Wurm Yorkshire Sculpture Park is running a British Sign Language (BSL) Sculpture Walk led by d/Deaf BSL user, architect, and art facilitator Martin Glover, who will guide you through the Erwin Wurm: Trap of the Truth exhibition. Discover more about …
- September 25, 2023The website http://www.accessable.co.uk has put together a reading/viewing/listening list to coincide with the start of National Inclusion Week. Here’s what they have to day about it: We have compiled a list of disability media we believe everyone should engage with. Allyship is about an ongoing …
- September 15, 2023…
- August 31, 2023Deaf Experience Limited (DEX) is a charity which campaigns nationally to improve access to education, wellbeing and quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing young people. Here’s what they say about themselves: We support deaf young people across Yorkshire to meet other young deaf people …
August 24, 2023SignVideo provide live and on-site British Sign Language (BSL) video interpreting. Their service is available across the UK and they work with, amongst others, NHS 111, Department for Work and Pension, Northern Ireland Health and Social Care, and Social Security Scotland. They work with many top UK …- August 24, 2023This presentation by Pauline Connolly from Calderdale Sign Language Interpreting about the Calderdale sign language service, took place during our 22 August 2023 Open Meeting. Pauline gave us some excellent insights into the service and into the practicalities of providing a sign language service …
August 8, 2023West Yorkshire Combined Authority, who are responsible for the project have released a map of the soon to be completed Halifax Bus Station. It will be part of a range of information that will be available ahead of the opening of the new facility, aimed at helping users to make the most of it.…- August 2, 2023Read the 2022 Report https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMvcHruA2Cs Background Information The British Sign Language (BSL) Act (2022) requires the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to publish a report on what ministerial departments have done to promote or facilitate the use of BSL in their …
- July 27, 2023DEX’s next event for deaf 17-30 year olds is on 2nd September at Shibden Hall in Halifax. They will be going for a walk and a picnic! You can also watch the BSL information here: https://youtu.be/XS1ageHCe7g Please text or email to book a place. The deadline is the 29th August and there are …
- July 27, 2023The Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) are partnering with Cloverleaf Advocacy to provide advocacy support to deaf people in Calderdale. Their support includes: Care Act advocacy, where they are going through an assessment with social services and find it difficult. BSL video below: …
- July 19, 2023Erica Ward, Transport Accessibility Coordinator for West Yorkshire Combined Authority is looking for feedback on Travel Assistance Cards. Travel Assistance Cards have been designed to help people using public transport who have certain health conditions, are older or disabled. The cards are …
- July 10, 2023DEX, the young deaf people’s organisation, who are based in Leeds, are recruiting for a brand-new role- Involvement Coordinator. To apply please visit the following link where you can find more details: Involvement Coordinator | Deaf Experience Limited | | CharityJob Here’s a signed …
- June 28, 2023…
- June 28, 2023Kim Webster from the Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) joined us at our Open Meeting on 27/06/2023 to tell us how the organisation’s advocacy services work. Advocacy may be able to help you by supporting you to have your say or empowering you to express your views, wishes or decisions. …
June 12, 2023Tune in to your sight and hearing this Deafblind Awareness Week Deafblind Awareness Week is 26th June to 2nd July and DeafBlindUK are asking everyone to tune in to their sight and hearing! This means being aware of changes and looking out for signs of deterioration in yourself and others. During …- May 25, 2023…
- May 16, 2023Here are the headlines from the latest newsletter from DeafBlindUK – read the full newsletter here Inspiring young people at school Are you a teacher, or do you support young people living with deafblindness? As part of our award-winning education project, which is making classrooms more …
- April 27, 2023Speaking at the British Deaf Association’s BSL Conference, the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, announced that he has appointed 16 members to the new British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board, which will advise the government on key issues impacting the Deaf …
- March 29, 2023Speaking at the recent British Deaf Association’s BSL Conference, the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP appointed 16 members to the new British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board, which will advise the Government on key issues impacting the Deaf community. Here’s …
- March 29, 2023DeafBlind UK are pushing a new Deafblind Studies course. They’ve teamed up with Birmingham City University to launch a new course, the Certificate in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies). It’s designed for health and social care professionals supporting people with deafblindness. If …
- March 13, 2023Here’s the March newsletter of DeafBlind UK – a link to the full newsletter is at the foot of the article. What is the emotional impact of sight and hearing loss? Meet Tracey – who, at 62, was finding her sight and hearing loss was taking a toll on her mental health. Find out how …
- March 8, 2023British Sign’s online course “Introducing British Sign Language” is a 20hr CPD certified comprehensive introduction to British Sign Language and is a really good place to get started. You are invited pay what you feel you are able and what you feel this course is worth to you. …
- March 1, 2023…
- February 27, 2023The RNID (Royal National Institute For The Deaf) have an excellent website full of information and advice. Here’s a great example of their really useful content, some tips for communicating with a person who is deaf or who has hearing impairment. People who are deaf or have hearing loss have …
- February 6, 2023The emergencySMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an text (also known as SMS) message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard. Simply by sending a text message to 999 you can call for help and the …
January 25, 2023If you’re struggling with certain tasks or activities due to a sensory or physical impairment, there could be equipment to help you manage and stay independent. There’s a lot available, so it’s a good idea to get advice about what could help you. The popular website Independent Age has a range of …- January 16, 2023The Government has created a further short videos answering key questions about Winter Fuel Payments. The videos are now also available in British Sign Language. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t395_OLsh5I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaPoW5_nzKg Most of those eligible do not have to claim their …
- January 12, 2023DEX’s next event for 11-17 year olds is at Funzy in Bradford on Friday 3rd Feb. Full details are on the poster below. Please let Sabah from DEX know if you want to book a place by text to 07874041074 or you can email at contact@dex.org.uk Here’s the BSL invite: …
- January 12, 2023the latest newsletter from DeafBlind UK is out. As ever, it’s mainly aimed at professionals working with Deaf-Blind people, but it contains plenty of generally useful information, plus links to their excellent website. Read Newsletter Here…
- January 5, 2023…
- December 14, 2022ITV’s new app, ITVX gives deaf viewers access to what is a streaming first – a British Sign Language channel. It will solely feature signed programming, which will include a range of shows like the Emmerdale and Coronation Street omnibus episodes, Cilla, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, Vera, …
- December 14, 2022This has been a busy year for DEX! Read the attached newsletter to find out what they’ve been up to. DEX newsletter 2022 Watch the BSL version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kh0RkHWjIY DEX have also sent out this message – “Thank you so much to everyone for your support, …
- November 30, 2022Read the full newsletter here New toolkits for sight loss organisations and sports clubs British Blind Sport (BBS) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are pleased to announce the release of two new See Sport Differently toolkits to support sight loss organisations and sports …
- November 30, 2022The Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove, has appointed Craig Crowley MBE FRSA as co-chair of the new British Sign Language (BSL) Advisory Board, which will advise the government on key issues impacting the Deaf community. Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove, announced the …
- November 23, 2022The Deaf Blind association has an excellent email newsletter – the latest edition is now out. You can read it here…
- November 15, 2022Disability Partnership Calderdale would like to invite you along to our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY. It’s totally free to attend and includes a big Christmas buffet. Once again, we will be back at the popular Old Rishworthians Rugby Club, Copley Lane, Copley, Halifax, HX3 0UG, which is accessible …
November 1, 2022The NHS-approved Mind Plan, is a very useful tool if you have mental health concerns. By answering five short questions people get a personalised mental health action plan, providing practical tips to help them deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control. …- October 18, 2022There are small things we can all do to help be kind to our mind and these can make a big difference to how we feel. That’s why a new Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign has been launched by the NHS, helping us find those little things we can all do to look after our mental health and …
- September 27, 2022The UK Government is providing £37billion this year to help households combat the rising cost of living. This video explains more about the Disability Cost of Living Payment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFGhvbfxWA …
- September 15, 2022Deaf Experience Limited (DEX) have funding up to April 2023 to offer one to one support to any deaf young person aged 16 – 25 living in Kirklees. Here’s what they say about the offer: This could include transition support for example, filling in college or university applications, learning …
- September 1, 2022Here’s the latest of DEX’s excellent free events.…
August 15, 2022Deaf and hard of hearing people are being encouraged to share their thoughts on the standards of care they receive at GPs, dentists, hospitals, and care homes, with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). CQC is particularly keen to hear from deaf and hard of hearing people about their experiences and …- July 19, 2022The Minister for Disabled People, Chloe Smith, has launched recruitment for the British Sign Language Advisory Board. Published: 18 July 2022 Launch follows BSL Act recognising BSL as an official language in England, Scotland and Wales, which circa 151,000 people in the UK use For the first time in …
- July 13, 2022V-Recruitment is a specialist agency providing Support Workers for deaf people in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Because they employ Support Workers who can communicate fluently and clearly in British Sign Language (BSL), they are able to meet their clients’ cultural and linguistic needs. …
- July 13, 2022This information in sign language is about the sign language team/service at Calderdale Council, signed by Pauline Connolly. (a transcript of the video is available below it). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtHIXJL6YTQ&t=2s At the moment we have one interpreter: me! Working four days a …
- June 30, 2022Mr Dave Manning from The Fire Prevention Service gave a fascinating talk on fire safety to our 28 June 2022 Open Meeting. He covered a huge range of topics, including Safe & Well visits, where they visit those at most risk from fire and give them advice and practical support. There’s more …
- June 17, 2022A new app called 999 BSL was released on the 17th June 2022 which allows users to make free calls to UK emergency services through a BSL interpreter. What is 999 BSL? 999 BSL is a service that connects you to British Sign Language Interpreters remotely through an app or a web-based platform, who …
- June 10, 2022The next Deaf EXperience (DEX) FREE event for deaf young people aged between 11 and 17 who live in West Yorkshire is on Friday 17th June. They will be going bowling and for food at Hollywood Bowl in Bradford. I have attached a video poster with the information on. You can also watch the video here …
- June 6, 2022This is a new petition by the National Deaf Children’s Society. Sign Petition Here You can view this petition in British Sign Language here. We’re a group of deaf young people from across the UK, aged between 15 and 19, and we’re worried that many mainstream teachers don’t know enough about deaf …
- June 1, 2022…
- May 24, 2022A warm welcome to your May newsletter, full of all the latest updates from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. This week is Deaf Awareness Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness of deafness and supporting those who are deaf or have hearing loss. The theme of the week this year is inclusion, and if …
- April 21, 2022The Deaf health charity SignHealth has been awarded a national NHS England contract to deliver NHS Talking Therapies in British Sign Language (BSL) to support Deaf people experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, or other common mental health concerns. This is the first time NHS England has …
- April 20, 2022The Naidex exhibition is an event for independent living and supporting the disabled community, showcasing wide-ranging solutions to improve mobility and accessibility, the latest innovations and tech, and explores the future of digital and physical accessibility. Naidex is for everyone. The event …
- March 23, 2022The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions is lifting my stress level up: Almost all Covid-19 restrictions have been or soon will be lifted across the UK. Our writer Raya, who has muscular dystrophy and respiratory failure, talks about why she is frightened about the changes and concerned about the …
- March 23, 2022Do you know what red and white means? Did you know that someone with a red and white cane or assistant dog harness is deafblind? Read more about red and white canes here. Deafblindness: Spotting the signs. Thousands of people in the UK are living with sight and hearing loss, but how can you tell …
- March 23, 2022This is a Government bill to: recognise British Sign Language (BSL) as a language of England, Wales and Scotland require reporting on the use of BSL by government departments require guidance to be issued in relation to BSL The explanatory notes: explain what each part of the bill will mean in …
- March 15, 2022There’s an exciting programme of FREE activities from Deaf Ex-Mainstreamers (DEX) for deaf young people in West Yorkshire who are between the ages of 11 and 17. It’s incredibly important for deaf young people’s wellbeing to have the opportunity to meet each other and to share …
- March 15, 2022A warm welcome to your March newsletter, full of all the latest updates from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. This year marks our 40th anniversary and four decades of training life-changing hearing dogs. Since training our first dog in a living room back in 1982 we have grown steadily but …
- March 15, 2022Sign Language Week is celebrated each year in March to coincide with the anniversary of the recognition of British Sign Language (BSL) by the UK Government in 2003. Sign Language Week is an initiative of the British Deaf Association (BDA). This year’s Sign Language Week will run from 14 – 20 March …
- March 10, 2022The Deaf health charity SignHealth has been awarded a national contract from NHS England to supply Talking Therapies in British Sign Language (BSL), in what’s been described as a “ground-breaking step forward for the Deaf community”. The BSL therapy, which supports those experiencing anxiety and …
- March 7, 2022What if you can’t make voice calls but need the emergency services? If you can’t make voice calls, there’s an emergency SMS service. Send a text to 999. This works on all mobiles in the UK, but not abroad. They also need to go through the registration process with any NEW phone they get. Here’s how …
- February 8, 2022This is the latest newsletter from Hearing Dogs For Deaf People – https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/ A warm welcome to your February newsletter, full of all the latest updates from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Our adorable pups have been having lots of fun in their training since you last …
- February 4, 2022TV regulator Ofcom is to investigate transmission arrangements at a number of UK broadcasters after equipment failure left Deaf people and others frustrated for many weeks in the autumn. The Guardian has reported that the probe will particularly focus on Channel 4 – which was the broadcaster …
- January 28, 2022One of Calderdale’s Social Prescribing Link Workers from the Lower Valley, Ella Fairbrother recently went to meet Katherine Bland, Visual Impairment Team and Michelle Gerrard, Hearing Impairment Team at The Glenholme Re-source Centre, Elland where they are currently based. Ella wanted to know …
- January 23, 2022Creative Minds Newsletter Jan 2022 Creative Minds was launched in 2011 in response to feedback from service users and carers about their desire for more creative approaches to understanding and supporting their health and wellbeing. To date, Creative Minds, together with 140 partners, has delivered …
- January 23, 20229 winter warmers to help you deal with the cold if you have a disability: Many disabled people find cold temperatures a struggle due to lack of mobility or poor circulation. Disability and lifestyle blogger Gemma Orton, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, shares her winter warmers to help you …
- January 17, 2022Here are details of some group activities DEX are offering for deaf young people between the ages of 11 and 17.…
- January 17, 2022Welcome to the Professional’s Update from Deafblind UK. Top tips for clear speech Don’t miss our useful guide to help you communicate more effectively with people living with sight and hearing loss. Read more here Our support for carers We offer a wide range of support to carers, …
- January 17, 2022News Disabled boy becomes youngest ever recipient in New Year Honours A Disabled boy who has cerebral palsy and autism is to become the youngest person to receive the British Empire Medal (BEM). Tobias Weller has been given the award in recognition of his fundraising efforts during lockdown. He has …