Mal Whitham’s Post

Everyone was feeling the energy at St. James' Park this weekend, let's talk about the power of purpose-driven partnerships. 👏⚽ When Newcastle United Football Club donned their football shirts emblazoned with the RNID logo, it was more than just a game - it was the amplification of support and inclusivity. This kind of partnership doesn't just champion a noble cause; it unites communities and breaks down barriers. This weekend saw pioneering technology and commitment to inclusion, revolutionise experience of the deaf and hearing loss community. The #UnsilenceTheCrowd initiative, manifests the remarkable influence sports can have beyond the pitch. But this isn't just about football. It's a rallying call for organisations to align with partners who share a core purpose. When we come together, we can redefine 'accessibility' and celebrate the #SpectacularEveryday, for everyone. I invite you to dive deeper into how NUFC and Sela | صلة are making live matches an incredible experience for deaf fans and mascots. We did the shirt proud winning 4-0, but more than that, this purpose-driven, uplifting activation brought a tear to this Geordies eye! 🙌 #PurposefulPartnerships #InclusivityInAction #SocialResponsibility

Today, as we observe the 11th International Day of Sports for Peace and Development, we recognize the transformative power of sports in fostering a peaceful and inclusive society. On this significant day, I am excited to share with you an innovative technology that is revolutionizing the way deaf athletes engage with sports. Ekhosport Technology is a groundbreaking invention, inspired by the founder's personal journey, designed to overcome communication barriers between deaf athletes and their coaches. This technology has been successfully implemented in various European nations and was notably utilized by Cameroon's deaf team during the Deaf World Cup in Malaysia. The introduction of Ekhosport Technology has been a game-changer, providing deaf athletes with the means to receive real-time, accessible communication from their trainers. This not only enhances their training experience but also empowers them to perform at their best, fostering a sense of belonging and equality within the sports community. The benefits extend beyond the field, as it promotes social inclusion and underscores the value of diversity in sports. As we celebrate the positive impact of sports, let's embrace technologies like Ekhosport that ensure every athlete, regardless of hearing ability, can share in the joy and camaraderie that sports bring. https://lnkd.in/egaFYCyq

Support Deaf Athletes: A Call for Fair Funding and Inclusion I’m raising an important issue about human inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in UK sports, especially in light of the recent 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. It’s worth noting that 100 years ago, in 1924, the Deaflympics were also held in Paris. Next year, the Deaflympics will take place in Tokyo, Japan. I’m highlighting this because of the ongoing efforts by UK Deaf Sports, which has launched a petition called 'Fair Play for Deaf Athletes'. They urgently need support, as the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has provided substantial funding for the Olympics and Paralympics but only a small, limited amount for the Deaflympics. The £1.2m funding they’ve provided over five years is enough to support grassroots efforts, but it falls short when it comes to supporting elite, professional, and other wider levels of Deaf sports. I encourage you to reach out to UK Sports, your local MPs, and the DCMS to advocate for greater fairness and inclusion in funding. This isn’t about politics; it’s about human inclusion and ensuring fairness for all athletes, including those in the Deaf community. Please see the attached photo and watch the BBC program 'See Hear,' which includes captions, audio, and British Sign Language (BSL). It highlights the issue and the need for fairer funding. For more details, see my comment below. #FairPlayForDeafAthletes #DeafSports #Inclusion #Accessibility #HumanRights #EqualFunding #Deaflympics Department for Culture, Media and Sport International Olympic Committee – IOC International Paralympic Committee ICSD - International Committee of Sports for the Deaf UK Deaf Sport The Labour Party

Why is it so important for sport to be accessible and inclusive? Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a new three-part inclusive sports documentary, 'Dare to Defy', launches on Prime Video. Presented by Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE and broadcaster Adele Roberts, the documentary explores some of the barriers people face, the importance of inclusivity, and how sport can have a positive impact on lives. Among those featured are 14-year-old twins Oscar and Seb, who live with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and play for Manchester City in the Wheelchair Football Association’s Championship League. Keep an eye out for them in episode 2 and watch them trying to teach Adele how to play football in a powerchair! But even if you don't watch the documentary, it's worth taking a few mins to read more about Oscar and Seb and what playing football means to them ⚽⬇️ #DareToDefy #AccessibleSport #InclusiveSport #StrongerTogether

4/1000 children are born with hearing loss. I was one of the 4 - I underwent minor surgery in primary school to improve my hearing with great success, but was probably still one of the 20% of children with some degree of hearing loss aged 12. (1) That’s right - 20% of 12 year olds have some degree of hearing loss. That’s 6 in a class of 30 at secondary school. That’s a staggering statistic that has never ever come up in 8+ years I’ve worked with young people. How many children are underachieving because they can’t properly hear what’s going on? Or suffering from low social, emotional or mental health because they can’t properly hear what’s going on? And when we don’t know why children are underachieving or suffering - how often does a professional suggest a hearing test? For me, never - and I’ve never recommended it as an intervention either! Read Sal’s post for hearing loss and adults - I was (obviously) interested in what this meant for children. (1) statistics on hearing loss - https://shorturl.at/cjsLY 🏔️🏄🏼♀️📚 Hi, I’m Ellie. I get excited about making things better for children and young people! 3️⃣+ years experience in EDI. 1️⃣ year in projects for social mobility. 8️⃣ total years in education. #equalitydiversityandinclusion #children #education #disability #hearingloss #EDI #inclusion

Do you ever feel like the world only remembers people with disabilities for the duration of a sporting event? Came across Bupa's new "Beyond the Games" campaign recently. What stood out was the human truth: disability doesn’t have a closing ceremony, as clever as that may sound. Picture this: the spotlight fades after the Paralympics, and with it, some brands' commitment to inclusivity. But not Bupa. They’re in it for the long haul, investing in accessible digital health services and funding grassroots sports. For marketers, this means true inclusion isn't just a campaign buzzword but a continual commitment. This highlights the need for sustained support and attention, not just when it's convenient. Watch: https://lnkd.in/dYHe6kZ9 Read: https://lnkd.in/g5tmQ5mR

Our Centre for Journalism students at Leeds Trinity University are all taught lexical analysis and how their words shape meanings. (Its not too late to train with us, as it’s Clearing Day today!) Please watch this video clip about how to post on the upcoming Paralympics #Paris2024

We're thrilled to see ParalympicsGB have launched their equal play campaign: No child left on the sidelines. This is something we have been advocating for since 2013!🏅 As we celebrate the inspiring achievements of athletes at Paris 2024, ParalympicsGB is shining a spotlight on a critical issue with the launch of their Equal Play campaign. Currently, only 1 in 4 disabled children participate in sport at school, and this campaign calls for equal access to PE and school sports for every child. The campaign follows the powerful Channel 4 documentary Equal Play, which highlights the experiences of two children who face barriers to physical activity and fight for their right to play. The documentary is a wake-up call, showing the need for schools to make sport inclusive for all students. ParalympicsGB is calling on the UK Government to make sport and PE a statutory right for disabled children, ensuring teachers are equipped with the right tools, training, and support to deliver inclusive PE. 🔗 Watch Equal Play on Channel 4: https://loom.ly/SDOWF6I 📄 Read more about the campaign and the policy paper: https://loom.ly/-2VKjvk #EqualPlay #ParalympicsGB #InclusivePE #NoChildLeftBehind #Paris2024 #DisabilityInclusion #SportForAll #PEForAll #EqualAccess

An Opportunity to Make a Change. In response to today’s commitment by the DCMS to support grassroots facilities to nurture future stars and recognise the people that make it happen, I want to inform the Secretary of State that it is essential to ensure that these efforts are inclusive of all children, including those who are deaf. UK Deaf Sport, the leading organisation for deaf sport in the UK, is committed to ensuring that deaf children, young people, and adults have equal opportunities to participate in and excel in sports and physical activities. About UK Deaf Sport UK Deaf Sport's vision is for every deaf person to be active and inspired by sport and physical activity. Our mission is to increase participation in sports among deaf individuals throughout their lives and to support more deaf athletes in performing on the world stage. We work with key partners to create an inclusive sports environment from grassroots to elite levels. Additionally, we select and manage the DeaflympicsGB Team, representing Great Britain at the Summer and Winter Deaflympics. Overcoming Barriers for Deaf Athletes Despite the positive steps outlined in the Government's recent announcement, deaf children and young people face unique barriers that need specific attention. Communication challenges, a lack of qualified coaches, social isolation, and inadequate resources can hinder their full participation in sports. Addressing these barriers requires targeted interventions to ensure inclusivity. UK Deaf Sport's Initiative One of our key initiatives is the Destination Deaflympics Youth Engagement Programme. This programme aims to inspire deaf children aged 8 to 14 and their families to get active and raise awareness about deaf sport, deaf athletes, and the Deaflympics. We are currently seeking a Project Officer to lead and manage this exciting new programme. We welcome applications, particularly from those with lived experience of deafness and from the Deaf community, to apply for this role and contribute to making sport more inclusive for deaf children. To apply for the Destination Deaflympics Project Officer role, please send a personal statement and a copy of your CV to info@ukds.org.uk with the title “Destination Deaflympics Project Officer August 2024.” The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 2 August 2024. For more information and to view the full job description, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e7tCVzbM Together, we can ensure that every child, including those who are deaf, has the opportunity to be active and inspired by sports, creating a truly inclusive sporting community. DCMS press Release https://lnkd.in/eSNTKbE3 Stuart Harrison Hon. Vice President, UK Deaf Sport #fairplayfordeafathletes #supportDeaflympicsGB

🌟Taking the First Steps to Make Football Accessible to the Deaf Community⚽️ Football is a sport that unites millions, yet accessibility for Deaf fans remains a gap in many clubs. Here are the essential first steps a club can take to ensure inclusivity for Deaf fans—both on and off the pitch: 1. Consult with the Deaf Community 🧏♂️: Work with local Deaf organizations, fans, and accessibility experts to understand the unique needs and preferences of Deaf supporters. This input is invaluable in shaping a truly inclusive experience. 2. Implement Video Relay Services (VRS) 📹: Providing VRS at key customer service points, such as ticket counters and help desks, can allow Deaf fans to interact seamlessly in British Sign Language (BSL). This step creates a smoother, more welcoming experience from the moment they walk in. 3. Train Frontline Staff in Deaf Awareness 🎓: Educate staff on Deaf culture, basic BSL, and accessible communication strategies to ensure Deaf fans feel supported. Knowledgeable staff can make all the difference in creating an inclusive atmosphere. 4. Accessible Digital Resources 💻: Ensure your website and app are Deaf-friendly by offering BSL video guides, closed captions, and easy access to VRS for any queries. Digital accessibility is key to keeping Deaf fans informed and engaged. Creating a welcoming environment for Deaf fans is more than just a service—it's about building a stronger, more inclusive football community. Let’s make football accessible for everyone! 🌍⚽️ #DeafAwareness #FootballForAll #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityInSports #SignVideo #Sorenson