Miriam Saffer’s Post

During his trip to Finland, our Training Manager, John, who is deafblind, was impressed by the exceptional support and services offered to deafblind people. Countries like Finland, exemplify a society where deafblind people have the #RightToBeSeenAndHeard. Looking ahead, it's clear that Scotland can draw valuable lessons from Finland's example. Currently lacking a formal definition for deafblindness, Scotland overlooks a crucial opportunity to address the unique challenges faced by the deafblind community. This gap can result in inequalities across various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and overall wellbeing. The time to act is now. By formally recognising deafblindness through the Nordic lens and implementing tailored support systems, Scotland can ensure early identification and intervention, paving the way for a more inclusive society. Let's take inspiration from Finland and strive for a Scotland where every individual receives the support they need to thrive. Show your support for our #DefiningDeafblindness campaign- https://lnkd.in/e5qTB-HA

We spoke to People’s Voice and Know Your Rights, a group of adults with learning differences and neurodivergence, about their campaign for a more accessible Diamond Bus Pass and their work as community associates with We The Curious: Tell us a bit about yourself / your group. We are People’s Voice and Know Your Rights. We are a group of adults with learning differences and neurodivergence who want to empower other people with learning differences and neurodivergence in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.  We run a monthly learning group to discuss issues that are important to us. What does inclusivity mean to you, and how does it shape your work? Inclusivity to us means including everybody despite people’s differences.  Inclusivity shapes our work because we work with different people.  We welcome and want new members from all backgrounds. What will you be discussing at the event? We will be discussing our campaign to change the unfair diamond bus pass. We want to make this bus pass more accessible for all disabled people. We will also be talking about our relationship with We the Curious, and how we are building a closer relationship by becoming community associates.  Giving them views from different people. What do you hope attendees will take away from your talk at the event? That we are inclusive, and that we want to change the diamond bus pass.  We are here, and we are trying to make the world a better place for disabled people, one step at a time.  Hear more from People’s Voice at We The Curious tomorrow! 🎟️ Free tickets: https://bit.ly/AAA2024 #AccessAllAreas #Inclusivity #LearningDifferences #Neurodivergence #DisabilityAdvocacy

2024: Breaking Barriers, Building Connections This year taught me that true accessibility isn't just about services—it's about creating genuine understanding between healthcare systems and the deaf community. Every conversation, every training session, every roadshow is a bridge that transforms isolated experiences into shared human connections. My journey with SignHealth in 2024 crystallized a mission I have pursued my entire career: making healthcare truly inclusive. Transitioning from my previous role to my new role as Engagement Officer wasn't just a job change—it was an opportunity to reimagine how deaf individuals experience healthcare. Key moments that defined this transformative year: 1. Launching the deaf community roadshow Empowering deaf communities by demystifying healthcare access and legal rights. Each workshop was a powerful reminder that knowledge is the first step toward genuine inclusion. 2. Continuing better understanding Training healthcare professionals isn't just about teaching a language—it's about cultivating empathy, understanding, and genuine human connection. Looking ahead to 2025, I'm committed to expanding our work. We're not just providing services; we're reimagining healthcare as a truly inclusive, accessible experience for deaf individuals. To the deaf community, healthcare partners, and every individual working to break down barriers: our collective effort creates real, transformative change. #DeafRights #Healthcare #Accessibility #SignLanguage #LinkedInRewind #2024Wrapped

As a healthcare professional, communication is at the heart of providing quality care. That’s why I’ve decided to upskill by pursuing a diploma in the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). This journey has shown me the immense benefits that inclusive communication can bring to society. By learning ASL, I can better serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, ensuring they have access to the same quality of care as anyone else. It also empowers patients by creating a more inclusive environment where they can comfortably communicate their needs and concerns. In a broader sense, fostering communication through ASL helps bridge gaps in society, promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in all sectors. Whether it’s in healthcare, education, or business, ASL allows us to create more accessible environments for everyone. Together, we can build a more connected world! #Healthcare #Inclusion #ASL #Accessibility #Diversity #Communication #PatientCare

I arrived home earlier from a summit, and my children said, "Oh, they didn't have ASL interpreters?" That's becoming common knowledge in our household. It's time we recognize that providing ASL interpreters at webinars, summits, and public meetings should be a standard of practice—not an afterthought. Ensuring access to ASL interpreters is crucial for empowering Deaf individuals to participate fully in discussions. It's not merely an accommodation; it's a necessary component for inclusivity. When event organizers take the initiative to provide these services, they shift the responsibility away from individuals needing support. This promotes a culture of accessibility and equality. #Accessibility #DeafCommunity #ASLInterpreter #Access

Great talking to people at CNTW's Service User and Carer Group this morning, about accessibility for visually impaired people. It's always good to be asked to share lived experience about challenges and potential solutions. But this needs to be turned into action if it is to be meaningful and a genuine learning. Having vented my spleen somewhat, I left the group with 3 top asks: 1. Use the tools and guidance already available (Accessibility Checker, Accessible Information Standard, Reasonable Adjustments Flag etc) 2. Speak to VI groups in your area and see how they might be able to help you. 3. Talk to your VI staff and patients - listen to what they say, no, really listen, and take action. I stressed the point that none of this is that difficult to achieve - it's about having an open mindset and a commitment to inclusion. The tools and systems are there, we just need organisations and individuals to commit to using them, to be anti-ableist. #Accessibility#DisabilityInclusion

If you work in the organisation and implementation of learning mobilities for students with disabilities, and wish to know what the benefits of becoming a member of the Make It Inclusive Network are for your work, then make your registration and join me on this webinar! More details, below 👇 #makeithappeneuproject EfVET #inclusivemobility #qualitymobilities #GIVE #cooperation #network

Good news in BC!

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day! The goal of this year's celebration is to raise awareness about the importance of digital access and inclusion, so that people with hearing loss and others can benefit more easily from digital applications and content. Learn More: Learn More: https://accessibility.day/ #GAAD #AccessibilityAwareness #HearingLoss

Start breaking down barriers today with our #DeafAwareness training and empower your team to: • Understand Deafness  • Learn how to communicate effectively • Do’s and Don’ts  • & more Book a taster session today by visiting https://lnkd.in/eYzwVCgx Or for larger group enquiries visit https://lnkd.in/e2JPdZJV #BSL #ActionDeafness #Accessibility