National Deaf Children's Society’s Post

Anyone who knows me knows that sitting through a 2 hour presentation isn't my thing. Today I did just that though, and I loved it! When the topic is right, time flies. Today was all about inclusion and ended with the below video which is both insightful and very very cute 😍 - what a perfect combination! Thanks to Elev8 Performance, Michael Parden and Helene Ghosh for making this happen (and everyone else that I wasn't aware of). #weareteambb #everyoneeverywherematters #inclusionmatters #celebratediversity https://lnkd.in/eZ2f76t4

🌟 Taking a moment to reflect! Lately, I've been fully immersed in my business, focusing on what truly matters. 💡 Valuable lessons learned: - Think before you act – Careful planning is key. - Execute with intention – Commit fully to the plan. - Delegate and collaborate – Trusting the team is important. - Keep learning – Growth is continuous. 🎉 It's Deaf Awareness Month! A time to celebrate the incredible Deaf community. Let's showcase our awesomeness to the world! 🚀 Excited about the potential within this community. Together, we can achieve remarkable things. Keep pushing forward and making a difference! #DeafAwarenessMonth

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

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

🌟 Attention Educational Sectors! 🌟 Live captions play a crucial role in enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of graduation ceremonies. 🎓 👩🎓 👨🎓 🔑 Here are some key reasons why live captions are important for such events: 1. Accessibility for the Hearing Impaired: Live captions ensure that individuals with hearing impairments can fully participate in and enjoy the ceremony. This includes not only graduates but also family members and friends who may have hearing difficulties. 👂 2. Language Comprehension: For attendees whose first language is not the one being spoken at the ceremony, live captions can provide a clearer understanding of the proceedings. Reading along with the spoken words can help in better comprehension and engagement. 3. Enhanced Engagement: Even for those without hearing impairments, live captions can aid in maintaining attention and understanding, especially in environments where the acoustics may not be ideal or where there is background noise. 4. Inclusivity and Equality: Providing live captions demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equality, ensuring that all participants have equal access to the content and experience of the ceremony. This aligns with the values of educational institutions that prioritize diversity and inclusivity. 🌍 5. Legal and Ethical Considerations: In many places, there are legal requirements for public events to be accessible to people with disabilities. Providing live captions helps institutions comply with these regulations and fulfill their ethical obligations. Every year we support educational sectors by providing Live captions at graduation ceremonies. Live captions are not just an added feature but a necessary component to ensure that all attendees, regardless of their hearing ability or language proficiency, can fully engage with and enjoy the event. This commitment to accessibility fosters a more inclusive community and reflects the values of the institution. ⭐ Have an event planned this year and haven't made it accessible? ⭐ Reach out today to discuss how Voicebox can support! 📧 📞

We’re celebrating Deaf Awareness Week, a time to increase the visibility of challenges the deaf community face and educate others on how they can support them. It’s a time to come together to create a more inclusive society that values every individual. Inclusivity is integral to all our divisions, especially with our Complex Care clients. As a person-centred service, we commit to ensuring that every voice is heard. Our clients have a say in every decision in their lives and we provide the tools for them to do so, such as assistive technology or pictorial aids like PECS and Makaton. When communicating with someone who is hard-of-hearing or with complex needs, keep these top tips in mind: 👂 Ask what they would prefer to use. There are options like picture aids, video conferencing tools, Relay UK for phone calls, live text-to-speech apps and video relay resources like SignVideo for BSL users. 👂 Check their level of understanding by asking the person to repeat information back. If they ask you to repeat what you’ve said or do not understand, say things differently. 👂 Speak clearly, without going too slowly or quickly. Don't shout! 👂 Keep eye contact and use normal lip movements, facial expressions and gestures. This allows for easier lipreading for in-person meetings. 👂 Where possible, give written or visual information. Above all else, remember that no two people are the same. We tailor the way we communicate to our clients’ needs and preferences. Are you in need of a person-centred support service, committing to ensuring that every voice is heard? 👉 Get in touch: https://lnkd.in/enz-F37g #accessforall #DeafAwarenessWeek #deafawareness #deafcommunity #deafinclusion

Sasha Ponappa, Executive Director of Deaf Organizations Fund, has always aimed to impact the Deaf community at a system level. In this quote, she shares her mission to influence policy and processes to create broad, lasting change: “I’ve always aimed to impact the Deaf community at a system level, focusing on policy and processes to create change that reaches organizations and communities.” Join us for more insights at the #LeadDifferent webinar with Jana Broussard, Director of Louisiana Commission for the Deaf, on November 22. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gv2a9JEM #LeadershipVision #SystemicChange #Webinar #InniveeStrategies #Innivee [Image Description: The graphic shows Sasha Ponappa’s portrait in the bottom left corner with a calm expression. The quote, “So many individuals are doing phenomenal work… but at a system level, one impact can reach so many people at once…,” is centered in bold text on a light background with large blue quotation marks and a square border. The Innivee Strategies logo with the “LEAD DIFFERENT” slogan is at the top. Sasha’s title, “Executive Director, Deaf Organizations Fund,” is at the bottom.]

🌟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

We’re celebrating Deaf Awareness Week, a time to increase the visibility of challenges the deaf community face and educate others on how they can support them. It’s a time to come together to create a more inclusive society that values every individual. Inclusivity is integral to all our divisions, especially with our Amore Complex Care clients. As a person-centred service, we commit to ensuring that every voice is heard. Our clients have a say in every decision in their lives and we provide the tools for them to do so, such as assistive technology or pictorial aids like PECS and Makaton. When communicating with someone who is hard-of-hearing or with complex needs, keep these top tips in mind: 👂 Ask what they would prefer to use. There are options like picture aids, video conferencing tools, Relay UK for phone calls, live text-to-speech apps and video relay resources like SignVideo for BSL users. 👂 Check their level of understanding by asking the person to repeat information back. If they ask you to repeat what you’ve said or do not understand, say things differently. 👂 Speak clearly, without going too slowly or quickly. Don't shout! 👂 Keep eye contact and use normal lip movements, facial expressions and gestures. This allows for easier lipreading for in-person meetings. 👂 Where possible, give written or visual information. Above all else, remember that no two people are the same. We tailor the way we communicate to our clients’ needs and preferences. Are you in need of a person-centred support service, committing to ensuring that every voice is heard? 👉 Get in touch: https://lnkd.in/enz-F37g #accessforall #DeafAwarenessWeek #deafawareness #deafcommunity #deafinclusion

Happy World Sight Day! "Love Your Eyes" - Focus on Children's Vision World Sight Day serves as an annual reminder to raise awareness about Vision impairment, Preventable blindness and ⁠Overall eye wellness. This Year's Theme: "Vision for Children" highlights the importance of eye care for the future generation. Did you know that 60% of learning problems in children are caused by poor sight? There are warning signs Parents and Guardians should look out for, to ensure their child’s eyes are healthy: 1.⁠ ⁠Poor attention span 2.⁠ ⁠Squinting to see clearly 3.⁠ ⁠Moving reading materials closer to the eyes 4.⁠ ⁠Excessive itching or rubbing of the eyes 5.⁠ ⁠Always moving closer to television screens 6.⁠ ⁠Tilting of the head while reading If you notice any of these signs, please consult an Eye Care Professional for a comprehensive eye examination. Because early detection and correction can significantly impact your child's academic performance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. #WorldSightDay2024 #VisionForChildren #VisionForAll #FocusOnTheFuture