MSP backs campaign to help charity for deaf
NIKI TENNANT
People in the Rutherglen area who are deaf or have experienced hearing loss are having their voices heard thanks to a Rutherglen MSP’s backing for a charity campaign.
Clare Haughey MSP has got behind Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s call for improved deaf awareness during a Deaf Awareness Week event in the Scottish Parliament.
She spoke at the charity’s parliamentary reception, sponsored by Maureen Watt MSP, along with Malaika Rose and Ryan Johnston, who highlighted the unnecessary communication barriers faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Malaika, information manager for Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s Hear to Inform and Connect service, said: “I enjoy public speaking for the charity, but it was a special thrill to present in front of several MSPs, including Clare Haughey.” Malaika, who lost hearing at birth and uses a hearing aid, added: “I know first-hand the difficulties hearing loss can bring.
“A key aim for my service is explaining to especially people 50 or over, who may be starting to experience age-related hearing loss, how to get a hearing aid and the best use out of it so they can follow conversations with family and friends.
“It’s important to reassure everyone that deafness doesn’t stop people from being valued members of society – it’s all about breaking down barriers!”
Ryan Johnston, who used the charity’s specialist employment service, presented in British Sign Language (BSL) about how personalised communication support can help Deaf people seeking employment.
He said: “It was great to have the chance to share my story at the Scottish Parliament and tell everyone how I felt giving up on my dream of becoming an architect before I contacted Action on Hearing Loss Scotland. The charity’s employment service encouraged and supported me to prepare for my job applications and advised potential employers to ensure a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter was available for interviews. I’m pleased to be doing an architect assistant job, which I love.
“Whilst I needed to overcome a lot of challenges, which would have been unnecessary if more employers knew how to meet the communication needs of deaf people, I hope telling my story will inspire other deaf people to persevere to achieve their career goals.” Clare Haughey MSP said: “Malaika and Ryan’s inspirational speeches made it clear that, with just a little bit of deaf awareness and consideration about adjusting how we communicate, we can all make a huge difference to the everyday lives of people who are Deaf or have hearing loss.”
To request a deaf awareness talk from the charity’s Hear to Inform and Connect team, email: info. scotland@hearingloss.org.uk, or telephone/text: 07388 227407.