We have delivered Deaf Awareness to several locations over the last few weeks. These workshops are not just applicable to Health and Social Care organisations. Our most recent workshops were in Birmingham in the Arts sector. There we found an appetite to make the arts accessible for both visitors and employees.
It would be lovely to see more employers in all sectors recognise the value of increasing access to their businesses. The Purple organisation* has done research into potential worldwide revenue. Their research suggests disabled people have a spending power of $13 Trillian. This spending potential is not reached because frequently, disabled people lack access to products and services.
The power to change starts with all of us. Increasing access to create a more diverse workforce will benefit clients. There is increased loyalty to organisations which are accessible. This is not rocket science. For example, I am more likely to revisit a theatre where the staff team communicates effectively and have kept any relevant equipment such as the loop system working and charged, so that I and other deaf visitors can enjoy the performances. A happy employee is also more likely to recommend their friends and family to the organisation’s services and products.
We recognise that it can be hard keeping up with all the different needs of individuals with disabilities. This is where we can help. We can keep you informed of changing technology and techniques that are inclusive of people with hearing loss and some other disabilities. Mainstream technology is changing fast which is why help from people who keep on top is necessary. We signpost to other experts and organisations in situations where we do not have the expertise ourselves.
The feedback we have received so far from our Deaf Awareness training has been positive with 99% choosing Outstanding and 1% Good. The comments are very encouraging because all have felt they have learnt a lot and that they would be able to implement much of the suggestions quickly. This is because many of the techniques and technology shared are very simple and easy to implement once known.
Our training workshops are followed up with up to date information/links tailored to the needs of the employees of the organisation who took the training.
Rachel will be delivering a talk in York St Sampson Centre on the 28th November to widen people’s understanding of what is possible. For further details see the York DisabilityWeek programme. This talk will provide a taster of some of the things we cover at our training workshops. Do encourage individuals/ family members to come if they are struggling with their hearing. There will be support available following the talk. Here is the eventbrite booking link:
*Reference: Purple Tuesday facts are from their website https://purpletuesday.co/About-Us/About-Us
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