Author: Admin

Every morning, County Antrim woman Wendy Newbronner’s first task is waking up her three children.

Unlike most parents though, she cannot shout into their rooms and tell them to get up. All her sons are deaf.

Mrs Newbronner had to pay to learn sign language after her first child was born, and now supports calls for a sign language act in Northern Ireland.

Scotland is the only part of the UK with an act, but legislation was passed in the Republic of Ireland last year.

The problem is, without a functioning Stormont assembly, legislation for sign language in Northern Ireland cannot be introduced.

Further read at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-43814029

“All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small…”

The classic hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander has endured the test of time, 200 years after her birth.

But few know of the part both great and small that the hymn played in transforming the education of deaf children in 19th century northern Ireland.

And fewer still know the tragedy that befell its writer’s dream.

Cecil Frances (Humphreys) Alexander and her sister Anne were very involved in local church activities in Strabane, including visits to local families.

It was on one of these visits they encountered a small deaf boy from a poor home.

“They were concerned about the barrenness of his existence and the blank future he faced and also the fact he was cut off from knowledge of the love of God and the Christian way of life,” said Brian Symington.

Further read at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44018269

In Belfast, Derry and Newtownabbey, see the poster for dates and details

With BDA Northern Ireland & Health and Social Care board.

Refreshment will be provided, please confirm your attendance.

Watch online at: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09rfcbz

Alternately, watch it on TV at BBC 1 @ 11:25am on Sunday 1st April

A health trust has apologised to the family of a deaf man who had to tell him he was dying because a hospital did not provide a sign-language interpreter.

Further read at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-43507977

A film starring a six-year-old deaf British girl and made by two former Hollyoaks stars has won an Oscar.

The Silent Child, which tells the story of a girl who struggles to communicate, was named best live action short film.

It stars Maisie Sly, aged six, from Swindon, and Rachel Shenton, who played Mitzeee Minniver in the Channel 4 soap.

Shenton also wrote it and used sign language in her acceptance speech. It was directed by Chris Overton – AKA Hollyoaks cage fighter Liam McAllister.

Further read at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43282172

Hearing loss group in Newtownabbey starting up for people who are hard of hearing, deafened wanting to meet other people for support, share ideas. Please pass this onto people who may be interested.

JOB RE-ADVERTISEMENT: Access & Inclusion Officer (Justice) – Belfast, N.Ireland

The British Deaf Association (NI) in conjunction with Queens University Belfast have secured funding from Disability Research on Independent Living & Learning to carry out research in the Justice Sector with the aim of enhancing Deaf People’s Communication Access to Justice in Northern Ireland.

The British Deaf Association (NI) seeks to recruit an Access and Inclusion Officer (Justice) to work collaboratively with the partners and researchers to ensure the project’s success.

For more information on this role in BSL, ISL or English, please head over to our website at bda.org.uk/current-opportunities

The Specialist Employment Programme is funded by European Social Fund (ESF), Department for the Economy and Department for Communities

Are you interested in:

Level 2 Food Safety Course – 4 weeks
Where? Dungiven, Glenshane House
Day & time to be confirmed

Recreational Digital Photography – 10 weeks
Where? Omagh College
Day & time to be confirmed

These courses are run by college and minimum 10 people needed. College funds sign language interpreters.

Please email or text me to confirm your name.
stephanie.okane@hearingloss.org.uk
Text: 07714 659 061

Thanks!

The British Deaf Association (NI) in conjunction with Queens University Belfast have secured funding from Disability Research on Independent Living & Learning to carry out research in the Justice Sector with the aim of enhancing Deaf People’s Communication Access to Justice in Northern Ireland.

The British Deaf Association (NI) seeks to recruit an Access and Inclusion Officer (Justice) to work collaboratively with the partners and researchers to ensure the project’s success.

For more information on this role in BSL, ISL or English, please head over to our website at bda.org.uk/current-opportunities