Clubber signs the lyrics to dance tune for deaf friend

Check out this short video clip of two clubbers - one signing the lyrics to a song for her deaf friend. I assume they all started jumping about when the beat kicked in! This video has been viewed over 7 million times on Facebook.

Have any of you had friends like that or sign for your friends? Via Jade Ramm

Post by Gareth Emery.

Watch: Nene Channel Challenge Swimmers emerge from 16-hour swimming challenge

They did it! Our swimming heroes from the Nene Channel Challenge, Julie and Lisa, emerge from the water at 10pm tonight after 16 hours of swimming down the River Nene to Peterborough. They were met by friends, family and a barbecue.



PDDCS would like to extend a massive thank you to Lisa and Julie. It was an astonishing challenge and we are humbled by your dedication and grateful for your contribution to deaf swimming in our area. 

Read more about the Nene Channel Challenge or donate here
Read more about our swimming courses for deaf children

PDDCS Boxfit Round 2

The PDDCS deaf friendly sessions, run by Peterborough ABC, starts again 19th Sept.

Two of the deaf adult BSL users who attend the mainstream Boxfit sessions have shared their views of the classes.

"My name is Rolands, I’m from Latvia. I like boxing here. When I arrived here I wanted to find somewhere to box here but I’m deaf. I looked on the internet and found this group. 

The first time I came I was worried about communication but when I arrived I was surprised because there was an interpreter. I was really happy because there was full communication. I can communicate with the hearing people and learn how to box and ask what things mean if I don’t understand, it’s perfect. 

The people are very encouraging and I am learning lots of boxing, it’s fantastic. All the hearing and deaf people are friendly with each other and it’s just great."

"My name is Nicki (sign name). I come here to Box fit for two reasons: first because it’s healthy to exercise, secondly it’s fantastic, we laugh and have fun. The exercise is hard but I like it because you have to think hard about the different punches.

The group are all lovely and friendly and I feel fully included. It’s really interesting and I will keep coming, it’s great."

Find out more about attending Boxfit here 

DeafBlind young man's access to the Brazilian match

For many individuals, 'football is the beautiful game'.

This youtube video is worth watching to see how the Brazil vs Croatia match was made accessible for this young deafblind gentleman. Simply beautiful.

Watch: Deaf Friendly Boxfit

The PDDCS deaf friendly sessions, run by Peterborough ABC, start 16th May. Two of the deaf adult BSL users who attend the mainstream Boxfit sessions have shared their views of the classes.

"My name is Rolands, I’m from Latvia. I like boxing here. When I arrived here I wanted to find somewhere to box here but I’m deaf. I looked on the internet and found this group. 

The first time I came I was worried about communication but when I arrived I was surprised because there was an interpreter. I was really happy because there was full communication. I can communicate with the hearing people and learn how to box and ask what things mean if I don’t understand, it’s perfect. 

The people are very encouraging and I am learning lots of boxing, it’s fantastic. All the hearing and deaf people are friendly with each other and it’s just great."

"My name is Nicki (sign name). I come here to Box fit for two reasons: first because it’s healthy to exercise, secondly it’s fantastic, we laugh and have fun. The exercise is hard but I like it because you have to think hard about the different punches.

The group are all lovely and friendly and I feel fully included. It’s really interesting and I will keep coming, it’s great."

Find out more about attending Boxfit here 

My Life, My Health Campaign

Last month PDDCS members attended the launch of the NDCS YAB's latest campaign 'My Life, My Health'.  The members were very pleased to bump into Richard Webb-Stevens, a motorcycle paramedic who works to improve ambulance care for the deaf community

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) have created these supporting videos to put the campaign objectives in context.

Dean's story: A long road to my dreams

A long road to my dreams.

Hello my name is Dean Wash and I am Deaf. I work with hard working team at Jack Hunt School supporting deaf students and also I was a former Jack Hunt pupil.

You all probably wondering what I'm doing here and I wanted to share with you all here.

On February 4th 2014 it's my 5th year kidney and pancreas  transplant anniversary.

In 2009 I received a phone call that I  have been waiting for, ( my mum answered the phone of course haha). Oxford hospital has found  a matching kidney and pancreas organs for me.  My dad had to drive in a hurry during a blizzard snow which it  was 85 miles away.  Mum was making calls to family and I was sitting at the back seat feeling in a daze and texting to all my friends that I am on my way to have a major operation.

 Poor my dog Totti was  left him behind at my sisters house but Totti was in good hands with  my sisters family  who looked him for 2 whole weeks which I know he is pain in the bum chasing sister's cats and rabbits.  My brother in law had sleepless nights  due to Totti's loud snoring even tho he was sleeping downstairs !!!  My niece and nephew looked after him by feeding and watering him.

Upon on arrival at Oxford hospital,   I was feeling over the place and wasn't thinking straight as I was in a state of shock and nervous  as I knew the operation was 8 hours long.  When I was waiting for the go ahead for the operation, I have been diabetic since I was 2 years old due to no cause of reason but the doctor said its possible the virus I had at 2 years old has caused my Pancreas to fail. I was thinking what would it really like when I wake up after the operation and not being diabetic anymore and be normal that I never experienced after of  33 years as a diabetics!!!

I will never forget my time during 2 weeks of recovering with some mishaps along the way but I'm glad that I am stronger than I thought and also I am glad I'm very strong person to go through the pain but it was worth it as I got what I wanted  because the kidney and pancreas working straight away as soon the operation was over.



Dean at work

Now after 5 years I'm now working  as a teaching assistant at Jack Hunt School  for me is very rewarding job to help me pay my mortgage and  bills etc. I had holiday last year and booked another one  this summer holiday with my girlfriend which it's my dream holiday..... Route 66 !!!!!!  So looking forward to it driving every miles from Chicago  to Santa Monica.  I will dedicated Route 66  to  the organs family who gave me a kidney and pancreas.

Before my transplant I was on dialysis for about 11 months  and it was painful experience but my nan made sure that I don't get bored at the hospital for 3 times a week which was 3 and half hours each time where I had to travel to Leicester then later on in Peterborough. Nan gave me money  for me to buy DVDs  to watch on my portable DVD player at the hospital on a dialysis machine, I had a great laugh with the nurses  ;) ha. I was on a very strict food and very limited fluid intake which it was very hard.

I'm  lucky enough to have great lovely nurses, doctors and surgeons along the way, they have been very good looking after me despite the difficulty to get interpreters for appointments but I do not blame them or the receptions  as it's managers responsibility to make sure.  I had a supportive family who come along but I have my pride to go on my own and wanted do it myself , to give my mum peace of mind she come along with me and to made sure there was no miscommunication or missing any important information, my dad was a Taxi driver when I needed him, my sister family as a dog sitter.

Transplant is not a cure but it has gave me a chance to live a normal life as much as possible with the side effects from the powerful drugs which I have to take for rest  of my life to keep the kidney and pancreas working and stop it being rejected!.  I will carry on  fighting like  I always have in my life and everyday is a blessing.

There are worse problems out there than I am but I am very lucky to have NHS. Thanks to the organs family who gave me a kidney and pancreas and now I can eat and drink anything.  I'm still learning with the sugars stuff like sweets and cakes.... I still find it so sweet to eat !! I'm a crisps man.

I've been working all my life starting the age of around 8 years old working with dad at building site sweeping up and tidying up also worked in shoes shop, did  2 paper rounds and was a postman, I just love working.

I will just work hard and keep fighting on what ever the problems I will face as I know I'm a strong person and have achieved many things that nothing will stops me. You should do the same and anything is possible.

I hope one day I will able to meet the organ's family to say thank you them for saving my life and they are always in my thoughts as they have lost their loved one so young.

It's important that you have a donor card or register online you could save somebody lives one day as which it has happened to me.

The photo of me and Totti as he has been with me when he was 12 weeks old when I started on  my dialysis machine, Totti was with me there throughout for last 6 years and has been a great company, make me laugh and we understand each other haha... !!

Please remember not to  don't give up and keep trying to be proud of yourself.

Thank you for your time reading this.

NDCS: Benefits for deaf young people

The NDCS team have created these videos explaining benefits for deaf young people and advice on PIP (Personal Independence Payment) facts.

Watch: Footballer Derrick Coleman's NFL Duracell battery advert is an inspiration to deaf children around the world (with captions)

Watch this video from battery manufacturer Duracell featuring deaf NFL (American Football League) professional Derrick Coleman.

The story is that Derrick has been deaf since three and faced bullying, misunderstanding and was told to quit the sport on account of his deafness. But he took no notice and now plays the sport he loves in front of tens of thousands of adoring fans every week.



Having faith in deaf children's ability, no matter what level it is, and overcoming communication barriers is something we do here at PDDCS deaf friendly football coaching in association with The Posh. We want the deaf kids of Peterborough to, if they want, be like Derrick but without ever feeling like they don't belong on a sports field.

You can support us in that aim. See how you can support us.

'Our Health in Your Hands' Campaign

A new campaign, 'Our Health in Your Hands', has been launched. It explains that you have a right under law to have an interpreter in a healthcare setting like a hospital and a GP surgery when you need one.
For further details http://www.ohyh.org.uk/

UCAS 'How-to guides' in BSL

http://www.ucas.tv/ucas/playlist/ZKMyl/

This month, as students enjoy the introductary weeks to University and colleges, UCAS (the UK's shared admissions service for higher education)  have announced the launch of videos to help deaf students apply to university or college.







Each video covers an individual part of the UCAS process including information for students with disabilities, how to apply, choosing a course, open days, personal statements, requesting a reference and a guide for parents.

All seven videos can be viewed as a playlist in the 'Individual needs' section of the site and also on the UCAStv website

.

uScreen inspirational film competition local entries

At the end of the last summer term, 14 young students from Jack Hunt School were given the opportunity to create and produce their own film for the uScreen film competition. uScreen were

"looking for young filmmakers to tell stories about an inspirational person in their life who has ‘Sparked a Positive Shift’ and changed the way they think or behave. uScreen is looking for original, honest, creative short films that simply tell the story of someone remarkable and special to the filmmaker. "

For the competition, any deaf and disabled aspiring filmmakers, aged 14 to 24, from across the UK, were invited to apply for the opportunity to be one of the top 15 film makers to be selected for an award and have their film screened at special gala event hosted by Pinewood Studios.

The young people had inspirational film making workshops with deaf film director Ted Evans. Within the five days, between going to their lessons and doing homework, they had to convert their storyboards into films. The acting itself was enjoyed by all. The behind-the-scenes labour of the editing process was endured by all. With the thankful postponement of the deadline until late September, the young students returned to school in early September and spent many hours beating the IT gremlins to produce their finished pieces.

Now we are asking for your help. The young film makers are encouraged to share their films with all their social media and any film channels that they can access and are to tell their friends to watch and comment on their films. They might just win!

http://uscreen.co.uk/films/view/6371    USpark3 Cochlear Implants

http://uscreen.co.uk/films/view/6375 uSpark 2 Matt's mum

http://uscreen.co.uk/films/view/6368 uSpark 3 deaflife

                                               

                                               

http://uscreen.co.uk/films/view/6380 - uSpark2 Be a good role model 

 Enjoy!!!

 Below is a uScreen clip - Ignite your Future with uSparks inspirational, positive role models.

British Sign Language and subtitled guide to the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

Equality and Human Rights Commission previously produced a British Sign Language and subtitled guide to the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

For the young readers who have not seen it yet...

The Little Promise

A short film from Hong Kong  - The Little Promise  - is a 15 minute film, designed for children, showing until Friday 26th July on BBC iplayer.

"Jack is embarrassed by his dad who is deaf and signs. But a little promise teaches him how to stand up for what is right."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b0371spw/

PDDCS Drummer boy's impro piece

Earlier this month, William and his dad went to see the Graece's production of Iron Man in Ipswich. In addition to viewing a great show, they was fortunate enough to have lunch with Stephen Collins, the lead actor in Iron Man.  To see the outcome of William's request 'to have a bash on the drums' with a trumpet player joining in,  check out the video below. A cool impro piece. Well done William

 

NDCS Technology Test drive

Last month the NDCS Listening Bus came to Peterborough. They shared information about the NDCS Technology Test Drive. This loan service offers deaf children and their families throughout the UK the opportunity to borrow radio aids and other equipment to assess in the comfort of their own homes and at school.

Technology Test drive is provided to members free of charge so, if you are interested, please contact our Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 8880 or email helpline@ndcs.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can see what is available online and download the application forms you need.

http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/how_ndcs_can_help/grants_and_equipment/technology_test_drive/

PDDCS first youth film: A deafeeeee's dream

Last October PDDCS members enjoyed an inspirational evening at the Deaf  Role Model night with film makers; Ted Evans and Charlie Swinbourne. This was followed up with acting workshops through November and January with deaf actor, Jacob Casselden. Throughout February youth members, aged 10-22, from the PDDCS independently planned, acted and edited their film 'A Deafeeeee's Dream' on a zero budget. Although it was not successful for shortlisting for the Youth DeafFest, it is still a fantastic effort and evidence of what PDDCS young people can do. Well done!!

NDCS weekends for families with deaf children and young people

Last week we posted about Barry Pullen, who won a Diamond Champion Award for his volunteer work with the NDCS. Barry is very involved with the Newly Identified Families Weekends all over the country. The NDCS run a range of free weekends for families with deaf children and young people:

• Newly identified  -  Families with children who have been identified in the last 18 months with a hearing loss. 
• Pre-school - Families with deaf children aged 2 ½ - 4 years old
• Pre-secondary - Families with deaf children aged 8-10 years old
• Teenage - Families with deaf teenagers aged 13-15 years old

Upcoming events close to the local area include:
14-16 June    Families with Pre-school Deaf Children, Wyboston
20-22 Sept   Families with Newly Identified Deaf Children, Northampton
11-13th Oct  Families with Newly Identified Deaf Children - London

The NDCSwebteam have prepared video footage explaining what happens at an NDCS weekend

Royal Court Theartre's Signed Video - Open Court

Royal Court Theatre's are hosting  Open Court – a six week festival (10 June – 20 July) of plays, ideas and events chosen and suggested by a group of over 140 writers.

Below is a signed video describing their upcoming performances

For further information go to http://www.royalcourttheatre.co.uk

PDDCS member's winning film entry

Late last year we promoted the NDCS create competition. This week the NDCS have announced the winning results and .....from the 17 deaf young people aged 12-14 who took part in the competition, our very own PDDCS member, Calum, won with his entry ‘How to be happy and safe in a mainstream school’.

The film piece created by Calum and his peers promotes a positive message, with great timing to be released during the National Deaf Awareness week. Well done to all the young people involved in the clip!

To learn more about the Create! competition click here