Deaf children and young people's rights .. what are they?

It's important to know your rights and that especially true for young deaf people to ensure that they can get the most our of what's on offer here in the UK and from life. 

The BDA (British Deaf Association) has been working with organisations in Wales to produce a video informing young deaf people of their rights. This from the BDA site:

To produce information about United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) aimed Deaf Children and Young People to give equal access to all Deaf young people in British Sign Language and the aim is to empower the young people with knowledge's to increase awareness of rights, responsibilities and participation.

This film was produced by Deffo! Welsh Deaf Youth Forum and BDA with support from ProMo-Cymru and CLIConline, also funded by Welsh Government in building a resources that is the first of its kind in Wales aimed specifically at Deaf Children and Young People which informs them of their rights in BSL.

The BDA would like to thank the staff from Promo Cymru, volunteers and Deaf young people who took part and contributed to the film also Welsh Government for funded this project to allow Deaf Children and Young people to have access to information in the choice of their preferred languages.

Check out the fully signed and subtitled video here

Sign Language is a human right!

Did you know that sign language is mentioned in the UN Declaration on Human Rights? Well, it is, and these youngsters tell you all about in this video. Check it out! Know your rights!

Access at the doctors surgery - Do you know your rights?

To inform and remind deaf young people and adults of their rights a PDDCS member has shared the following account of a recent appiontment at the doctor surgery and the positive follow up outcomes

"When my mum was rang the doctor for need appointment and also interpreter but not there because the receptionist said not there book for appointment. I have to bring my own to interpreter. When I arrive the healthy centre and waited for the doctor, the doctor called me then went the room and I found out the interpreter is not there made me fed up, angry, helpless and unhappy with the receptionist because the doctor always confuse when I have been explain what happened the past and why I be ill. I think receptionist cannot bother and not respect to each other that people is deaf.Today, I found out that my teacher of the deaf been told me good news about an interpreter. All deaf people have right to interpreter because my teacher of the deaf has campaign to make sure all doctor knows all deaf people wants interpreter. I was really happy and shock that happen and want to thanks to teacher of the deaf for help and made them more aware about deaf. I hope all the doctor will never happen again and not forget".

In response to this experience the following statement has been provided on behalf of NHS Peterborough:

"NHS Peterborough is committed equality of access to services for all including people with sensory difficulties regardless of age. Please refer to the NHS Interpretation and translation policy. We expect our patients to have a positive experience however should you experience any difficulty please do not hesitate to contact: Geeta Pankhania - Programme Lead and contact for complaints concerning the provision of Interpretation and Translation Services Tel: 01733 75859 Email geeta.pankhania@peterboroughpct.nhs.uk

Please note when booking an appointment to ask for an interpreter as they need advance booking.

Sri Lankan Deaf People March for Their Rights

Deaf People in Sri Lanka took to the streets of the capital city Colombo yesterday to demand better rights and access to education and employment.

Sri Lanka's government stand accused of not adhering to international human rights with respect to deaf people.

Federation Chairman H.G. Sarath Kumara said it was unfortunate that though the Sri Lankan Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also focused on the rights of deaf people, in reality these polices were not adhered to.

“The protection of deaf people’s rights as stated in the constitution and other policies state that we have the right to education, the right to work, the right to healthcare facilities, social protection, the right to take part in political affairs, the right to live among others as one community. However we do not have these rights and a vast majority of deaf people live in disparity,” Mr. Kumara said.

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