Progress

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Deaf Essential Access Forum (D.E.A.F.) - THE WAY FORWARD

 

Progress So Far

Eight months on, D.E.A.F. voluntary action has met with early successes:

- Eight months on, D.E.A.F. have met and developed relationships with service providers, such as the local education authority (Hearing Impairment Team), Social Services and the Health sector with a view of becoming potential local partners, therefore making inroads of recognition to the benefits of the local deaf people. 

 

- The service providers have gained interest and encouragement in supporting D.E.A.F. Quality of Life (QoL) programmes for Deaf people and working towards developing a new long term and sustainable relationship, which leads to partnerships.

 

- Councillor Peter Greenhalgh, from Freshbrook & Grange Park Ward is giving support to D.E.A.F. projections.

 

- Early partnerships were formed with the “Hands On” Interpreting Agency based in Swindon, aiming to acquire funds from potential partners for communication access using Language Service Professional (LSP) interpreters in all situations including health and the social services, to seek sponsorship and future grant issues should funds become available.

 

- A  partnership has been formed with The Parent and Toddler group “Deaf Dalmatians” a group of deaf parents with hearing children (or hearing parents with deaf children - or any mix) so that parents in this situation can feel that they are not alone. Funding was sought from Barnado’s to provide a nursery unit at Robert Le Kyng School off Westcott Place, Swindon.

 

- Some sponsorship has been obtained from a London based Multimedia company– “Remark!” formed by parents of deaf children living in Swindon. “Remark!” Team have developed our new website.

 

- £6300 was given by Swindon Deaf Social Club

 

- In addition, Swindon Borough Council has sought a community centre for Deaf people to hold their Deaf Social Club on a regular basis from September.

 

- A local accounting firm, owned by Jacky Hobday’s “Accounts On Us”, have sponsored reduced costs for services

 

- Super Marine Rugby Football Club has provided their venue at a reduced cost for our Fun Day to be held on 26th August 2007.