Hearing impaired in England?

Well, from the curiosity standpoint of learning BSL, it's interesting to watch! And yes, ASL is similar in that it leaves out the "little" words and word order can be different. There are also a whole bunch of signs that are really more visual than actual words. Can be hard to interpret sometimes! I'd love to learn BSL. I got a book on French sign years ago. It's very similar to ASL because that's where we based our sign on (Gallaudet, and all that!) I might try to look for something this summer when I'm in London. I bet there's a good book that could get me started at least. I need to practice the alphabet again. I forgot it!

Even kids programming incorporates signing.  I know Baby First (Sky 624) has a couple programs with it and Cbeebies has the program Something Special which is designed for kids with learning difficulties, but is still enjoyable for kids of all ages.  Plus it incorporates signs throughout, so kids can pick 'em up and use them in daily life. 

I know the reasons for doing signs with children is different than for hearing impaired, but there are a lot of books for parents on what the BSL & Makaton signs are to teach to and use with your children in order to better communicate - its all just down to a willingness to learn and use. 

Currently, my biggest frustrations are with the NHS and Border Agency.

My doctor's office refuses to provide any sort of personalised alert to let me know when it is my turn to be seen and where I am to go.  Everything is done from some back room over loudspeaker, which I am unable to hear.  The NHS's solution is simply for me to find another GP.  Because a receptionist can't be bothered to take six steps and speak four words to me?  No.  Unacceptable.

I was refused emergency treatment by the only NHS dentist I could find locally, because of my hearing impairment.  She claimed she could not provide the specialised care she felt I required.  The only "specialised care" I requested was for her to either do her best to speak to my face, or have an assistant in a position visible to me who could repeat things.  While in excruciating pain, I was referred to a "sedation clinic" in another town, with a 5 month minimum wait for NHS patients.

At the Public Enquiries Office, having biometrics done: again with the loudspeaker.  I had informed the clerk upon checking in that I was hearing impaired, and might need some assistance, which she noted cheerfully.  Even my hearing husband missed a loudspeaker call for me; a person seated near us pointed it out.

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People on both sides of the pond are often surprised to learn that each country has its own Sign language, and that even two English speaking countries will have vastly differing Sign languages.  Also, hearing people too often assume everyone who is hearing impaired is fluent in Sign Language.  I have profoundly deaf friends who are not fluent.

I think my BSL proficiency has surpassed my ASL, but neither does me any good in a world where no one speaks either.
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Regarding signing on TV as opposed to text subs; text rarely does well to illustrate inflection, which signing can.

Thanks to all who are sharing support sites and suggesting places to contact for assistance and advocacy.

That's appalling for the GP and dentist to do that. Absolutely terrible.  Hopefully you can sort out some advocacy and get things you need. Although you shouldn't have to, it should already be there! Hang in there...

Personally, I'd report your GP and the dentist.  It's illegal not to make proper accomodations for people with disabilities.  Definitely contact the Equalities Commission (oh, I think that's what it is called now!) about this.

Certainly worth a complaint to the PCT.


Vicky

Even kids programming incorporates signing.

The BBC was producing shows with deaf children in mind over 40 years ago.   Anyone of my generation who grew up in Britain will almost certainly remember Vision On:

http://www.its-prof-again.co.uk/vision_on1.htm

That's horrible Schiann.  The requests that you made are reasonable and as others have said I would make a formal complaint to your PCT regarding your Dr & the Dentist.

Have you tried contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau to see what they say?  Them or one of the hearing impaired organisations would probably know the route to go to make a complaint regarding the treatment you've received (possibly even logging up other complaints too), although Aless is probably right in the Equalities Commision route.  How rude!

I hope they work out their systems better for you!

Sorry if I am repeating anything anyone has said - I haven't read the whole thread.

I am sorry to hear about how you've been treated. I would make a complaint regarding the treatment from your GP
http://www.pals.nhs.uk/

You may also wish to seek advice from :
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

Deaf or hearing impaired people contacts in the UK:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/UsefulContactsByCategory/DisabledPeopleContacts/SpecificNeedsContacts/DG_10014897

Best of luck with everything.

The Equalities Commission website (http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/yourrights/equalityanddiscrimination/Disability/Pages/Accesstoservices.aspx) has this to say about access to services:

Access to services
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) gives you rights in the way you use services or receive goods.

It is unlawful for service providers to treat you less favourably because of your disability, and they must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you, such as giving you extra help or changing the way they provide their services. Following changes to the law in 2004, service providers must consider making changes to physical features of their premises so that there are no physical barriers which prevent you from using their services, or make it unreasonably difficult for you to do so.

It doesn’t matter whether or not you pay for the service; it’s providing the service that matters. Services include going to a restaurant, shopping for clothes or food, using the local library, going to church or visiting your solicitor or doctor.

A service doesn’t have to be impossible to use before a service provider has to make changes. They also have to make changes when it’s unreasonably difficult. They should think about whether any inconvenience, effort, discomfort or loss of dignity you experience in using the service would be considered unreasonable by other people, if they had to endure similar difficulties.

I know you shouldn't have to fight for your rights to equal access, but your surgery's behavior is truly out of line - as is the dentists.  There IS legislation in place to help you and a good scolding is what these people need.  There's more on the website about what sort of rights you have and what sort of assistance you are entitled to.

As a deaf woman with a cochlear implant who's planning on going to university in England in six months, this thread was a bit scary.  Fortunately, I won't be dependent upon an interpreter (I only have one course that I would have to take before focusing on my research) but incredibly, there are actually one or two interpreters who are proficient in a form of American sign language who could assist me if I needed them to.  I wonder if those negative experiences with doctors and dentists are widespread?? Have other deaf people in the UK noted such experiences?