Matt Dixon: It would be fantastic if Westminster was swamped with deaf people. Come along.

In life, opportunities will always present themselves but the question is; do you ignore them?

The reason why I say this is because of the recent announcement of BDA’s Sign Language week 2014 named ‘Strengthen our Rights’ and the exciting Deaf Lobby Day to be held on 17th March within the Houses of Parliament.

David Buxton and BDA have arranged this fantastic opportunity to actually go and meet your MP. It’s a chance to talk to them tell and them your issues face to face. All you have to do is send them a letter and ask them to turn up on the day. Interpreters will be provided.

It would be fantastic if Westminster was swamped with Deaf people, engaging in conversation, showing them that we really do care and all we are simply asking for is equality and inclusion.

I can say on behalf of Spit the Dummy and Campaign for BSL Act (STDC) that we are pleased to be a part of this unique opportunity to lobby MPs within Westminster’s walls.

STDC have just celebrated their one year anniversary. Deaf comedian and teacher, John Smith, set up the Facebook group on 24th February 2013 and we are still going from strength to strength. A lot has happened in the past 12 months. We can look back and can say it has been an extremely busy year!

Campaigning for change is not easy and we have been blocked on more than one occasion. Remember Early Day Motion 1167 and then the Private members bill?

The support from within the deaf community is there and our members work tirelessly to complete campaign objectives. Just because those avenues didn’t work out does not mean that we simply give up.

I’ve been on the Facebook admin team for STDC since the early days and I love it. It can be very testing at times but nerveless, I can say on behalf of the Admin Team that it is an honour to be a part of it.

The main thing that keeps us motivated is watching the group wall. It’s brilliant to see the deaf community engaging, discussing problems and supporting each other. It’s shocking to see how many members share the same experiences but brilliant to see how many members have become empowered to stand up for their rights.

Going to Parliament on the 17^th March is another important way to do it. There are only a few places left.

For more information please see the BDA website about the Deaf Lobby Day:http://www.bda.org.uk/Deaf_Lobby_-_17th_March_2014 or see the event page on the STDC group pages https://www.facebook.com/groups/bslact/#!/events/500474993394280/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

By Matt Dixon. 

Matt Dixon is a campaigner for the rights of sign language users, a trainee sign language interpreter and a member of the Spit the Dummy and Campaign for BSL Act Admin Team. You can follow Matt on Twitter @foreverbsl

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