The charity deafPLUS has launched a manifesto of policies which would benefit Deaf and hard of hearing people in the upcoming general election.
The manifesto can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking here.
The charity did the same for the general election in 2015 and has now quickly updated the policies, drawing upon its experience of working with thousands of d/Deaf people across the country each year, in the hope that the policies may influence the major political parties and that people will ask local candidates to adopt them.
The suggested policies in the manifesto include:
- BSL Bill – to “provide formal recognition of British Sign Language throughout England and Wales”
- Accessible High Street services – companies to publish what reasonable adjustments they put in place for deaf customers
- Improved access to mental health services for D/deaf people
- Better access to NHS information
- A stop to rationing of hearing aids
- Better communication support for D/deaf people who live in care homes
- Broadcasting legislation to be updated to reflect advances in technology and the advent of on-demand services
- Improvements to Access to Work provision
Gary Williams, CEO of deafPLUS said:
“Like most people, we were surprised when Theresa May called the snap election. There is an brief opportunity for the d/Deaf community to influence the political parties as they put their detailed policy platforms together. That is why deafPLUS has worked quickly to put a deafPLUS Manifesto together. It draws upon our experience of working with thousands of d/Deaf people across the country each year.
The manifesto has been sent to each of the major parties. I have asked that they consider including in their own election policy documents. It is my hope that Limping Chicken Readers might also use the deafPLUS manifesto to challenge their local candidates on issues of concern to them. In this way, together, we might be able to put Deaf issues on the political agenda, and bring about positive change for Deaf people and people living with hearing loss.”
Download the manifesto as a PDF by clicking here.
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Tim
April 26, 2017
Nothing about social security? A horrendous oversight.
May I remind you that hearing people do not hire Deaf people a lot of the time, but they still need to pay the bills somehow?
Is Deafplus run by a hearing person or persons? That might explain this omission.
A lot of good policies, but you cannot overlook important things like this.
Hartmut
April 26, 2017
Excellent to publish a “manifesto” and let the parties know that the points listed there are in fact demands. “Manifesto” as we understand in history is different in content and language. It is broadly formulated, and usually contains a description of the problems, both historically and currently, which Deaf people face living in the society whose power is wielded by the hearing people who historically denies Deaf people their right to exist as a socio-cultural ethnic group in the British society. Label the different exeriences by the Deaf as forms of suppression (stronger and more pertinent than “discrimination”) against an ethnic minority group. Then address what changes ought to be implemented in the society, which often means legislations need to be enacted.
Recognition of a minority language alone is meek, only a gesture. You cannot sue based on this very well. You need to specify what actions are needed to make the changes to happen, for example, all public information by all branches of the government and institutions should also be transmitted in sign language, all branches of government in frequent contact with the public should have access points for Deaf citizens, etc. Deaf children must not be denied to sign language.
Also it should be formulated what constitute (plural!) complete access for deaf people to information and entertainment as well as cultural enrichment.
Cathy
April 27, 2017
This is an interesting manifesto. But I would like to know how it is expected to be achieved? For example: “better communication in care homes”. Does this mean an interpreter will be on standby? This is going to be extremely expensive especially as there will most likely only be 1 Deaf person in the home! Or will this mean hearing staff are all forced by law to learn sign language?!
Both ideas are unworkable! An interpreter would grow bored on standby and choose other work. Staff could not be forced to sign without causing them to leave the job!
This is precisely why I set up my charity for Deaf Care homes to be built. Information from FB shows that Deaf people want to be together, not all split up with one here and one there!