The Lancashire Evening Post has revealed plans for the deaf charity Deafway, based in Preston, to build an ’embassy’ for the world’s deaf community.
The centre would be built at Deafway’s base in Fishwick, with plans including an art gallery, theatre and conference facilities.
The article reports Deafway’s Chief executive David Hynes as saying: “If you look at any other group in the world which has its own language and its own culture, it has a country it is based in and within other countries there are embassies to promote that culture and language.
“The deaf community globally has as rich a culture and language as any other community and yet it has nowhere to positively promote that, it needs an embassy as a place to do that. What we are planning here is a building which deaf people from across the world will come to and be proud of to celebrate their culture.”
To read the full article, click here: http://www.lep.co.uk/community/embassy-dream-for-city-group-1-4484243
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Suzie
April 26, 2012
Come on David Hynes – and Charlie and LEP! You know we need to start thinking outside the box and including the rest of us (who are Oral deaf) in these plans – there is FAR too much focus on BSL – Preston is in an area of heavy industry and there are LOADS of HOH/Deafened people who need your support – add lipreading classess and communication skills / tactics to your list of support…. I’m here if you need me!
Liz
April 26, 2012
I’m not sure what to think about this. On one hand, I feel like it could be incredibly positive – we can feel as though there is a hub and a place where deafhood is recognised and celebrated. Especially it would be a positive place for future generations to learn about deaf identity, BSL, deaf issues and how to promote support for deaf people – whatever communication choices they make. A dream of mine is to visit Gallaudet University in Washington DC – because in the US, deaf identity is far stronger and more centralised than in the UK. I don’t feel that deaf identity is only about BSL (in response to Suzie) – because it is also about history, culture, self identity, building up confidence and connecting with other people who come against the same issues. I’m ‘oral’ deaf too, but I think everyone feels different and I would love to see a place where all these myriad identities can come together and not feel alienated by each other.
Shaneybo
April 26, 2012
@Suzie: come learn BSL and be part of the deaf community. The deaf embassy will represent the Deaf Nation i.e. the deaf community.
@Liz: deaf identity is not stronger in the US, unfortunately – it would be good if it is the case – deaf identity is stronger in Europe because of our focus on creating stronger and united communities in Europe for our people; deaf people. It is really cool that they have a “deaf mecca” at Gallaudet but most deaf people in the US don’t look at Gallaudet as their mecca although.