eKitabu’s Post

Nothing can hold back a deaf girl from building a bright future if she has access to quality education. When you empower her with education, you give her the tools to dream big and pursue a bright future. This creates ripples of change, not just in her life, but also for her family and community. When you uplift her, you uplift an entire generation. Enable education for a deaf girl today: https://lnkd.in/dmSFXqQR

Congratulations to all the Members of Parliament elected to the House of Commons👏 This Parliament must champion deaf children. It must support the urgent investment needed in early, effective support for all deaf children to develop language and communication, whether they use sign language, spoken language or both. Deaf children in the UK currently face a lifetime of disadvantage without access to early, effective support to develop language and communication. But together, we can change this.  For those families who want their deaf child to learn to listen and talk, increasing access to Auditory Verbal therapy is vital. Recent public research shows that 85% of UK adults believe Auditory Verbal therapy should be available to deaf children via publicly funded services. But currently, less than 10% of deaf children can access this support.  We’re ready to work with you to ensure all deaf children have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers.  It’s time to Hear Us Now.  https://lnkd.in/d5tvqnqh  #HearUsNow #GeneralElection #UKParliament #DeafChildren #VitalSupport  

Very powerful illustration of some of the challenges in accessing equal communication. So very wrong to know that this is rampant across many areas not just in education.

It is sad to see that accessibility is still problematic for deaf children today in mainstream schools. I remember all too well the horrendous feed-back, squeeks and cackles of wearing an often faulty radio aid at school. A device that really wasn't fit for purpose... Every child deserves the chance to engage fully in education, regardless of hearing ability. That means providing adequate support, whether through sign language interpreters, assistive technology, or ensuring teachers have the skills to communicate inclusively. It’s not just about accommodating differences but celebrating them, fostering environments where every child can thrive. Accessibility is a right, not a privilege. Let's continue pushing for schools that champion equal opportunities for all students. #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveEducation #DeafAwareness #WaterlooRoad #EducationForAll

Communication is a basic human right.

This is such an impactful and important video and kudos to Waterloo Road for including this storyline. As someone who lost their hearing later in life, I can’t imagine the challenges of starting school as a deaf student. It’s crucial that students with accessibility needs receive support from the very beginning. Comprehensive plans must be in place well ahead of time and regularly reviewed to ensure that all students, regardless of their needs, have the opportunity to thrive. This extends beyond the classroom into the workforce as well. As someone who is profoundly deaf in both ears, I’ve faced these challenges firsthand. Currently, I rely on lip reading in the office because my hearing aids are broken, and I’m stuck in a slow, frustrating process with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) in Australia to get them replaced. There is a serious lack of support for individuals with hearing impairments who fall between the ages of 26 and 60. Hearing aids and other necessary equipment can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000, and without that kind of disposable income, it’s nearly impossible to access what’s needed to do your job effectively. I’m fortunate to have worked in places that have done their best to assist, but the reality is that unless there’s comprehensive support in place, many are left struggling. The goal of this post is twofold: first, to emphasize the need to support students and workers with accessibility requirements fully, from the start, to give them the best possible chance to succeed and contribute. And second, to urge the Australian Government to streamline the NDIA’s processes so that people aren’t left waiting over nine months just for approval, followed by even more delays for basic communication and plan discussions. It’s a matter of dignity and inclusion. Do better, so we can just ‘do’.

Waterloo Road and the BBC have highlighted how difficult it can be for Deaf children in school when inadequate or inappropriate support is put in place. Bravo for highlighting such an important issue. All schools should have an accessibility audit and access plan that sets out how they will facilitate access for all students. This is reviewed by Ofsted as part of school inspection programmes. Local authorities should also consider if specialist provision is required - I benefited from attending a Deaf school but had to fight for funding both to secure a place initially and to remain in Sixth Form when Surrey tried to force a movement to a local college placement as cheaper than specialist provision. #SEND #School #Deaf #Accessibility #Inclusion

Must watch, powerful video!

This clip from Waterloo Road about deaf student, Luca, is such a powerful reminder of the importance of accessibility. https://lnkd.in/ek9rHTfW When we talk about equity, we are talking about making the necessary adjustments to get each person to a more level starting point. We are really talking about fairness and inclusion. When we get this right, we contribute to a culture where individuals can thrive and have a real chance to get the most out of life - in education, in employment, in every social interaction. That's why EDI work matters and why it will always matter. In a world which too often disables, let's be the enablers. #accessibility #disability #enabled #EquityDiversityInclusion https://lnkd.in/ek9rHTfW

This hits different for anyone who struggles with being understood and/or understanding. We may never realize/appreciate the pain exclusion/isolation can cause an individual until we experience it first hand. The costs of excluding even one mind are too high, both for the individual and the society. We all can help! Educate yourself, your friends, your colleagues, and your children on the power of advocacy. Knowledge breeds awareness and awareness leads to action. Insist on inclusion for all. Together is the only way forward. #Inclusivity #MentalHealth #Accessibilty #DisabiltyInclusion