Xceptional Leaders Podcast’s Post

🌟 Wishing everyone a Happy Half Term! 🌟 As we take a break, let's pause to appreciate time with our loved ones and recharge for the journey ahead. Whether it's family time, catching up on hobbies, or simply enjoying some well-deserved rest, I hope this break brings you joy and rejuvenation. Remember, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it's crucial to keep in mind the importance of inclusivity and understanding. With that in mind, I would like to invite you to consider the significance of learning British Sign Language (BSL). In a world where communication is key, BSL serves as a vital bridge between the hearing and deaf communities. As an advocate for deaf rights, I'm deeply committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community and fostering a more inclusive society for all. **Did you know that according to RNID, 12 million deaf adults in the UK experience some form of hearing loss or tinnitus? That's 1 in every 5 adults. Additionally, 40% of people over 50 and 70% of those over 70 have some degree of hearing loss. These statistics underscore the importance of promoting deaf awareness and accessibility in our daily lives.** As we look towards the future, it's inspiring to see progress being made. In 2025, BSL will become a part of the curriculum, offering students the opportunity to learn and appreciate this invaluable language. By equipping ourselves with the tools to communicate effectively, we not only empower individuals but also foster a more inclusive and empathetic society. Let's seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and advocate for positive change. Together, we can build a world where everyone's voice is heard and valued. I wish you all a wonderful break filled with happiness and meaningful connections. Let's come back refreshed and ready to make a difference! #HappyHalfTerm #BSL #Inclusivity #DeafAwareness #BridgeTheGap 🤟🏼✨ Ahmed Mudawi, Craig Crowley MBE FRSA, Craig Jones, Tony Barlow 🤫Hurley-SHBSL🤫, Reg Cobb, Rebecca Mansell MCIOF, Robert Adam, Dr Rob Wilks, Hamza Shaikh, Emma Iliffe, Dani Sive, Sara Williams-Ryan, Rachel Vann, Kathryn Townsend, James Reid, Sandra Duguid, Matthew H Jones, Jason Coombes, Asif Iqbal MBE BA (Hons), Tina K., Knightsbridge School, Sutton High School GDST, GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust), Falcons School for Girls, Sarah Olney, Fleur Anderson, Munira Wilson, Shona Colaco, Faisal J. Abbas, Reshma Sheikh, Michelle Parry, Helen Roberts, GDA (Gloucestershire Deaf Association), Nora Sibaey-Soliman, Jon Palmer

"There is not only one type of deafness, one diagnosis, one cause and only one method that deaf people use to communicate. Deaf and hard of hearing people are very much all individuals with unique circumstances and a mixed bag of life experiences. So don’t assume if you’ve met or worked with one deaf person, that everyone else will be the same... But what isn’t great is assuming we know what someone else needs. So please always ask what a deaf person requires accessibility wise." #DeafAwarenessWeek #Inclusion #Diversity https://lnkd.in/eiKcu3Mr

Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week! Did you know there are over 12 million deaf or hard of hearing people in the UK (including me)? This week is a great opportunity to celebrate Deaf culture and learn how to be a more inclusive colleague. Here are some top tips for communicating effectively with deaf colleagues, both online and in person: In person: - Get their attention: Tap them gently on the shoulder or wave your hand. - Face them: Make eye contact and ensure your lips are fully visible when speaking. - Light: Avoid having bright light behind you, as this can make lipreading difficult. - Be patient: Allow extra time for processing information and repeat yourself if necessary. - Not everyone uses BSL: Don't assume all deaf people use British Sign Language (BSL). Ask your colleague how they prefer to communicate. Online: - Captions: Always use captions on videos and pre-recorded meetings. Ideally use a human captioner for best accuracy. Look at NRCPD for information on qualified and registered stenographers and notetakers. The government's Access to Work scheme can fund this support, so why not arrange it? - Copies: Provide copies of slides, notes and transcripts as it's very difficult to follow conversation and read at the same time. When you screenshare, your picture becomes tiny - so lipreading becomes near impossible. - Backgrounds: Avoid virtual or blurred backgrounds as they make it more difficult to lipread and observe your body language and gestures. Remember: - Every deaf person is an individual: Their communication preferences may differ, so always ask for clarification. - Be open to learning: There are many resources available to improve your communication skills with deaf colleagues. - Don't assume - just because a deaf person can speak doesn't mean they are not 'that' deaf nor does using BSL mean someone cannot also speak. #DeafAwarenessWeek #Inclusion Additional resources: NRCPD, Hearing Dogs For Deaf People, RNID, British Deaf Association, Lipspeaker UK, And us at Leonard Cheshire - my team can provide more broad disability awareness training and consultancy services, so drop me an email at training@leonardcheshire.org

🌟 Did you know? Cumbria Deaf Association (CDA) has been a vital part of the community since 1896, providing a safe space for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to connect, learn, and thrive. CDA has grown to become a beacon of support, advocacy, and empowerment for the Deaf community across Cumbria. Here are a few amazing facts about CDA that might inspire you to get involved: 🔹 British Sign Language (BSL) Hub: CDA offers resources for learning BSL—whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills. Connecting through sign language opens the door to new friendships and deeper understanding of Deaf culture. Imagine the impact of becoming part of a fully inclusive, bilingual community! 🔹 Mental Health Support: Deaf individuals are twice as likely to experience mental health challenges due to barriers in communication and accessibility. CDA is leading the way with tailored mental health services that are fully accessible to the Deaf community, including therapy sessions with BSL-fluent professionals. It’s an amazing step towards creating equal access to mental health care. 🔹 Deaf Awareness & Advocacy: CDA works tirelessly to promote Deaf awareness and break down the communication barriers that Deaf people face daily. Through training programs, advocacy, and community events, CDA is changing the way businesses and services engage with the Deaf community—making society more inclusive for all. 🔹 Community Events: From social clubs to educational workshops, CDA hosts vibrant events that celebrate Deaf culture and bring people together. Whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or a hearing ally, there’s a place for everyone to connect, learn, and have fun! Being part of CDA is not just about supporting an organization—it’s about becoming part of a diverse and thriving community where every voice is valued, no matter how it’s expressed. 👉 Want to get involved? Whether you’re interested in learning BSL, volunteering, or just want to learn more about Deaf culture, Cumbria Deaf Association has something for everyone. Together, we can break down barriers and make the world a more inclusive place for the Deaf community. #DeafAwareness #Inclusion #CumbriaDeafAssociation #SignLanguage #BSL #Community #Accessibility #MentalHealthAwareness

The exclusion of Deaf mentors, Auslan in the home, Auslan interpreters, and parent training from the early intervention framework for children aged 0-9 is not only concerning for the future of these children but also for the entire Deaf community. At PODC, we’ve continuously advocated for the inclusion of these supports because they are essential for language acquisition, social capital, and the development of a strong community identity for Deaf children. The omission of these services will have devastating impacts, not just on children and their families but also on those who have built careers providing these crucial supports. Through the lived experiences of our families and young adults who only found the Deaf community later in life, we know firsthand the harmful consequences for children who aren’t supported holistically. Without access to Auslan, Deaf mentors, and appropriate supports in the early years, many children face language deprivation, delays in development, and long-term social isolation. This, in turn, affects their emotional, psychological, and educational outcomes. It’s devastating to think that families may be forced to address these needs directly with the NDIS CEO to fight for support that should be a given. While allied health supports are provided as a certainty, crucial Deaf-specific services are left out. This not only places an enormous burden on families but highlights the urgent need for Deaf-led and Deaf-specialist organisations to have a voice in shaping these frameworks. Their lived expertise is essential to ensuring these decisions truly reflect the needs of the Deaf community. Even more distressing is the impact this will have on the workforce. A whole cohort of people with lived experience of deafness who have put their heart and soul into building up Auslan in the home and Deaf mentoring services will suddenly find themselves unemployed. These individuals have dedicated themselves to these services, creating life-changing opportunities for families, only to see these critical supports dismissed. The fact that these services have been excluded from the early intervention framework pushes children and families back towards a medical model of disability—a model that we know does not work. The exclusion of these services is deeply disappointing and underscores how much more needs to be done to recognise the holistic needs of Deaf children and their families. We will continue to advocate tirelessly for the inclusion of these supports and for a system that genuinely reflects the needs of Deaf children, their families. https://lnkd.in/gmK3Cuwt Deaf Connect Deaf Australia Inc Deaf Victoria Inc. Alastair McEwin AM Gary Kerridge Darlene Thornton Expression Australia Bill Shorten NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission National Disability Insurance Agency Dr George Taleporos (GAICD, PhD) Department of Social Services (DSS)

**Urgent Call for Support to Preserve a 60-Year Legacy at Parents of Deaf Children (PODC)** 🚨 We Need Your Help! 🚨 For over 60 years, Parents of Deaf Children (PODC) has championed the rights and needs of families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, creating a vital community of support and advocacy. Today, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Following an unexpected outcome in our recent grant application, our core funding has ceased, putting our operations at risk of closure by June 30, 2024. **Who We Are and What We Do:** PODC is unique. Staffed by a dedicated team of both hearing and Deaf individuals, we provide unmatched support tailored to the specific needs of Deaf children and their families. Our services include not just advocacy but also practical support and community-building that no other organisation offers. From the grassroots support for language access to extensive resources on navigating educational and health care systems, our role is irreplaceable. **Our Advocacy Work:** In the past, our advocacy has shone a light on critical issues, such as the necessity for sustained funding and the inclusion of Deaf and Hard of Hearing perspectives in policy-making. Our efforts have been instrumental in maintaining a dialogue with policymakers and ensuring that our community’s voice is heard at all levels. **Our Concerns:** The closure of PODC would not only signify the loss of an essential service but would also mean the disappearance of a 60-plus-year repository of history, knowledge, and community connections that have supported countless families across generations. We are concerned about the move towards a clinical, medical model of disability that may not fully address or respect the cultural and community-based model of Deafness, which values Deaf culture and community connections. **Our Impact:** The work we do is life-changing. We've been part of incredible initiatives like supporting new parents navigating their child's diagnosis, providing resources and workshops, and celebrating Deaf culture through community events that affirm the identity and capabilities of Deaf individuals. **How You Can Help:** We are reaching out to our network and beyond for support—be it advice on alternative funding avenues, introductions to potential partners, or direct support. Any assistance to help us continue our mission would be invaluable. 🔗 Please connect with us if you can help, or share this message widely to extend our reach. Let’s ensure that the voices of Deaf children and their families continue to be heard and that this crucial support network does not disappear. #DeafChildren #PODC #NonprofitSupport #CommunityAdvocacy #SavePODC

What would you do if a Deaf individual came into your place of work? Would you or your office support staff know what to do? Do you feel uncomfortable at the thought of interacting with a Deaf individual? How much do you know about the Deaf community? This 1-hour and 15 minute live webinar is facilitated by Alma Pizarro-Gould, a Deaf facilitator, and will provide a crash course in terminology and important social context related to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This training will discuss culturally Deaf behavior, communication modalities, and will offer basic guidance regarding how to communicate with a Deaf person. This training seeks to raise awareness of Deaf culture and provide hearing people with important perspective so they may be allies to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Participants will be able to: Acquire knowledge of Deaf Culture and terminology. Examine the impact of hearing loss. Identify communication methods that can be applied when working with the Deaf population. This training is $12 for the general public, and $30 for individuals seeking Continuing Education credits. Start your journey in Deaf awareness and inclusion here: https://lnkd.in/gC-2BHAs

Closing Deaf Awareness Month: Deaf, DeafBlind, & BIPOC-Owned Marketing Agency We don’t just understand accessibility—we live it every day. 365 days a year. Access. Inclusion. Equity. We’re here to help your business remove barriers & reach Deaf & Hard of Hearing communities. Ready to partner with us to make your brand accessible? Contact us! info@deflensmedia.com I  313 - 552 - 2989 I linktr.ee/deflensmedia #accessiblemarketing #accessibility #inclusion #inclusive #visualaccessibility #visualmarketing #deafowned #deafawarenessmonth #celebratedeafawarenessmonth #deaf #deafculture #deafcommunity #deafrights #americansignlanguage #signlanguage #whyisign #signlanguageisahumanright #hardofhearing #captioning #transcription Image Description: A flyer for Def Lens Media, an agency offering accessibility services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. The top portion features the text "Deaf Awareness Month" in white font against a teal background. Below, the agency’s logo is displayed on the left, surrounded by colorful shapes and the letters “DLM” in black, teal, yellow, and red. To the right, the company name "Def Lens Media" is prominently written in bold. Underneath, a list of services includes "Visual Design," "Captioning & Transcription," "Visual Accessibility Consulting," and "More Services," each accompanied by a directional arrow pointing left in bold black. The bottom section is divided into three parts: "See It." in yellow, "Feel It." in teal, and "Live It." in red, all set against a black background.

In recognition of Deaf Awareness Month, we wanted to reshare our latest podcast episode on Deaf Inclusion! 🎧 In this insightful conversation, our guest Jess Reynolds from Sign Solutions sheds light on the crucial topic of deaf inclusion and equity in both the workplace and service delivery. From face-to-face to video interpreting and translations, Sign Solutions offers a range of vital services discussed in this episode. Join us as we delve into the barriers faced by deaf individuals in accessing equitable services and the pressing need for greater awareness. Legal frameworks such as the British Sign Language (BSL) Act and the Equality Act are highlighted, underlining the importance of promoting accessibility and inclusion. We also tackle common myths surrounding the hiring of deaf individuals and stress the significance of making adjustments and providing support to foster an inclusive environment. We hope this episode enriches your understanding and inspires positive action towards creating a more inclusive society. 🌍 Listen to the podcast episode here: https://lnkd.in/dfnaVZ6u https://lnkd.in/dPTM47YK Additionally, for valuable resources on supporting employees who are deaf or have hearing loss, check out the workbook from Action on Hearing Loss: https://lnkd.in/eS6irqga Please help us share these resources with your network and help raise awareness this week and every week. #DeafAwarenessMonth #DiversityandInclusion #Accessibility #InclusiveWorkplace #DiverseMatters #DEIUK #InclusionTraining #Coaching #BespokeServices #DEICompliance #InclusiveWorkplaceUK #Diversity #Equality #Inclusion #DEISpeakers #EventManagement #DEIPolicy #DEIAudits #DEIServices @natashabroomfieldr

Xfinity, the national internet service provider for parent company Comcast, has launched its in-store American Sign Language (ASL) translation services to the public this week. This groundbreaking service offers live on-demand, remote ASL interpreting services for deaf customers, making it the first of its kind in the country. At Caption Consulting, we understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all individuals, which is why we are so impressed with Xfinity's commitment to accessibility. This new service allows anyone to walk into the store and instantly access an ASL interpreter through video calls, similar to a Zoom call. This level of inclusion may seem small, but it’s actually a huge step forward in breaking down barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing community. The decision to roll out this technology in San Jose first was deliberate, as it is in close proximity to the California School for the Deaf in Fremont. "Accessibility is everyone's job," Kat Zigmont, senior director of operations and deputy director at the World Institute on Disability, reminds us. https://lnkd.in/ghhfiJez #AccessibilityIsEveryonesJob #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #ASLInterpreting #TechForAll #DeafCommunity #XfinityAccessibility #CaptioningServices #CaptionConsulting