Borders Deaf Awareness Group

Offering advice and support to those with a hearing problem and their families

Are you, or someone you know, hard of hearing, deaf or need help and advice?

The Borders Deaf Awareness Group was set up in 1996 by a small number of local Deaf and Hard of hearing people.

The groups aims are:

• To heighten public awareness of deafness and the difficulties faced by Deaf/Hard of hearing people
• To offer information and advice to individuals with hearing loss, their families and friends
• To campaign on behalf of local Deaf/Hard of hearing people for equal access to servcies

Borders Deaf Awareness Group has organised the following events:

• 'Be Seen To Be Heard' - All Borders GPs, Councillors, Social Workers, Health Care workers, Council employees and Hospitals were contacted and made aware of how to improve their communication with Deaf/Hard of hearing people
• 'Deafness Matters' was a campaign to alert post offfices and banks to the difficulties of hearing without the benefits of a counter loop system
• 'Supermarket Roadshows' was a mobile display of equipment useful to Deaf and Hard of hearing people, which could be seen at a number of local supermarkets

Borders Deaf Awareness Group has represented the views of Deaf and Hard of hearing to the council during public consultation meetings for the 'Community Care Plan 1998 - 2001'

Borders Deaf Awareness Group is represented on the Council's working group, which is looking at the Disability Discrimination Act and its implications for the Borders.

Group members are available to give interesting and informative talks to local organisations or clubs and would welcome invitations. We also have trained deaf awareness instructors.

Borders Deaf Awareness Group would welcome new members and supporters. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have an interest in deafness, please get in touch.

We need you!

Contact:
Pam Fraser 01896 830146 (Chairperson)
Lesley Stewart 01896 753253 (Secretary)