GAVIN NEWLANDS MP BACKS CHARITY’S ‘DON’T BE A DONUT, BE DEAF AWARE’ CAMPAIGN

Gavin Newlands MP is backing a charity’s campaign which aims to ensure that Renfrewshire residents who are Deaf or have hearing loss are not left out of everyday conversations.

During Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May), the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North is urging constituents to get involved in Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s #DontBeADonut #BeDeafAware conversations on Facebook and Twitter at @hearinglossSCO and on Instagram at @actiononhearinglossscotland.

The MP is also encouraging everyone to take on board the charity’s deaf awareness top tips to help include people who are deaf in chats, discussions or meetings:

• Before you start speaking with someone who is deaf, get their attention first by waving or tapping them on the arm.
• Find a suitable place to talk, away from loud noise or distractions.
• Ask the deaf person if they lipread and, if they do, don’t exaggerate your lip movements or cover your mouth and have the conversation in a well-lit area.
• Don’t shout as it can be uncomfortable for hearing aid users and look aggressive.
• Speak clearly and check the person you are speaking to is following the conversation. If they don’t understand, try saying it in a different way.
• If you’re using communication support, such as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, always remember to talk directly to the person who is deaf.

Gavin Newlands MP said: “I’m delighted to back Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s Deaf Awareness Week #DontBeADonut #BeDeafAware campaign calling on everyone in Paisley and Renfrewshire North to follow the charity’s top communication tips which can make a huge difference in helping local people who are Deaf or have hearing loss to have better opportunities to participate in everyday chats and discussions.”

For details about how you can get involved in the charity’s Deaf Awareness Week activities, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/DAW19, call/text: 07388 227407 or email: scotland@hearingloss.org.uk. Donations of £3 can be made by texting ‘GIFT’ to 70099.