The Deaf at War.... (wartime memories)

How we beat deafness and taught my son to talk !

Our success with our deaf son from Sue Pietersen on Vimeo.

"My Son was Born Profoundly Deaf...His Speech is so Good Now, Some People Don't Even Know He's Deaf!"

There you go it can be done.

Disability the Final Frontier ?

In response to the buff and blue blog. Holes and digging springs to mind ? handicapped ? a term now obsolete and in fact no longer in use in the UK. You can't hear, you have a disablement, that disablement is sensory loss, it's pointless comparing hearing loss with limb loss. Obviously loss is less relevant if you were born with no hearing of use. If you cannot understand people without 'help/support/enablement' then this defines the disability, you need extra assistance than you would you if were hearing. An inability to hear alarms etc or hear warnings also defines risk factors associated with hearing loss. The fact you have no communication issues amongst people the same as you is not the issue, nor the fact you have a flashing alert..

You only need a flat battery to put you back where you started. The fact some deaf are against the disability tag is very much in some deaf being plain discriminatory, what is wrong with being disabled ? Are deaf tainted by association ? Dubious moral high ground there. Deaf should be mindful their attacks on the term can be seen as attacks on the people. You don't need a wheelchair to be disabled, and deafness (like mental health), is an invisible disablement. None the less real for that, and can create it's own and wider issues of disability.

When you apply of SSI do you say "I am deaf not disabled !" I think the fear would be you would lose money. Money needed to pay for support and adaptions to function alongside hearing or to attend a deaf Uni. One could argue that Gallaudet with an very high degree of deaf support should mean students do not need extra money for help. But, they aren't in Uni all the time. I think there are two sectors or more who have differing views on this. Born deaf less likely to see disablement, late deafened highly likely to feel very disabled, loss defines as does the timeline it is acquired.

However the fact you have no relation to hearing, or its loss, means the education and upbringing is highly specialised, maybe learn some speech (or not !), or sign language, literacy. The system recognises a huge disablement factor amongst born deaf in reality, even if they don't meet the needs for it, because deaf perhaps haven't the speech basics of even late-deafened in most part, or have really managed to integrate with mainstream.. Where late deafened struggle is with the psychological aspects of loss, it's like accepting the death of a close relative.

Some manage after time, some never do. Both deaf can suffer mental health issues because they may be isolated from peers or not able to manage the hearing environment at all. Britain's deaf children are reported to have 40% with MH issues, even with increased support available. For those who oppose disability Tags, there is not much logic attached to the view. What if 100% access was available ? would deaf STILL claim disability ? Certainly some still would, because full access alone will not be the answer to everyone's conception of how deafness affects them.

Access is only part of the issues deaf people face, disability suggests something more to it, and a lot of deaf are not willing to go with that, culture then is the justification used. Is there a disability culture ? You do not see blind cultures, even amongst deaf-blind.

Why I too say NO to Sorenson's.

The VRS Campaign at the Angel Hotel Cardiff

After arriving at Cardiff Hotel, I was shown into an ante-room where SOS (Sign on Screen), were holding a small but interesting display of technology, all was sign accessible. A number of people were there from Swansea, Cardiff, Bridgend, and 1 from Newport, a few Americans (Sorenson ?)

Later we were ushered into the main hall to listen to Paul make the introduction for the VRS campaign team, currently traversing the UK to get support for an national VRS (Video Relay Service) set up in the United Kingdom, and from a campaign apparently developed from Europe. I got to ask a few questions after the initial campaign speech, but was put on the spot by Carolyn Nabarro, and front of house ! to do BSL which isn't my thing at all and was left unsupported.

Curiously there was an lip-speaker/audio dialogue going on at front of house. For hearing aid using deaf ? or just the video they were making ? I rather expected some interpreter back up, but no-one offered, so I did the best I could sign-wise. I asked about interpreter staffing levels, and regional interpreting via VRS, was not really satisfied they gave a lucid or any answer to this question, and Ms Nabarro, was having difficulty following me I think. Very much an VRS campaign gig, but if they expect people like myself to take up VRS it is a non-starter, because I would see huge issues of lack of real information. Very vague on if the proposed system can accommodate various regional signs. Important given Wales has an reputed 43% variance.

The VRS campaign was deliberately targeting cities and ignored mid and north Wales. Most talk was about what 'London people' thought of european support for VRS and side-stepped questions about Sorenson involvement with Remark and others.

If the VRS campaign is to be narrowed down to the type of signers I saw today, then take up is going to be very poor, even if they succeed with a national campaign. How many will take the info BACK to their peers ? we will have to wait and see.... I was rather surprised the BDA rep said nothing at all, despite advertising on their website and sending their trustee there. Probing questions really needed to be put so deaf would know options, as usual it was the hard sell, and pleas of too short a time to have many questions !

There was a video or two, I am sure the Woolfe Family were in one of them, then again they are in everything aren't they. The vids very much staged, and you had to ask if in an emergency everyone would be as coherent as we saw. The VRS now! video wasn't in BSL but clearly sign english. There seemed a lack of understanding with some speakers, although I had asked about costs and stated the American/Canadian experience of losing street terps to VRS work, and the UK was still struggling 3 or 4 terps per 300 deaf, it was repeated again about 10 minutes later, and again not answered.... They needed text access as an extra, but I suppose the whole point was the assumption the system is solely for BSL using deaf only.

Which raised the issue how many exactly are there in Wales ? Surely not enough for an national set up ? The attack on 'English' was very much to the fore, so why all the publicity material was in it format, was a conundrum, I felt this was a sop to some deaf activism and not really useful to draw lines between deaf or 'Deaf' people, but accept this is sadly a norm now. The VRS accept deaf DO know English, but want to run a campaign on deaf NOT wanting it, or even unable to follow it.

I felt this shows some lack of deaf awareness at source of the VRS campaign, as most will have little issue with English. We had that 'preference' thing raised as an issue again, when the campaign is about NEED. Most deaf are freely bi-lingual and not really struggling as texting is a deaf norm now. Indeed was being used to twitter the proceeds of the meeting although twittering about the questions we raised was left out !

What sign would be used ? was another question I tried to put, would it be BSL /SE ?SSE? would we be able to insist on regional terps ? How ? there are less than 30 here in Wales as it is. Again VRS appeared vague on specifics, talked 'nationally' and in ignorance basically of the Welsh differences.... we were told only some 'central' area of interpreting, did not want to answer questions on who was supplying the system, but we all knew Sorenson's was behind it. I was left with the same questions I went with. Also it was evident the VRS campaign knows it doesn't need welsh support, as most meetings are in English highly populated areas.

E.G On the issue of medical interpreting, would deaf get a download of the diagnosis proceedings, as back up, and as a refer point if something went wrong or misunderstood ? Not the question anyone would really answer except, patient confidentiality and Hippocratic oaths, so NO basically. I'd prefer something to refer to in case (A) I Missed something or (B) wanted to raise issues, or even (C) not altogether following what the terp was stating, especially medical terminology. There would seem no back up if you misunderstood.

They needed to mirror speech to text access which offers a print out, I suppose the sign version would require a video output given, but how this was to be done.... VRS without these questions being asked or even answered, is going to be a non-starter I felt. Deaf in Wales also need to understand those who manufactures the VRS technology are using sales pitch and offering financing support to the VRS campaign, (TAG and UKCoD to name but 2 groups), we might ask is there a vested interested at work here ?

You bet there is,,,

Pictorial Dictionary by an 12yr old deaf girl

Some Welsh History for you. Pictorial dictionary by Eliza Pughe.

This volume was created by Eliza Pughe, Coch y big, Clynnog who was about 12 years old at the time. The biographical note inside the volume says that she was born about 1831 and died about 1850 and that she was deaf. It's possible that she received her education at home as no formal system of educating deaf children was developed until the 1890s, but this volume is proof that someone had endeavoured to educate Eliza Pughe.

The beginning of the nineteenth century saw a number of important developments in education for the deaf and it's possible that this volume shows this influence. In 1817 the American Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (1787-1851) founded a pioneering school for the deaf in the United States. He was following in the footsteps of other pioneers including the Scot, Thomas Braidwood (1715-1806) who had founded a school for the deaf in Edinburgh in 1760.

The book comprises a series of drawings to illustrate everyday words. Interestingly, often there is a Welsh term and an English term under the drawing. A note inside the cover states that the volume was bound by Eben Fardd (Ebenezer Thomas, 1802-1863).



View entire dictionary HERE

SOURCE

Deaf Charity helps smash world record

Pupils at five schools in Reading were among more than 100,000 children who helped a charity for the deaf smash a world record for the most people signing and singing a song in unison.

Youngsters at Park Lane Primary in Tilehurst, Farley Hill Primary in Farley Hill, Hemdean House in Caversham, New Bridge Nursery in Caversham and Manor Primary in Upper Basildon joined in the fundraiser to support the charity SignHealth last Wednesday.

They sang and performed sign language to The New Seekers 1970s hit I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing – and raised hundreds of pounds for the charity that provides health services specifically for hearing-impaired people.

Each of the 380 schools taking part received a DVD that showed the children how to sign the lyrics to the song before they all simultaneously burst into song at 2.45pm.

Students from the theatre arts, education and deaf studies class at The University of Reading also participated in the event, thereby beating by a mile the record that previously stood at 13,418 people.

Park Lane Primary School musical co-ordinator Lizzie Welch said: “It was absolutely brilliant. The children were so excited, sang so loudly and thought it was fantastic fun.

“Although we have no deaf children at the school it helped them understand that people sometimes need other ways to communicate.”

Hemdean House School deputy head Debbie Lee added: “We had the whole school singing from the nursery right up to the seniors and they were all really enthusiastic. The younger ones had been practising signing every day.

“It was a wonderful atmosphere and we have raised about £200.”

Buckinghamshire-based SignHealth provides an advocacy service, a housing service for those with mental health problems and a counselling service, as well as training and outreach projects.

The charity further commissions research into the health of deaf people and champions the rights of deaf people by lobbying, challenging and persuading government, policy makers and service providers on the issues they face.

Chief executive Steve Powell said: “Hundreds of schools from all over the country, including Reading, and overseas registered to take part in our Guinness World Record sign2sing project for the most people signing and singing at the same time.

“It has been a truly fantastic event and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part. At the moment we’re still counting the money raised but we’re hoping it will make a significant contribution to the work of the charity.”

SOURCE

Dorothy Miles Centre to Close ?

Last of the real Artistic deafies.....The Dorothy Miles Cultural Centre (DMCC) was established by a group of both Deaf and hearing friends in memory of Dorothy Miles. The charity was set up to enhance communication and understanding between deaf and hearing people through social, cultural and educational activities in the Surrey area.

DMCC has achieved so much over the past 13 years including; arts programmes, children's activity days, BSL courses, deaf awareness courses and numerous workshops and Deaf related events.

Unfortunately, following reduced funding to hold all these events and with the recession squeezing all our budgets, many of the activities DMCC were so good at have had to stop for the time being.

However, one key area that has continued to be successful is the BSL courses and a new organisation called Dot's Sign Language Limited will continue to offer these excellent courses in Guildford and Southfields (south London).

DMCC was named after Dorothy Miles, a sign language poet and playwright who worked in both the UK and America. She was also a research/tutor of American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). She was passionate about Deaf issues, culture and sign language and longed to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing people.

Dorothy Miles' vision was of deaf and hearing people learning, developing and working together. Through our BSL courses all of here at Dot's Sign Language, both deaf and hearing are working towards carrying out Dorothy's vision.

Deaf can be given driving licences, rules court

The Delhi High Court Monday asked the government to grant driving licences to deaf people, so far prohibited from driving under the Motor Vehicles Act, if they satisfy other necessary criteria.A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: “We are obliged to certify that if an applicant is totally deaf, he has to be called for the test if he applies for a learner’s licence without medical certificate and if he passes the test as required under the rule, then he shall be granted the learner’s licence as that is the statutory requirement.”

“Similarly if a person is totally deaf but satisfies the necessary criteria, he shall be allowed to obtain the (permanent) driving licence,” said the bench.

The Motor Vehicle Act currently prohibits hearing-impaired persons from driving on the grounds that they may pose danger to others.

SOURCE

The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) seeking the court’s direction to quash the “no hearing impairment” stipulation for issuing a driving licence.

In its petition, the association contended that the deaf are allowed to drive all over the world except in 26 countries, including India, as Indian vehicles lack gadgets that vehicles in other countries are equipped with to aid deaf people drive.

The court, however, declined to direct the central government to label deaf persons as “special category” persons in the act and issue directions for fitting vehicles with special gadgets for deaf to avoid accident, and said the legislature is empowered to make such provision in the law.

“We are not inclined to direct that the special conditions which are permitted by other countries for grant of licence to the persons who are completely deaf as the same, we are disposed to think, is in the domain of the legislature, for the legislature understands the prevalent conditions in a set up where separation of power is an insegregable facet of the basic structure of the Constitution of India,” said the bench.

So you think you can Sign ?

The deaf community via various campaigns through the world demand access and interpreters as a matter of course, and of rights,but,how many actually are proficient in sign language to utilise an interpreter properly ?

Today many Hard of Hearing and acquired/late deafened people acquire sign language to various degree, and include it with lip-reading whatever, so it's not a real guide as to an known standard of sign language proficiency. They can 'sign a bit' but will get lost with a trained terp. There have been debates over claims of ever-increasing use of sign language, but no increase or even reductions being shown, on interpreter demand and usages.

So what's happening here ? Are these people claiming to be sign users,but only use it as an extension of oral and other means ? and so adding to huge 'increases' in the signing deaf community statistics ? The uk has gone from 50K to 100K in a 5 years, despite drastic reductions in clubs and deaf schools, and still far from regulated application of BSL in education as most are mainstreamed. Of course most students of BSL in the UK are hearing not deaf people too.

How would you validate a deaf sign using and cultural deaf person ?

(1) Signs well, is at high standard of sign proficiency ?

(2) Signs moderately well, needs extra help from interpreters ?

(3) Signs, but has huge literacy problems so proficiency not really known ?

(4) Sign is very poor has multi-communication issues ?

(5) Has just done a few classes and is at very basic standard, can barely use a terp without hearing aids, CI's, lip-reading help, and text as well.

(6) Can sign moderately but has difficulty using random interpreters ?

(7) How many are effectively sign deficient ?

Yet all of the above have told when questioned they are BSL using cultural deaf people ? Are people who sign, deaf people par se ? You can well understand how sign language has been watered down. How many actually sign from birth to death alone ? 100% ? 50% ? less ?

Brit Woman's first totally implanted HA.

A woman has received Britain's first totally implanted hearing aid, at a cost of £30,000 to the NHS. The Otologics "Carina" middle ear implant device consists of a rechargeable battery, a signal processor and a microphone, which are all implanted under the skin. These are connected to a tiny electromagnetic vibrator which is positioned inside the mastoid bone behind the ear and attached to the hearing bones.

A casual observer cannot detect the implant at all as there is nothing on the outside of the head, while the ear canal is left open. Denise Westgate, 49, from Havant in Hampshire received the aid thanks to work from the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre (SOECIC), based at the University of Southampton. The total cost of her treatment was about £30,000, of which half was the device itself. It was paid for by the NHS after doctors argued she needed it, partly because she developed repeated infections from standard devices.

With standard hearing aids, the microphone and battery are on the outside of the patient, held in place over the implanted part of the device by a magnet. These are prone to being knocked off, damaged or getting wet. Wearers can also not hear when they take them off at night. Sarah Flynn, an audiologist from the SOECIC, explained that the Carina device worked by delivering a mechanical vibration directly to the hearing bones. The microphone picked up sounds from under the skin and transmitted them to the signal processor.

She said: ""The signal processor amplifies the sound based on the user's needs and transmits the amplified signal to the middle ear transducer. The transducer is positioned in a mounting system that allows it to contact and directly stimulate the hearing bones. "The main advantage of this approach is to bypass the external ear canal and deliver mechanical vibration directly to the hearing bones." Mrs Westgate lost her hearing when she was six and because of a closed right ear canal, she couldn't wear a conventional hearing aid.

She said: "I was nervous being the first person to undergo this operation but the difference it has made to my life is enormous. Suddenly there is all this sound that hasn't been there before, something as simple as the sound of water when I am washing my hair. "I have to use a charger to charge the internal battery for about 45 minutes every day but otherwise there is no external equipment to wear. I can leave it on overnight and can swim and shower with it in place." The operation was carried out at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth by consultant otolaryngologist, Mike Pringle.

About 700 of the devices have been implanted in patients around the world.

LINK

RNID Supporter advocates Awareness, ignores himself.

It is proving hard to work out is why Steve Norris is promoting the Royal National Institute for Deaf People’s (RNID) campaign to urge more of us to test our hearing and get help if we need it. In a question/answer session he was asked:

“Have you done one of the RNID’s online hearing checks?”
“No,” replies Norris, aghast.
“Have you been to your GP about hearing loss?”
“No.”
Last try, “Are you wearing a hearing aid?”
“No, I am not.”

Norris acts as if he might have strayed into the wrong meeting room at the central London HQ of one of his many business interests. In fact, hearing loss has been an issue for him since the age of seven. In the past, he has served on the board of the RNID and been governor of Mary Hare, a Berkshire school for the profoundly deaf. But giving a charity the benefit of his managerial skills is one thing; confessing to a weakness that affects nine million, often elderly, people in this country is quite different. After 58 years of poor hearing, he is not quite ready for it yet.

“It’s not so much vanity as an admission of the encroachment of age, a recognition of disability that I want to push away,” he explains, softening at the signs of despair in the man from the RNID sitting in on the interview.

Link

Obviously an ideal ambassador for the UK's largest 'hearing health' charity, but who scorns the very awareness they do.... and too stupid to get his ears checked out...

Marx out of 10 ? NIL !

From Australia ridicule of signing interpreting.

Quote by Jack Marx: "Some eagle-eyed viewers might have noticed a novel feature of Anna Bligh’s press conferences lately; a grimacing, gesticulating presence to the immediate left of the Queensland Premier, translating her words into sign language for the deaf. For those of us fortunate enough to have no hearing impairment, it’s as absurdly distracting as a breakdancer at a funeral - so mesmerised am I by the almost Vaudevillian exhibition on screen that I no longer pay much attention to what the Premier is saying.

Even the deaf might find it all a trifle unnecessary, considering they surely have access to closed captions, if they bother with TV at all. And, if the Queensland Government’s own information is correct, less than 3000 deaf people in the state use sign language. So what’s this grand demonstration all about? I suspect the answer to that question might be found in the rebounding fortunes of a certain man who might be the next President of the United States."


What a Drongo......

Deaf Child leaves Wales for BSL education.

There being no deaf schools in Wales, read one mother's campaign to get her child an signing education.

A family from Torfaen are fighting to keep a specialist school for deaf children open, because it's the only one their son can go to. Six-year-old Owain Sanders from Cwmbran has to travel to Bristol because there are no British Sign Language schools in Wales. But now even Elmfield Primary is threatened with closure, meaning the nearest school would be in Exeter.

Video Link

No deaf celebs please, we're British.

I think it is a typical 'American' thing to worship the celbrity side of things. We have no individual at all in the United Kingdom of high profile deaf stature, certainly none mainstream would recognise, and nothing on the cinema screens. I suppose I will commit heresy and say I am not really a follower of Ms Matlin, in the realm of deaf things, I thought Love is never silent a much more engrossing and better acted film (Purely on an acting level).

The issue I suppose is 'breaking into mainstream', I think Brits have no-one capable of doing it to 'star' status at present, and our obsession with 'In' deaf medias makes for 'fringe' or minority viewing only, all very purist, all much ignored everywhere else..... We tend if anything to quietly admire (!) but mostly look down on deaf people who bang their own drum regardless, Brits build people up only so they can knock them down again. We despise success in most part, unless they are actually HEARING. So that's a typical Brit trait I suppose. What we read in as much as 'celebrity in the UK, is HEARING people who are media stars who might now be experiencing hearing loss or have an relative deaf.

Charity fronts these people because otherwise no-one would care what deaf or HI are about, requests to put a real deaf person up as an 'image' has been ignored, mostly people can't see what the issue is, or 'Because mainstream will have no recognition of who these people are..', then charities/support areas (The very term 'support' denies us), couldn't sell the medical image of us. People only donate if they can feel they are 'helping unfortunates' or something, and deaf are quite vocal they are not in that catagory.

That Ms Matlin speaks out for deaf using her position as a celebrity is to her good, but I wince a bit at her endless self-promotion intros, but that's me being a Brit I suppose. If you got it flaunt it I think the term is. It's why she is a star and I'm not lol...... what we all lack is high profile deaf, mainstream know about, is this because we are still unable to hack mainstream, or we really prefer our own areas to move in ? The pulling power of Ms Matlin seems immense in America, justifiably proud of a deaf signer seen nationally as something a little MORE than just a deaf person, here is where I think we fall down, we don't think big enough or outside the box.

When you consider Paddy Ladd has immense following in America and virtually 'Who ?' status in the land of his birth you get an idea as to how British deaf approach their leading figureheads. That they are hyper critical of deaf who raise any profile is also very obvious. When we see deaf acting in TV and in plays, by FAR The heaviest anti to that were fellow deaf, who attack every facet of the sign or lip-speaking used. Our biggest enemy is obviously each other....

Attempts to emulate celeb status with Jack Ashley, an MP in parliament with an CI, and Evelyn Glennie an world class percussionist, deaf seemed less than impressed. NOTE: Jack has had a stroke recently so best wishes to him. Evelyn is highly criticised by deaf because she lip-reads to perfection apparently and uses no sign, the fact she is world class musician seems to have been ignored....

This is deaf internalising to defeat themselves. I am sure there are deaf Brits who can say this or that deaf person is highly regarded in deaf circles, but that isn't entirely what Ms Matlin is about, she is 'Out there' and plugging herself and using that as a deaf person to advance and speak up for deaf people in America.

Who is going to follow her ? I expect is the next question. Are there any rivals at all..... or her work to widen deaf people's aspirations is going to be less effective.

Deaf Discrimination (Behind the scenes at ABC)

Come Clean Sorenson !

Deaf Wales discusses Sorensons Ms Bryan's informative contribution raises concerns at this American company offering 'support' and even financial and other inducements to a British group. As sole manufacturer of this VRS system is there not an huge vested interest going on here, with the potential 'prize' of supplying the UK with its wares ? As we read Canada has voiced concern staffing of the system may well lead to on the street shortages of interpreters for deaf people. Sorenon's also supplying commercial spin doctor support to deaf groups here too, guess What they are spinning ? Yep Sorenon's wares !

Can Sorenson come clean and inform British deaf just what is their involvement in a proposed VRS system ? and IF they are offering inducements to British campaign groups to corner the market for themselves ? Surely any 'campaign' for an VRS system for the UK has to offer ALTERNATIVES this doesn't seem the case either. DAART insists it has no links to Sorensons, but IS advocating their systems for use here ? DAART can fess up too... The whole issue of British deaf NOT being offered alternatives or choice is a huge cause for concern. Has TAG (Another British telephonic access group), taken inducements too ?

The whole issue of this set up is deaf Brits are being kept in the dark, are Sorenson's hoping to move in without us knowing about it ? Cover blown ! Bad form too British deaf 'groups' with little or no profile are doing this by stealth. Are they stupid and cannot see what is happening ? or hoping to gain Kudos if it comes off ? Either way, it is not looking good for them.... or for British deaf campaigning groups and representation. They are looking distinctly amateurish in approach, they need to wise up. Deaf here have already got minicoms gathering dust as it is, and captel is supposed to be making a come back as well...

What is Sorensons doing here ? We don't really approve of what looks like bribery....

Sorenson and VRS.. what is in it for me ?

Readers at deaf.read will be aware of an DAART campaign being blogged, and a campaign/demand for VRS as an nation-wide system British deaf can use to communicate. Despite reading the campaign, no-one has yet to read where grass root consultations have even took place, and the site seems to be overseen by some Australian.

My own area of Wales in the UK is soon to have Sorenson/Daart people 'informing deaf' of the use/demand and need for an VRS system. While it seems to me to be blatant sales pitch under the guise of deaf rights,and without any real consultation for need being done. Is it ethical manufacturers are homing in on deaf rights to sell us things ? Unbiased ? I feel sure If I ask the Americans who have adopted such a system, they can enlighten me as to take up, and real use, and especially the claim I read today, VRS will enable deaf people to campaign better.

Can anyone who uses this system inform us uneducated Brits as to

(1) How VRS was used to campaign for ASL and deaf rights, and online, skype, youtube, facebook, twitter, didn't work ?

(2) Were Americans consulted prior to the system set up ?

Or is it as I suspect, such a VRS system is used deaf-deaf, and not deaf to mainstream ? What we saw in the UK was deaf using TTY, text relay, mobiles, with EACH Other, and failing to embrace video relay systems and a current trial of VRS/terp system in health areas hardly used at all, because most deaf prefer hearing family or friends, to make calls and representations. This is why there is virtually nil demand for UK interpreters despite claims of only 1 per 300 deaf people, clearly deaf have established alternatives that do not suggest VRS is an urgent requirement at all.

I would really like to support a need, but is VRS a proven one for breaking into the mainstream ? Currently the Daart system mooted is said to be very expensive, and by no means certain our government will foot any of the bill for its set up. Unsurprising given they can't produce statistics....

Should British deaf oppose Sorenson on the grounds they just want to sell us their goods ? IF VRS is THE deaf campaign tool enablement, can Americans tell us how it was done ? What are VRS advantages for campaigning ? Can they name any successful campaign down to VRS ?