Deaf charity calls for better inclusion at public events

By Louise Doyle

A Letterkenny charity providing a range of specialist supports and services to people who are deaf and hard of hearing is calling for greater consideration by those who organise public meetings.

Chime works in partnership with other organisations and service providers to make their services fully accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

But the local branch has said that more could be done at public events to help those who are hard of hearing or deaf.

It is calling on everyone who organises resident associations, GAA or active retirement meetings in their local communities to consider access for hard of hearing people.

Eight per cent of all adults have a significant disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organisation.

That’s more than 300,000 people in Ireland.

“Most of them are like me, people whose hearing got worse in later life. We usually describe ourselves as ‘hard of hearing’, and we frequently struggle to hear what is being said and have to try to fill in the missing words to make sense of what is being said in conversations around the kitchen table or in public places like restaurants or meeting places,” said Victoria McHugh, Chime Letterkenny.

Ms McHugh stressed the need for public meetings and events to be accessible to her and others like her who have hearing difficulties. She said such inclusion is vital to allow everyone to participate in their communities.

“Hearing loss can lead to social isolation. Research shows that isolation is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia and being able to hear is central to good brain health. Not being able to attend public events and meetings because they are not accessible contributes to social exclusion and isolation.

“Hearing aids and cochlear implants help to create a certain extent, but there are many different types of hearing losses that mean this is not enough, especially in large spaces like meetings or community events. That is why it is vital to have a proper communication system in place to ensure everyone is included at public events and meetings.”

Ms McHugh said it is important to have working microphones, a strategic placement of speakers, as well as functioning loop systems at public events.

“I am asking everyone who organises meetings in their local communities to consider access for hard of hearing people for their meetings. I’m talking about every day meetings in communities – residents associations, GAA clubs, active retirement groups and such.”

For more information contact Chime in Letterkenny on (074) 9188252.

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