The challenges deaf people in Reading face have been voiced, along with information on where they can go to get help and support.
An estimated one in five people are deaf in Reading, which means they need alternative ways to communicate as they cannot hear.
People with the disability are supported by Reading Deaf Centre located at 131-133 Cardiff Road.
Linda and Lyndsey from the deaf centre gave a presentation Reading Borough Council’s access and disabilities working group highlighting the challenges they face and the work they do.
Both used British Sign Language to communicate, which was made audible via two interpreters.
Lyndsey said: “We’re a charity, we have to do everything ourselves.
“Not all deaf people are the same, some don’t use sign language, some lipread.”
However, she clarified that deaf people can drive and enjoy music events as they can pick up sound vibrations.
Linda gave those present advice on how to interact with deaf people.
She said: “Sometimes people avoid us.
“Don’t shout, we’re not going to hear you. You can use pen and paper and notes app to communicate, just use gestures, like you would someone from another country.
“People find it difficult, but we’re both in this together; we need to find a means to communicate.”
Linda then suggested that people should maintain eye contact with deaf people when interacting with them.
Lyndsey said: “Deaf people have barriers, such as a lack of choice for entertainment venues.
“The mental health of deaf people is at crisis point at the moment, some are waiting two years for assistants.”
The Deaf Centre provides support by hosting a range of clubs and events to build fellowship with others.
Linda said: “We’re very welcome to early onset loss of hearing, those who have other disabilities are welcome as well, and we’ll signpost them to other organisations if we’re not the right support network.”
She also praised Reading Pride for having a deaf friendly space at its last event.
Meanwhile, Lyndsey praised the ‘Deaf Church’ for providing a monthly communion service at the centre and assisting with life events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.
The presentation was held while council officers are in the process of procuring an interpreter provider for both foreign languages and sign language.
Both Lyndsey and Linda voiced support for the SignLive service, which offers tech-based translation services, with Lyndsey claiming she used it to resolve a council tax enquiry with West Berkshire Council within three minutes.
However, Lisa Munga, strategic customer experience lead, stressed that the council is working within the confines of a procurement process and was unable to comment on the service SignLive provides.
The presentation was given at the group meeting on Thursday, March 6.
