Breaking the Sound Barrier received a boost last week (7-13th May) by being Step 2 in RNID's Deaf Awareness Week strategy. The hearing check received more than 3,000 extra calls as a result of the publicity.
Last week showed how effective Deaf Awareness Week can be, as more than 3,000 extra people called the telephone hearing check on 0845 600 5555.
RNID's strategy for Deaf Awareness Week 2007 revolved around '7 simple steps' towards deaf awareness. The steps were:
- Don't SHOUT, just speak clearly - Take the time to communicate properly with someone with a hearing loss. Deaf and hard of hearing people can feel isolated and excluded. Learning how to communicate with someone with a hearing loss can make a real difference.
- Check your hearing - Phone 0845 600 5555 (local rate) for a five minute check-up. Around 4 million of us are losing our hearing and not doing anything about it. Research suggests that this is because people feel embarrassed and are worried about what other people will think of them. We’re working to change this view.
- Learn to fingerspell - It's as easy as A-Z! You can use fingerspelling to communicate with someone who uses British Sign Language (BSL)
- Watch your favourite TV programme with the sound off - Without TV subtitles, what would you miss out on? Our research shows that one million people depend on subtitles while a further four million use them regularly. But not all programmes are subtitled.
- Turn your music down a notch - Protect your hearing - Don't lose the music!
- Look out for the loop sign - How accessible are public places if you wear a hearing aid? Induction loops reduce background noise for hearing aid wearers so that sound can be heard more clearly.
- Get involved - Campaign... join in... volunteer... donate... We need you! Don't stop now! Carry on raising awareness of deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus.
