Advice Line launches in Scotland and Northern Ireland

05-10-2020

News

Adviceline logo

Deaf Action have been working in partnership with deafPLUS to launch The Advice Line for Scotland and Northern Ireland The Advice Line is a free to use service for anyone who is *deaf to get advice on a range of topics from a trained advisor who is a native BSL & ISL user. We can offer general advice, provide help …

New guidance on masks in care settings

02-10-2020

Clear Masks

Women wearing clear masks to communicate

New Scottish Government regulations on the extended use of face masks in wider community care and adult care homes came into force on Wednesday 30 September 2020. The guidance states all providers of primary and community care must wear Type IIR fluid resistant masks in the workplace, which are typically opaque. At Deaf Action, we’re concerned about the impact this …

International Day of Sign Languages

23-09-2020

News

Man and woman using sign language

 Happy International Day of Sign Languages! Each year, this day is celebrated on 23rd September as part of International Week of the Deaf. It celebrates the cultural diversity of sign languages used around the world, whilst increasing awareness of the issues *deaf people encounter. Sign Languages Are for Everyone! The theme for 2020 is ‘Sign Languages are for Everyone’.  The theme recognises that *deaf people have the same rights and access to information as hearing people. As part of this, the World Federation …

SQA exam and appeal information

25-08-2020

News

SQA logo

Information updates on the current issues surrounding the 2020 SQA exam results If you have any questions about this, contact charlotte.addison@deafaction.org  Transcript: Tuesday 11 August  Following on from Education Secretary John Swinney’s statement to Parliament, where it was announced all downgraded awards will be withdrawn and results re-issued based solely on teacher or lecturer judgement.  Friday 14 August 2020  Following the Deputy First Minister’s Ministerial Direction …

NHS Scotland Near Me service

24-08-2020

News

NHS Near Me logo

BSL information (with subtitles)   Voiceover information (with subtitles)   NHS Near Me is a new service from NHS Scotland where you can attend health and social care appointments through a private online video chat. There are currently many kinds of clinics offering Near Me appointments but not all, so make sure to check with your local health care provider …

Empowering women in politics workshops

17-08-2020

News

Scottish Parliament building

We have been working on a really exciting women-led project called “Parliament Project’ which aims to empower women to become involved in politics. They are running two online (Zoom) workshops which will be BSL interpreted. You can choose to take part in both workshops or just one. The workshops are called:  How can I become a Councillor in Scotland?  How can I become …

Deaf Action building still closed to the public

24-07-2020

News

Contact us for Room Hire

Although we are aware that pubs and public places are gradually opening their doors to the public, we have decided to not open Deaf Action’s building to the public yet. This means that our clubs, like the Golden Amber Club on Thursdays and Edinburgh Deaf Sports and Social Club on Saturdays, will not take place for the foreseeable future.   This is mostly …

Clear Masks For All – Share Your Experiences

20-07-2020

Clear Masks

 Since we last updated you on our Clear Masks for All campaign, our supporters have contacted their MSPs (you can still do this online via our last blog post) and the issue has also been raised in an oral question to the First Minister. It’s a promising update, and we’re monitoring things closely as we continue to work with other …

BSL Health & Wellbeing Support

16-07-2020

News

Here for you We offer Health & Wellbeing Support, including  deaf counselling services, because know how difficult it can be to look after your mind and body – and even more so during the coronavirus pandemic. You might be feeling lonely, anxious, frustrated, or maybe you are feeling worried about your finances or work. Remember it is ok to feel …

Clear Face Masks for All – Update

07-07-2020

Clear Masks

Update on Deaf Action’s campaign from Philip Gerrard, CEO Back in May, Deaf Action was featured on BBC Breakfast, where we shared our concerns around what the use of face masks can mean for deaf people – especially those who rely on lipreading and facial expressions to communicate. Now, on Friday, a new rule comes into place that sees them …