There’s been a lot of negative stories about deaf people have struggled to gain support from the government’s Access to Work scheme, so here’s a story to remind everyone how the scheme is supposed to work, and how, when it does, deaf people can benefit from it.
A deaf man from Scunthorpe has been able to set up his own website design business, thanks to Access to Work.
The Scunthorpe Telegraph has reported how Shaun Fitzgerald (27) has always found his deafness a barrier to steady employment. Being given Access to Work has allowed him to pay for an interpreter, in order to communicate with clients and take part in meetings.
Cases such as Mr. Fitzgerald’s are an inarguable example of the positive effect successful Access To Work support can provide, and the huge difference it can make to a deaf person’s career prospects, when it’s provided properly.
Mr. Fitzgerald said; “I have set up my own business providing website design and development. “The grant from Access to Work has enabled me to do this because I had restrictions in communication previously. This money has helped pay for an interpreter.
“I am so happy, and it is a relief to be working because I never had this communication support before. I could never have afforded an interpreter while setting up a business.
“It is so much easier for people that can hear, and I think it is something that is taken for granted. Deaf people can’t just pick up the phone and call someone.”
Interpreter Darren Holt said; “I don’t get involved in the business itself, but it is great to see someone doing what they want to do without the barriers there.”
Mr. Fitzgerald continued; “I am no different to anyone else, apart from my ability to communicate. I want to be an example to other deaf people that they can do exactly the same things if they have the right access to communication.”
By Emily Howlett. Emily is a Contributing Editor to this site. She is a profoundly Deaf actress, writer and teacher. Emily is co-director of PAD Productions and makes an awful lot of tea. And mess. She now has not one, but four grey eyebrow hairs. C’est la vie. She tweets as @ehowlett
Post from: http://limpingchicken.com/2014/10/21/deaf-news-deaf-man-who-sets-up-his-own-business-shows-how-access-to-work-should-work/
To watch video in International Sign Language, please click below;
Saturday 6th December 2014
The Clerkenwell Centre ,
61 Lever Street, London EC1V 3AR
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Yes, Christmas seems a long way away, but the shops will be selling presents, cards and decorations before you know it!
We are pleased to confirm that the 4th Deaf Christmas Business Show 2014 will be held on Saturday 6th December 2014, 6.00pm – 11.00pm in another fantastic new venue in Central London near Old Street. We again have an exciting programme planned that we are sure everyone will really enjoy and provide some positive energy to welcome in the New Year 2015!
Last year Mayoral candidate John Biggs came to open the event and gave a brilliant speech. This year we will have more great people giving informative presentations and sharing experiences, tips and advice about how to set up a business, gain sustainable employment or excel in current jobs.
The event is always a great opportunity to network and be motivated. We will set up fantastic entertainment including a DJ playing great music for those who like to dance and for the kids Father Christmas will be giving lovely presents suitable for different age groups. To keep up your energy, we will have lovely refreshments through an open buffet and bar serving a range of both soft and alcoholic drinks. Please visit our webhttp://www.consult-terra.com/index.php/business-show/deaf-christmas-business-show-2013 and click like Facebook pageshttps://www.facebook.com/DeafChristmasBusinessShow?ref=hl to see photos and comments on our previous Christmas events here. Also confirm your attendance at Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/474448959352290/
Terra Consultancy is proud of the work we have done to enhance the employability of Deaf people over the years, We act as a ’bridge’ between employers and Deaf employees and provide practical guidance in developing effective communication strategies, as well as assisting with Access to Work applications, providing Communication Support Workers and BSL Interpreters in the workplace and Deaf Awareness Training.
When a Deaf client came to us last month for advice after being dismissed from work, we helped clarify the disciplinary meeting notes and supported them through the Appeal process, including providing a BSL interpreter for the formal Appeal meeting. Because the client was better able to challenge a mistake and explain the misunderstanding, the original decision to dismiss was overturned with a promise of better communication in future through Access to Work support and they got their job back – brilliant news!
At Terra Signing Academy we have highly qualified and experienced tutors and trainers offering a wide range of courses. We are proud to have helped so many students learn and develop their British Sign Language skills and spread this beautiful visual language far and wide, as well as encouraging better Deaf Awareness through our training courses.
Throughout the long and busy summer, we have already been working hard on preparing our Autumn schedule of BSL courses.
We are delighted to be able to offer a number of Signature qualification courses including:
To watch this video in International Sign Language, please click below:
Are you a Deaf Business Owner?
If the answer is YES, we would be delighted for you to get in touch if you would be interested in presenting your story to our guests at the
Deaf Christmas Business Show 2014
Saturday 6th December 2014, 6.00pm – 11.00pm
The Clerkenwell Centre, 61 Lever Street, London EC1V 3AR
As a Deaf Business owner, you may know from experience that Deaf and Disabled people are experiencing barriers of access to education, employment and setting up businesses. This event was created to do something positive about the situation. Our dedication made it successful and it become a popular Deaf social event. It generates a positive employment and business message.The event always is a great opportunity for Deaf, hard of hearing and disabled people to network and be motivated by Deaf role models like you!
This is the fourth yearand it will be held in another fantastic new venue in Central London near Old Street. We would like you to be part of an exciting programme of presentations to share your experiences, tips and advice about setting up a business. What was your background before your business idea? What made you decide to go for it and reach for your dream? What barriers did you face and how did you remove them? What support did you get along the way and from who?
We hope you will be interested in joining us and will get in touch to discuss your presentation ideas. We can provide free tickets for you and one guest to enjoy a fantastic event in London, and also cover some of your expenses. You will have an opportunity to reach new customers and we can help each other to promote and grow our businesses.
For information on previous year’s events please visit:
If you want to go outside the UK, you can meet new deaf international friends with various sign languages and have fun on a summer holiday in Split, Croatia this summer.
There are many activities to do, including a Boat Party, Beach Volleyball Tournament, and Netball Tournament.
Got your A-Level and thinking about University? Congratulations!
If you are thinking about a University place and applying for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) please contact us!
See what other deaf students we have supported have to say: -
“Terra helped me fill in the DSA form and made sure I had an interpreter for my assessment so I could explain everything I had before at college and what I needed for university….”
“I had three different notetakers through my course and they were all great – understood my style and made sure the notes were Deaf friendly….”
“Terra sorted out interpreters for all my lectures and seminars from my timetable, and when it all changed last minute, they did it all again for me. Thanks for saving me all that time and stress!”
“The Disability team at my University were not really Deaf Aware, so Terra were able to make them understand what support I needed and I got a 2:1, so I am very happy and grateful….’’
If you want to go University this year or next year, be aware that the Government has announced changes to DSA which may affect you!
Before it’s too late you need to do the following things:
Before you start Higher Education, think about what you would like to study – does it follow on from what you did in your A-Levels? Will it help you get the job you want in future?
Do some research on courses and different Universities – which have a good reputation? Not just the course and university, but what about their Deaf support?
Apply to UCAS if you are planning to go to university to get into the clearing system if you cannot get your first choices of place.
Apply to Student Finance England (SFE) to secure a loan if you need one.
Apply for the Disability Student Allowance (DSA)
Arrange for a Needs Assessment Report to be done – there are Assessment Centres around the country, so there could be one near you! Terra can arrange it for you too.
You must make sure you apply well in advance of your course start date. This is very important as you may not be provided with all the support you need such as a BSL interpreter or a note taker. You are entitled to these so do not leave it too late.
Also, check with the University you are thinking about if they will offer extra support if needed. If your DSA budget only covers a BSL interpreter or Communication Support Worker, will they provide a Notetaker for you? ASK!
Are you confused already? Is this too complicated for you?
Do not worry! Just contact Terra – we are here to help!
We have all the answers and will help to ensure you have all the access and support that is needed for a smooth start of your new course.
Assemble at BBC Headquarters, Portland Place, London W1A 1AA
The People’s Assembly, Trade Unions and campaign groups are organising a national demonstration and free festival to demand the alternative to austerity.
The reason for this demonstration is because according to The People’s Assembly living standards continue to drop, forcing millions into poverty. But the politicians remain addicted to cuts. We need to stop this.
Some well known guest speakers will be there and want you to join us. Russell Brand, a comedian quoted
“The People’s Assembly will bring down any government that doesn’t end austerity. Austerity means keeping all the money among people who have loads of it. This is the biggest problem we face today, all other problems radiate from this toxic swindle. We can organise a fairer, more just society than they can, these demonstrations are the start, it will be a right laugh.”
Some of you may not be aware that this could affect your lives, but this does apply to you so invite your friends and come along to this demonstration to support the campaign. BSL interpreters will be provided.
If you decide to join this event then the map below shows the route where you will walk with all the other people. The event will be assemble at BBC building and march to Parliament to demand that the alternative to austerity is no longer ignored.
This year I am going to the 4th Deaf Christmas Business Show on the 6th of December 2014. I tell you my reason below.
I attended a Deaf Careers Fair on 7th May 2014. This event was organised to address issues about unemployment and underemployment of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities. It was pledged they would provide stalls and workstations.
The event description gave me the impression that I could arrive at the event as and when I wish and that there would be a wide range of stalls around the room to visit. As soon as I arrived, I was told from other attendee that I was late and it turned out it was actually a conference event. It was confusing as I was expecting the Deaf Careers Fair, not a string of presentations.
Despite this, the speakers’ presentations were interesting and useful in some ways. However, I felt that they did not give us any job opportunities as I was expecting to find some job prospects or advice about employment on the stalls, and there were no workshops which was disappointing. I think that some stalls were not really appropriate for this event.
A few attendees I spoke to found this event either boring or not much help. One attendee commented that she brought her CV with her, expecting to receive advice or support with her CV and career advice but she was disappointed to discover that there was no support like this available . The organiser reported that they had provided some career support in the morning but no attendees came. It may be due to a communication breakdown.
Overall, the event was not bad, since it was a first time event, I think if they build on the first event and make some small improvements it will be great.
For the above, this year I will attend Deaf Christmas Business Show. It is much more fun and useful. One gets to network with really nice people and mingle with business-minded circuits. I would recommend visit to Deaf Christmas Business Show to all those aspiring to attain sustainable employment or set up their businesses.
See you 6th December at the Clarkenwell Centre at the 4th Deaf Christmas Business Show
You must make sure you apply well in advance of your course start date. This is very important as you may not be provided with all the support you need such as a BSL interpreter or a note taker. You are entitled to these so do not leave it too late.
