28th July 2010

DORCHESTER: Protestors rally for fair access to lipreading classes

PROTESTORS rallied together on the steps of County Hall to demand fairer access to lipreading classes in Dorchester.

Around 40 people demonstrated against what they believe are unfair demands placed upon them to gain concessions for classes in dorset.

The protest was oganised by RNID, the largest charity in the UK working on hearing loss over what they believe is inappropriate, unfair and over-complicated assessments by a social worker to access concessions.

The protesters demanded this process should be simplified to be like those in other counties, like neighbouring Bournemouth Borough Council, who offer a concession of £10 per term to anyone declaring they have a hearing loss.

Monica Hyde, 82, a hearing aid wearer, said: “Deafness is a hidden disability and it’s very frustrating when you miss out on conversations because you can’t hear everything that’s being said.

“Lipreading classes are vital as they teach me how to use visual clues to guess what someone is saying, but it takes a lot of practise and guidance to develop these skills.”

RNID’s Director of Public Engagement, Emma Harrison, said learning to lipread had a tremendous impact on the everyday communication of people with a hearing loss.

“DCC’s bureaucratic application process for claiming lipreading class concessions is failing people already diagnosed to have a hearing loss, and we want them to remove this unnecessary barrier deterring people from learning this vital, life-enhancing skill,” she said.

PICTURE: Protestors on County Hall steps want fairer treatment for gaining consessions for lipreading classes