In Deaf Awareness Week, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called for a debate in the Senedd on support for the deaf community and people with hearing loss in Wales.
In yesterday’s Business Statement, Mr Isherwood, who is himself a hearing-aid wearer, spoke of the challenges facing those with deafness and hearing loss, emphasising the need for further action one to support them.
He said:
“Could I call for a Statement or even, dare I say, a debate in Welsh Government time on a very important matter, and that's support to the deaf community and people with hearing loss in Wales, because 14 May to 21 May is also Deaf Awareness Week?
“Deaf Awareness Week aims to raise awareness and challenges of deafness and hearing loss, ensure access for deaf people to information and services at first point of contact, promote equal access in health settings, particularly in reception areas, ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, provide clear and concise information about treatment and health management, and engage with and involve local deaf communities on a regular basis
“ - also to improve access to education and social care, ensure people have the access to information they need, advocate and inform Government and the public at large about Deafness and hearing loss, improve services, but, above all, raise the profile and importance of equality, accessibility and recognition by supporting Deaf Access and Communications, Employment, British Sign Language and the Deaflympics.
“Noting, for example that although a Checklist developed as a practical supplement to the All-Wales Standards for Communication and Information for People with Sensory Loss was sent to Health Boards and health establishments across Wales, Deaf organizations in Wales report that many Health Boards and establishments have not taken this on as a way of tackling the inequalities faced by British Sign Language users in Wales.
“I hope you agree that that merits a more substantive response from the Welsh Government in this place.”
Leader of the House Julie James AM agreed with Mr Isherwood “that it needs a cross-Government look” and said “as part of my own brief with my Equalities hat on, I hope to be at least including it as part of my Statement, if not bringing forward a separate Statement. So, we will have an opportunity before the end of the summer term in my portfolio to cover off some of those areas, because we've been working across Government.”