Page 30 - Phonebox Magazine April 2010

I see what you’re saying – another Lions initiative
SIGHT IMPAIRED PEOPLE are easily recognised by the “carrying” of a white cane and the general public therefore have an immediate understanding of their disability and can react appropriately.
People with a Hearing Impairment however, have no easily recognisable aid and so strangers do not immediately make any compensation in their communications with them – a real problem in shops, public buildings and anywhere an individual may wish to conduct business. Research reveals that the hearing impaired will not wear a badge proclaiming “I Am Deaf”, or similar words, due to the embarrassment such a negative message conveys.
Although this reaction was the norm, the survey highlighted that they wished there was something which made them easily identifiable, as they thought this would help them in general verbal communications – but what?
Lions clubs in the UK took on
the challenge of producing an acceptable visual aid (as we did in America when the White Cane was introduced) and hope that the outcome will receive the same
level of understanding as our cane has. Initial reaction has been extremely positive and we hope could become as vital as the white cane has to those who have visual impairment.
The basic badge outline consists of
an eye with the pupil being the
internationally recognised
sympathetic hearing sign and the top
eyelash says “I SEE WHAT YOU’RE
SAYING”; a skill all deaf people have, to various degrees, and which the majority of US, do not have!
The basic colour is yellow, and the important message is in blue. These colours have been chosen because they make it more easily readable for everyone and with a strong magnetic fastening, it will be easy to use by all with no pulling or damage likely to be sustained by clothing.
Our local lions club have obtained an initial supply of badges which will be issued completely free of charge, to Severely and Profoundly Hearing Impaired adults and children in the towns and anyone wishing to obtain one of these badges should contact any Lions member (see contact details in Phonebox or on our website www.npolneylions.btik.com) and we will make arrangements to pass one on. Other distribution arrangements are being explored and we will let you know what these are once we have them in place.
This is just another example of how Lions clubs help the local community, but like most community organisations we are struggling for members if we are to continue. Why not find out how you can become involved by looking at our website or come along to one of our monthly meetings. In addition to members, we need helpers to support events like Motorama, Dickens of a Christmas and many other fundraising and service activities we are involved in – could you.
Take pride in your community by joining our Pride of Lions.
We have produced a badge and awareness card that we believe will help hearing-impaired individuals who use lip reading as their main means of understanding speech. Those who have been our ‘pathfinders’ have given the idea a thumbs up and are enthusiastic about the future of the ‘badge’.
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30 Phonebox Magazine