A follow on to the British Deaf Association publishing a BSL teacher directory, suggesting no shortage of teachers to develop a BSL GCSE. Factually, teaching BSL in informal settings a few hours a week doesn't actually qualify them to teach in schools via the curriculum without additional qualifications, the only 'exemption' is if the pupils are deaf etc, even then conformity to the curriculum is essential, they cannot ignore English or its grammar e.g. and NOT if the students are hearing.
The official declaration:
To teach in a mainstream school, BSL teachers generally need to meet the same qualifications and requirements as other subject teachers. This may include having a teaching degree or certification, as well as any additional qualifications specific to teaching BSL or working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Additionally, BSL teachers may need to adapt their teaching methods and materials to effectively teach hearing students. They may focus on teaching BSL as a foreign language, enabling hearing students to develop communication skills and cultural understanding of the deaf community. The curriculum may include sign language vocabulary and grammar, deaf culture, and communication strategies.
BSL GCSE welcomed but 'will be a struggle' says Manx Deaf Society CEO (Isle of Man News.)
Not thought out, un-resourced, maybe impracticable?
Lucy Buxton.
The subject will be rolled out in schools in England from 2025 The Manx Deaf Society says it wants to see British Sign Language offered as a GCSE option but believes there are issues to iron out before it could be correctly implemented. Chief executive Lucy Buxton told Manx Radio it's easier to roll it out there as it's already considered an official language - whereas it isn't on the Island:
Lucy Buxton: "Here and in the UK, in England, they are going to struggle to find qualified teachers who are capable of teaching the BSL GCSE. As such, I haven't even seen the syllabus so I don't know what's included at the moment when you learn BSL.
If you take examinations and qualifications, so you're taking a registered course, you have to do a certain minimum number of hours and there are standards that are applied. And ideally you are taught by a member of the deaf community, so someone who uses sign language themselves. It's their first language, or possibly somebody who is a close family member of someone who uses sign language and the number of teachers qualified teachers in England who are qualified to teach BSL is shockingly small. I think from memory there are about 1000 teachers and about 2000 secondary schools, so that's going to give you an indication of how difficult it is.
But here on the Island, I'm not aware of anyone who is a registered, qualified British Sign language teacher. So when we offer courses, we offer a level one and a level 2. We work with a deaf teacher from the UK. I don't know how schools are going to manage to do that without somebody here to actually be able to deliver that.
Chanelle Sukhoo: How beneficial would it be if we had something like that here?
Lucy Buxton: You never know who is going to find themselves with hearing loss, and BSL can be helpful for a lot of people.
Chanelle Sukhoo: Have you noticed more people interested in learning BSL?
Lucy Buxton: Yes, there are definitely more people interested in learning BSL, but the actual number of people who use BSL as their first language is decreasing here on the Island. It would be lovely to have a thriving growing population of British Sign language users. However, the support that is needed for that community, it's not just being able to use the language, you have to think that it needs some sort of formal legal recognition. You also need all the other support that are in place. For example, if a BSL user wants to go and make a will and see their solicitor, how they going to manage to do that? You need an interpreter. The number of sign language users that we have at the moment aren't enough to have somebody working here full time as interpreter too.
We are interested to knowing what's happening across the water, and it's not something that I think we should rush in too quickly here. I would like to see how things develop in the UK, but obviously if people are interested in becoming a BSL teacher, then please get in touch.
By ATR - MEDIA. Due to consistent attacks on non-signing deaf people and the HoH population by British Sign Language activism both on, and offline, ATR-MEDIA has sadly had to extend a ban on:
The British Deaf Association
Sign Zone/BSLBT
Deaf - EU Facebook site
Limping Chicken website.
And 11 other dedicated British sign language sites and activists online who have openly practiced discrimination, name-calling, blocking, manipulation of posts, censorship, sectarianism and made multiple and unfounded slurs on other deaf people who have questioned the inclusion policies of the above named sites and groups, a number of deaf people have contacted ATR - Media alleging they have also been give 'life bans' from deaf interactions online because they didn't support some aspects of BSL inclusion.
ATR has also contacted Facebook, Twitter and blog companies with an official complaint If you know a Deaf site that has unfairly treated YOU, let ATR know.
One of the most common misconceptions about hearing aids is that they are these outdated, big, and bulky devices that are highly visible. But in reality, hearing aids have evolved and changed drastically over the past few decades. They are complex devices that are smaller and more advanced than they have ever been. Hearing aids maximize technology to absorb, and process sound that is collected from a variety of sources, increasing connectivity; enhancing overall user experience. Hearing aids can:
Be paired to your electronic devices such as your smartphone, TV, and speaker which allows them to stream audio directly to your hearing aids allowing you to better hear music, phone calls, watch TV etc.
Use noise cancellation technology to reduce background noise which allows you to focus on what you are listening to
Connect to your smartphone and access your GPS. If you have saved locations and specific settings, hearing aids can save that information and once you arrive at a particular place, they can switch to the settings you have already set.
These features highlight the various ways that hearing aids have been utilizing technology to enhance the quality of sound and possibilities for connectivity in an increasingly digital world. What is Artificial Intelligence?
We interact with artificial intelligence daily. Also known as machine learning, artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and “smart” devices to use highly developed intelligence to solve complex problems. Artificial intelligence uses various technologies to respond to the user’s actions, make predictions, and guide user experience. Technologies such as algorithms and history of behaviour are applied to achieve particular goals. This may sound like high-tech speak and be complicated to understand but we actually rely on artificial intelligence. Common ways we interact with AI include:
Email: AI technology is used to filter through emails and determine what is junk and send those emails to your spam folder. Using algorithms, AI identifies certain words in the email, the sender, location it was sent from etc. and establishes it as spam.
Search Engines: Search engines apply algorithms to respond to a specific search with the most relevant results. Did you know that there are 3.8 million searchers per minute on Google? AI makes that possible!
Social Media: all social media platforms use AI to provide a variety of features including: friend recommendations, personalized feed, trending topics etc.
Online Ads: people are discussing this feature more and more as it seems to be everywhere! There are ads that seem to pop up or follow us around on our devices. Well this actually happens because of AI which companies use to identify an audience for their product which is based on previous online searches that you’ve made and your interests.
Other: Netflix recommendations, voice to text features on smartphones and laptops, Siri/Alexa/Cortana etc.
These examples highlight that we use AI constantly and, in many ways, this technology has increased convenience!
Artificial Intelligence and Hearing Aids
AI is relatively new to hearing aids so much is still being explored and developed. But what AI has been able to do for hearing aids thus far is quite significant! Hearing aids can use AI to:
adjust automatically: AI allows hearing aids to learn, remember, and automatically apply the user’s settings in specific environments. This prevents the user from having to make any manual adjustments as the hearing aid is able to assess the environment you are in and automatically switch to the already programmed setting.
voice recognition: AI learns the user’s voice and can isolate it from other types of sounds so that it isn’t distorted.
Track health: hearing aids that use AI can monitor physical activity by using integrated sensors.
These features allow hearing aids to be fully integrated in one’s life, creating dynamic listening experiences.
How the promoters of the GCSE manipulated input to avoid being accused of bias, and discriminations against other deaf people, and those with hearing loss by pretending they didn't exist. This doesn't stop them however utilising 'Inclusive remits' and quoting disability stats etc and non-signers as referring to them.. 10/11m with hearing loss is not, 10/11m BSL using deaf, yet, the myth is accepted as a fact, and a norm. As is the 151K BSL using deaf. They have NEVER been identified.
No charity has to validate what its statistic is, or where it is obtained, indeed, they are the sole source of them too. At the root of it all is Charities and campaigners are primarily exempt from FOI requests etc that others are bound to, so don't have to justify or validate the statistics they put out, the Charity Commission allows it too, so is equally complicit on assisting the provision of false data to the government. As a side issue it was reported online more charities than deaf people existed. Nobody questions, nobody checks, and nobody can. In the right areas, charities and campaigners have free reign to quote anything they choose to.
Just when you thought there could not be any more diversity extant, a major area of the hearing loss community, has dropped the basic stereotypes of deaf/HoH/HI and 'Deaf' to declare they wish to be known as 'Trans-deaf'. They redefine themselves via the following major differences to the 'Deaf Community' and sign-language-using minority.
Bronwen Artur sent us this podcast for ATR Media (Cymru), of a discussion with Mervyn James, a profound deaf man, regarding his suggestion he and others be called Trans-deaf persons. It contains no sign language, reasons will become apparent...
Bron: "How can the trans terminology, be applied to deaf people with no gender description inclusion?"
Mervyn: "The dictionary definition and the general acceptance and rights, do not define gender as the sole basis for using trans terminology, as people with hearing loss, we are using the term to describe basic and diametric differences that exist in the hearing loss lifestyle, culture, social, loss disability, access, inclusion, and support needs. Basically, so the wider mainstream does not label us as just another sign language-using stereotype."
Bron: "Are there no trans individuals in the hearing loss area?"
Mervyn: "Trans in this respect describes different areas unconnected with sex or gender. There are areas already who describe themselves as trans and use it to describe a preference to be recognised as individuals, with individual needs. We believe using 'trans' in the hearing loss sense raises the profile of 300,000 in Wales with hearing loss hitherto ignored, I understand there is some opposition to this term being applied but that is down to the assumption it is sex/gender-based. Let's bury that assumption here. It is in response to the media and mainstream, already baffled by the rising demands of trans acceptances and the almost daily addition of more trans definitions. It is about our difference, and own perceptions of difference, which we feel is our right to state too."
Bron: "Just how do people who are deaf differ from 'Deaf' people, I don't understand, Deaf sign, deaf don't, they hear with hearing aids?"
Mervyn:"Well, if you are profoundly deaf then you don't hear anything! It is a clinical fact. Currently, anyone with a degree of hearing loss can call themselves deaf, it's a social versus a clinical model of the disability or how the person views its effect. Another distortion doing the rounds is that ALL deaf sign, you pay your money, etc, it is the hype of successful, but misleading, or false campaigning slogans, as it uses BOTH deaf and Deaf terminology in the campaigns. In clinical terms, both areas can be deaf, even sign language use doesn't mean the user is even deaf. Campaigns leave that open to misinterpretation. It is clever lobbying, 15K English BSL deaf can become 150K etc. There is complete confusion of statistics as to who they are talking about. The key is to keep society always on the back foot. You have made the point I was making. It is lack of awareness, lack of understanding, and this has reflected on our area negatively, via a lack of access, covert discrimination, and poor care and support."
Bron: "Can you give us any examples, of what you mean?"
Mervyn:"We can demonstrate statistics, but that is playing the system games, lies, damn lies etc, none are accurate, none validated, consultation doesn't take place, nobody but vested interests participate, it is all done by rote, and people read into them what they want to read, or manipulate them (for kudos/gain mostly), charities for funding, campaign areas for publicity. The state has no statistics but the NHS, who are prevented from identifying those with hearing loss by law, and relies on the same people wanting money/funding from them to provide 'facts', who can in effect quote any number they please, obviously the higher the number, more demand for funding appears. The BDA declared a 10X increase over 2 years e.g. It was never validated.
Bron: "Are you saying, charities lie to get funds?"
Mervyn:"Well misinform, distort, or blur the numbers, yes I do. 1 in 6/7 may well have hearing loss or deafness, but no statistic says they all require help or support, and no statistic says they are all deaf. Local authorities/regional governments declare very little demand, and they are the people who are by law obliged to provide support. The NHS only tells us how many have hearing loss, (the clinical statistic), which charities then can 'suggest' means all of them need help and aren't getting it. Obviously, the state tends to go via how many ASK for it. If we can take e.g. the case of NHS/999 access, then you are more likely to be offered BSL (British Sign Language), support than any other communication format, regardless of hearing loss degree, personal preference, or established need. In the case of Wales, over 50 BSL interpreters exist for less than 800 sign users there, again we don't know how daily reliant on BSL they are, or if they utilise alternatives about their daily lives, or indeed how often they use an interpreter. Part of the issue is the 'global' view of the UK that ignores devolution. It's common to read English campaigns being sold as Welsh, Irish, and even Scottish ones. Such ignorance existed during the BSL Act lobby, who were unaware Wales had no need for it, and still hasn't adopted the Act.
Indeed the BSL Act lobby launched in Wales came from Newcastle and Manchester, but 'sold' as a welsh lobby. Cardiff held a meeting about it, only 9 deaf attended. Sign language is just one option open to deaf people among others. E.G. Only 2 STTR's (Speech to text), operators were listed as available for deaf and others with hearing loss who may prefer text access, with waiting times up to 6 weeks or more, there is no organised system like BSL for others with hearing loss, BSL interpreters are primarily freelance people who don't rely on it as a full-time job, this could suggest far less demand exists for BSL than is being claimed.."
Bron: "So people with hearing loss suffer a shortage of text professionals, lip-speakers, note-takers etc, but the Signing Deaf show demand for BSL, those with hearing loss do not, is that correct?"
Mervyn:"It is more the case the acute, or non-extant shortage of help, suggests any demand we make is academic, that doesn't mean the demand isn't there. It is a 'chicken and egg' situation. 10m with hearing loss in the UK have to fend for themselves mostly, maybe using text on mobiles, or apps, or asking relatives to make oral calls, manage their internet access, etc, technology has been a boon, but personal interactions and support is still dire. Access isn't working with the NHS/999, or other vital systems like the DWP. System areas and charities are currently pouring funding into sign language accessible contact instead because regular income is there, a new BSL Act has emerged, Wales didn't need it, because BSL users in Wales got full access nearly 15 years ago. Access has become the norm for the welsh sign user, and no access, the norm for everyone else with hearing loss.'
Bron: "There are charities who can provide what you need, the RNID or the BDA, even the NADP, without taking the extreme act of using the 'Trans' term to get it?"
Mervyn:"We make no apologies for using the term. It is no more extreme than people using trans terminology to describe every preference they may have, ours is about recognition and support for our hearing loss. We believe it will be really effective in making systems and the government take more notice of our needs, the means justify the ends. Sign language has been effective in ensuring that area gets them included. We needed another 'angle' because sign-accessible systems cannot be accessed by us, it demands we sign too. We need systems that cater for our needs. We are left out of 'Deaf' access, even via an equality law designed to include deaf people. The BSL Act, via culture and sign, excluded us by default, it was a singular attempt to divide deaf people via formats they used, that dumped millions with hearing loss too, it is ludicrous we would have to campaign for an Act for us, whatever happened to inclusion? 2% of deaf people set up a system that was applied to 10m others by default. Systems and charities also failed to include by endorsing the subtle capitalisation of our profound loss, which we won't recognize on those divisional terms. It creates resentment."
Bron: "You say charities excluded, what do you mean? How are they they doing that?"
Mervyn: "You mentioned the two major hearing loss charities, RNID, and the BDA, actually, the BDA (British Deaf Association), has no hearing loss community members in it, it has a very loose 'affiliation' system which they go with to enhance own area mostly. Affiliations suggest division too and the endorsement of it. The BDA has less than 1,000 UK members, the majority of whom are 'passive', i.e. take no active part in what the BDA does, the RNID is the same. The BDA are remnants of older deaf school people, brought up with huge BDA involvement in the past, but is hardly relative today, as Wales, has no deaf schools. It exists via sectarian-type approaches to 'defend their culture'."
Bron: "Defend it against who?"
Mervyn:"Against anyone who suggests they should utilise alternatives to sign language. It isn't feasible in my view to expect a hearing society, or a hard of hearing society, to adapt to them. The BSL Act simply endorsed their own view they are not going to make efforts to be included themselves, and that is now legally recognized as a right via their 'culture'. They want everyone else to adopt sign language for them, it is doomed to failure, especially with poor integration advice coming from community leadership rooted in the past. Their leadership demands are to maintain isolation approaches.. Personally, I feel the BDA is the root source of that, using paranoia as a means to control vulnerable deaf people. I also feel most deaf people know it, hence only 1 in 15, profess any support for it. They rely on old people in deaf clubs mostly."
Bron: "The RNID caters to your area doesn't it?"
Mervyn: "Yes, and No, inclusion being relative, as to gain funding and support, the 'Deaf and Hearing Impaired' remit is mandatory. It suggests inclusion and equality but follows the 'money/services' BSL provides. Primary BSL demand comes from a singular source in the UK, London, and the South East of England, which has 44% of all deaf signers living in, or near there, campaigns are city-based. It is important to point out that regions have huge variations of need and demand, and, all have a much higher population with hearing loss, not deafness, also regional governments approach health and support differently. Demand can be non-extant for BSL in many areas of Wales."
Bron: "But laws have to include don't they?"
Mervyn: "Inclusion relies on demand, nobody is going to subsidise support hardly ever used. Use it or lose it applies. Charity and systems have to show they are inclusive, hence the global remit but it is in title only. The BDA doesn't have to include and can claim culture and language rights as an exemption, providing their area with an exception to that inclusive rule. I see this as a deliberate specialisation, that suggests they need more 'help' or a higher priority, than others with hearing loss. It establishes a tiered support set up with deaf have, and have-nots, who can be left unsupported because they use a different means to communicate. I respect these deaf have effective campaigning people, but I question their inclusive bottom line. The RNID mainstay is offering professional support at cost, to establishment areas, and charities provide care on the cheap acknowledging the state no longer wants involvement. We cannot control our own support needs, so cannot establish demand for communication preferences that suit our need, there is great inequality."
Bron: "How can such demand be established?"
Mervyn: "With great difficulty, I admit, Charitable areas cannot 'sell' hearing loss to the public. 'Noise is life', as a politician once stated, and our youth have always endorsed it too. Awareness is simply getting a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. Hearing loss groups where they exist have no campaigning core, they, and campaigners too, such as exist, are isolated, access is not there confidence is zero, and grouping doesn't take place. Many fear being attacked as discriminating against BSL users, and online BSL areas heavily censor or block pleas for HoH support. Using trans, shifts the focus away from that."
