Answer the BSL questions and win £100, easy isn't it! Once again the RNID has loaded survey questions to trawl the BSL community for complaints so they can launch another campaign. 5 major questions were almost entirely about the BSL user, not other deaf or hard of hearing. It is hugely disappointing that the RNID again has used BSL as leading part of hearing loss awareness, and again, blurring the differences between deaf and others with hearing loss with this minority BSL community, which is a major contention of disputes regarding what awareness is about or even for.
As regards to BSL questions, the RNID appears to display poor awareness of how this 'community' actually functions, campaigns or operates. Most don't integrate or include themselves with mainstream things or people, and wouldn't if they could, they will obviously insist this is because society is ignorant of their needs, makes no effort with them and cannot sign. Does the RNID really need a survey that will state the obvious? Why has the focus of the RNID gone back to sign users only again? This is the BDA's issue, and they, DON'T include other deaf or hard of hearing, why do their work for them?
Despite no RNID/BSL members of note and a never-ending historical gripe from BSL using deaf the RNID dumped the only sign using CEO the charity ever had, because he had no idea what inclusion meant and treated the RNID charity as his own private deaf club to the detriment it was alleged, of the majority of the RNID Hard of Hearing membership.
What the survey didn't ask, were the real questions as to why insufficient efforts are being made to compromise with mainstream regarding a willingness to really engage. All we read are demands for mainstream to change to suit them, and relentless 'blame' aimed at them. The every first thing anyone with hearing loss would do is to tell people what works for them, a high percentage of mainstream people WILL attempt to include, but, a high proportion of those with deafness and loss won't SAY what works for them, or, opt for a system that doesn't really work effectively for them to offset how serious their communication issues really are.
Insert the question do you REALLY know what format works for you? or maybe 'When using the NHS have YOU been offered signed support you never use?' or even 'Has the NHS every offered you communication alternatives e.g. text, etc?' Ask the right questions RNID.
