EM Midlands Railway now in BSL

 

What stereotype are you?

[The deaf thing we will ignore for now they never listen anyway].  ATR recently contacted the Disability News Service in the UK with comment that suggest stereotypes are actually the mainstay of most disability and Deaf campaigns, they rely on it, despite publishing numerous attacks on the mainstream, for using the identity stereotypes they created for themselves.  Stereotypes that empower discriminations against those 'Not deaf enough', or 'Not really as disabled as..' or 'You went to the wrong special school...'etc. Read On:

Dear John,

Could DNS cover this issue of disability campaigners attacking mainstream for 'stereotyping' disabled people? As you are aware I find this subject contentious especially in the 'Deaf' sense, where promotion of 'support' etc is aligned directly with sign language usage, and indeed their perceived culture.

Numerous online posts by deaf individuals and  the charities that represent them, promote 'special need', special teaching etc, and an increasing demand for more 'support' to use their communication approaches, none of which is helped by mainstream being confused, despite ardent promotions and system support, for differentiating what type of deaf person you are, often identified by sign use or wearing a hearing aid, or lip-reading etc, you can't be impaired you can only be whatever current populist terminology is vogue.  Support = help = disability, the image hasn't really changed at all, but been enhanced.

Various attempts to put these questions online, to disability outlets/magazines or to systems/charities etc are met with hostility, personal attack, bans and blocks,  from hardline 'Deaf' areas, while disability areas run scared of empowering different viewpoints (Or pay lip-service to them, life is too short etc). The 'Deaf' community fast resembling a sect more than anything else.  The more culture they acquire the more sectarian they become and more introspective and undemocratic their practices and campaigning.  Disabled campaigners despite all their output are ring-fencing their own stereotypes to 'ensure' society DOESN'T see them the same or equal as anyone else, they need to stand out, not, fit in, they can only do this walking a fine line between labelling themselves or being ignored, (OK they are ignored already).

As soon as you say 'Disabled' or Deaf, or 'paraplegic' that is it, isn't it?  If you don't identify your area you cannot highlight its issues, but that plays into the stereotype too.  Is it then logical to attack as Disability Wales did, (but refused to respond to me). the poor sods in mainstream for it?

Devolution is ignored by DNS too, are you not over-focused on London to the detriment of the common cause?  If disabled are to be identified as Scots, Irish, Welsh or English lets clarify it.  The 'global' suggestion of disability isn't working is it? Disability and deaf media are increasingly out of touch with grassroots too, and their charitable representation  have no mandates or memberships, campaigners go it alone in defiance often, chaos really, when is DNS going to say it how it is?

MJ (ATR MEDIA)

Why BSL can be detrimental to Deaf inclusion.

There are several issues surrounding access for British Sign Language (BSL) users that need to be addressed in order to ensure their full inclusion in society.

While British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation services are crucial for effective communication between BSL users and those who do not understand sign language, it is argued that over-reliance on interpretation support can potentially hinder the independence of BSL users.

1. Dependence on interpreters: Relying solely on interpreters for communication can create a sense of dependence, as BSL users may feel they cannot communicate independently without an intermediary. This dependence can limit their ability to have spontaneous conversations or interact in settings where interpretation services are not readily available.

2. Delayed access to information: When BSL users depend on interpretation services, there can be delays in receiving information, especially in fast-paced situations or during group conversations. This delay can affect their ability to actively engage in discussions and make real-time contributions, potentially leading to feelings of exclusion or frustration.

3. Limited interaction with non-sign language users: Relying heavily on interpretation support might limit the opportunities for BSL users to interact directly with those who do not understand sign language. This can hinder the development of relationships, social connections, and broader integration into society. To address these concerns and promote independence among BSL users, consider the following: 1. BSL education: Providing comprehensive education in BSL from an early age can empower individuals to develop strong communication skills independently. This includes supporting BSL users in becoming bilingual, having proficiency in both BSL and the written/spoken language prevalent in their society. 2. Technology: Leveraging advancements in technology can enhance independent communication for BSL users. Tools such as video relay services, text-to-sign and sign-to-text translation apps, and real-time transcription services can provide BSL users with alternatives to interpretation support in certain settings. 3. Building inclusive environments: Efforts should be made to create inclusive environments where BSL users feel confident and supported in expressing themselves. This includes educating society about BSL and deaf culture, fostering a culture of respect and understanding, and providing additional resources such as captioning and visual aids.

It is important to note that while interpretation support plays a vital role in bridging communication barriers, empowering BSL users to become independent communicators requires a multifaceted approach. It involves addressing both the availability of interpretation services and providing opportunities for BSL users to develop their own communication skills and participate fully in all aspects of life.