New scheme is launched for deaf and hearing impaired residents

Miss-Delectable · 05-18-2008, 08:34 AM

Newham Recorder - New scheme is launched for deaf and hearing impaired residents

An innovative new scheme to assist deaf and hearing impaired residents was launched in Tower Hamlets this week.

The British Sign Language (BSL) video link was formally launched at the Southern Grove Resource Centre in Mile End.

The service, provided by Tower Hamlets Council, enables sign language users to access the services of the Sensory Impairment Team and other organisations based at Southern Grove.

When visiting the Sensory Impairment Team, which operates a daily duty system from 9.30am - 1.30pm, sign language users are directed to a video screen which links them to an central interpretation service within seconds. The interpreter can then relay details of their enquiry to the member of staff at the Southern Grove Resource Centre, via telephone, in a three-way conversation.

The new Video Link enables local people to access advice and information about available services. It means that members of the deaf community have immediate access to the help they need.

Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Tower Hamlets Council, Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, said: "In Tower Hamlets we have 100 residents for whom British Sign Language is their first language. In the past, these service users had to make an appointment in advance to discuss their needs. Thanks to this vital service they can now access information about services by visiting the Southern Grove Resource Centre.

"The project is funded by the council and I am really proud to be here today to say well done to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen."

Other speakers at the event included Jeff McWhinney, Chief Executive at Significan't; the company providing the video link service.

He said: "There are 12,500 sign language users in London but only 150 interpreters. The video link up enables interpreters to do thirteen or fourteen interpreting jobs in one day, which means they are using their skills more effectively.

05-18-2008, 08:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,175 Blog Entries: 3	New scheme is launched for deaf and hearing impaired residents Newham Recorder - New scheme is launched for deaf and hearing impaired residents An innovative new scheme to assist deaf and hearing impaired residents was launched in Tower Hamlets this week. The British Sign Language (BSL) video link was formally launched at the Southern Grove Resource Centre in Mile End. The service, provided by Tower Hamlets Council, enables sign language users to access the services of the Sensory Impairment Team and other organisations based at Southern Grove. When visiting the Sensory Impairment Team, which operates a daily duty system from 9.30am - 1.30pm, sign language users are directed to a video screen which links them to an central interpretation service within seconds. The interpreter can then relay details of their enquiry to the member of staff at the Southern Grove Resource Centre, via telephone, in a three-way conversation. The new Video Link enables local people to access advice and information about available services. It means that members of the deaf community have immediate access to the help they need. Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Tower Hamlets Council, Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, said: "In Tower Hamlets we have 100 residents for whom British Sign Language is their first language. In the past, these service users had to make an appointment in advance to discuss their needs. Thanks to this vital service they can now access information about services by visiting the Southern Grove Resource Centre. "The project is funded by the council and I am really proud to be here today to say well done to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen." Other speakers at the event included Jeff McWhinney, Chief Executive at Significan't; the company providing the video link service. He said: "There are 12,500 sign language users in London but only 150 interpreters. The video link up enables interpreters to do thirteen or fourteen interpreting jobs in one day, which means they are using their skills more effectively. __________________ "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

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