Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Winter 2010) located in our Newsletter page

In this issue you will find:

• Plans to celebrate Deaf Parenting UK’s 10^th anniversary in 2011 (including competition to win fantastic prize – Deadline: 31^st January 2011)
• Sabina, Asif and baby Rubi’s visit to No 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister’s Eid Reception
• Julie Abbou’s crowning at Miss Deaf International 2010
• One blogger’s comments on interpreters for Deaf Parents in schools
• A wonderful celebration of Deaf sportsmen and women at Sports Personality of the Year
• Courses for Deaf Parents to be held in Bristol in 2011

All links are accessible from our newsletter, but our glossary of websites and email addresses referred to in the newsletter provides quick access to important resources:

• Deaf Parenting UK’s Twitter page: www.twitter.com/deafparentuk
• Deaf Parenting UK’s web site: www.deafparent.org.uk
• Deaf Parenting UK’s Facebook page
• Georgia School for the Deaf
• Miss Deaf International 2010
• Top Tips for Dads
• Philip Booth’s Blog: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com
• Family Focus Magazine: http://www.familyandparenting.org
• Information on the parenting courses to be held in Bristol in 2011:  Hilary@hilarysutherland.co.uk

Deaf Parenting UK Newsletters comes out every 3 months and are free for all Deaf parents, families, professionals who work with Deaf parents. If you wish to be kept informed of when the newsletter comes out, please let us know or email to info@deafparent.org.uk.

Finally, Deaf Parenting UK wishes you all a festive season and a Happy New Year. Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is 4th March 2011. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sabina is delighted to welcome our new Ambassador for Wales, Richard Jones who is Deaf father of three. “He brings a wealth of experiences on community developments especially in Wales and we look forward to working closely with him with view of developing Deaf Parenting UK-Wales and services to meet the needs of Deaf parents in Wales.”

Richard Jones is currently employed as Researcher and Development Officer for Deaf Access Cymru on a part-time basis. He is also a freelance consultant and set up his own company in 2010 after leaving the British Deaf Association where he worked as Director of National Operations. Prior to that, he was Director for BDA Wales as he was born and bred in Swansea. He graduated with MBA from the Open University and PGCE from the Manchester Metropolitan University in 2010. Richard is a second generation deaf person in his family and has three children himself.

Richard was a Founder Chair of Wales Deaf Rugby Union, a Founder Trustee of Advocacy Wales and is a current Chair of SignWales, a social enterprise company which focuses on enabling deaf community to have access to Information Technology. He is also a Trustee of Swansea Centre for Deaf People.

“Being deaf and faced with attitudinal discrimination is something deaf people live with every day in their lives. Also as a Deaf parent, having a family is one of the most important experiences anyone could have in life and it needs to be positive. In my previous experiences as an advocate, I have seen the injustice and prejudice placed on deaf parents from different services agencies as well as the rest of the society. As an Ambassador for Deaf Parenting UK, I hope to play a part in promoting positive experiences of Deaf Parents in the UK.”

SIGNtific @ Science Museum on 20th December 2010

Time: 12.30pm – Icy Cool Adventure (aimed for 4 years – 7 years) then we will make some badges/snowflakes.

Time: 2.30pm – Kitchen Science (aimed for 5 years and above), we will have a new experiment too.

There will be a Deaf presenter with VoiceOver so suits all Deaf and hearing children and adults.

Please spread the word, the more the merrier.

Hope to see you there!

For more info, contact Marcel on Marcel.Hirshman@ScienceMuseum.org.uk

For more info on other events, please go to our event page or if you have any events near you, please email to media@deafparent.org.uk with details so we can add it onto our website and onto Deaf Parenting UK newsletter.

Sabina, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK was delighted to welcome Jo Tantum, a well-known writer on board of Ambassador and said “It’s fantastic news that she accepted our offer to become our Ambassador. Being parenting consultant and writer on sleep routine for new parents for GMTV aswell as written her own book – Baby Secrets, we look forward to working with her.”

Jo Tantum, Author of Baby Secrets

Jo Tantum author of Baby Secrets is best known for her ability to get any baby sleeping 12 hours through the night, gently without babies and parents getting distressed. With 24 years experience including work as maternity nurse, Jo’s advice is tried, tested and backed up with robust research. With Jo’s compassion and honest mission to want to help sleep deprived parents it’s no wonder Jo is the UK’s leading sleep specialist.

Jo’s study of routines and sleep patterns first began when an American mum of newborn twin girls asked Jo to put her babies on a “Schedule”, and soon after the twins were sleeping and feeding well. It was at this point that Jo realised the importance of embedding a good baby routine. And her bestselling book ‘Baby Secrets’ is a testament to that, with thousands of Mums and Dads calling it their baby bible!

Jo has helped countless mums not only in the UK but worldwide and has a brilliant reputation for understanding parents and babies everywhere.

You may have seen Jo on GMTV, Sky Baby Channel or on Richard and Judy discussing her spaced soothing technique or maybe on BBC radio  programmes sharing top sleep tip with listeners. You can also read Jo’s latest advice every month in Prima Baby magazine as their Sleep Expert.

Jo exclaimed: “I am so proud to be invited to become an Ambassador for Deaf parenting UK. In my role as Baby Sleep Specialist I appear on stage at the Baby shows and have always had a BSL interpreter. I have managed to offer advice to many deaf parents attending the shows, whether it is for when their baby arrives or if they are having sleeping and feeding issues with their new arrivals. Of course I can’t help everyone which is why it will be so fantastic as an ambassador to be able to help many more deaf parents. Giving them more confidence to be able to better understand and enjoy their baby’s .And of course making other people aware of the wonderful job that Deaf Parenting UK does.”

To learn more about Jo Tantum and all of our other Ambassador, please click here.

Asif Iqbal, Media/Project Manager: “Welcome our new Minister of Children & Families (Department of Education) – Sarah Teather, MP, who recognised the importance of our charity and the work we do in supporting Deaf parents.”

Sarah Teather MP, Minister of State for Children and Families: “I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous work of Deaf Parenting UK.  This organisation ensures that the needs of parents are not overlooked and it is our collective responsibility to ensure parents receive the support they need. I wish you all the best for the future”.

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2010

BBC’s Sport Personality of the Year has been staged since 1954 with a very popular audience but it seemed way past time we should also recognise achievements within the Deaf Community so a decision was made to take on this challenge and to host an exclusive event with the support of big sports fans as part of the committee to hold this special night in November 2010 at Wembley Stadium in London.
The organisers explained: “As we are aware that there may be plenty of discussions of Deaf Sporting achievements socially at deaf pubs, clubs or amongst friends but no official recognition has ever been given to exceptional achievements across Great Britain or United Kingdom. E.g. At Summer Deaflympics events Great Britain may have achieved some amazing results but with lack of official recognition which is a shame.

So this is our opportunity to encourage our athletes/organisers/coaches and motivate them with praise from the public on a special night.”

Deaf Parenting UK have sponsored two key awards – Unsung Heroe and 3rd Sport Personality of the Year 2010 as follow:

3rd SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:- Sponsored by Deaf Parenting UK.

Voted for a person, this prestigious award will be given to the participating sportsman or woman whose actions have most captured our imaginations during 2009/2010. Gain a vote ie Working hard, making a commitment, a good personality, individual achievement and greatest impression.

3rd Winner:- Jamie Matthews (Squash)

Currently the World Deaf Squash Champion he also won the Surrey Closed Championship (hearing) in January 2010. He also plays professionally on the men’s tour around the world and has a respectable world ranking of 250.

UNSUNG HERO: Sponsored by Deaf Parenting UK

This award recognises those who selflessly devote their time and efforts to enabling others to play and enjoy sport.

Derek Simmons:- His heart has always been in trying to ensure that all Deaf people are treated equally and with the respect they deserve within sport.

For more information, check their DSPY2010 website.

Prime Minister David Cameron invited Sabina and Asif to attend 10 Downing Street’s Eid Reception on 22 November 2010

Sabina and Asif Iqbal and their newborn baby Rubi (5weeks old), were invited by Prime Minister David Cameron to attend the Eid Reception hosted by Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio & Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party at Downing Street on Monday 22nd November 2010. The event was attended by a mixture of celebrities, Ministers, MPs, sport personalities, Business, Army & Navy chief officials and inspiring individuals.

Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio & Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party gave Sabina a big hug and kiss and congratulated Sabina for her fantastic achievements.

Baroness Warsi also held Sabina’s daughter Rubi for the first time and said Rubi is gorgeous and congratulated both Sabina and Asif on their new baby also.

Prime Minister David Cameron greeted Sabina and congratulated her for the wonderful achievements and the contributions that Sabina made to the communities. Sabina also congratulated the Prime Minster on his recent new baby daughter Florence. David beamed as a proud father and explained that Florence is now 8 weeks old and smiling a lot that David couldn’t help giving her lots of kisses. David asked after Rubi.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was also present at the Eid Reception and welcomed both Asif and Sabina and congratulated them both for their achievements.

Sabina Iqbal exclaimed: “It took me by surprise when I received an invitation from the Prime Minister David Cameron to his Eid Reception and it was delightful to meet the Prime Minister and other VIPs and it was a good opportunity for networking. Rubi was the centre of attention and at the same time, was the first youngest baby to visit No.10 and it was suggested that who knows, she may be our future Prime Minister!’

SABINA IQBAL, CHAIR/FOUNDER OF DEAF PARENTING UK, HONOURED WITH ‘WORKING PARENT OF THE YEAR 2010’ AWARD

Mum and Working Awards 2010 event took place on Wednesday 4th November 2010, rewarding and recognising the companies and individuals that make flexible working possible and show that family-friendly employment not only supports family life but give real benefits to the companies involved. The award organisers explained: “We’re very excited about this as we know first-hand the challenges that parenthood, running a business and working brings. We meet amazing individuals every day that are proving that flexible, family-friendly employment does work and we want to applaud the people and companies that are making this happen.”

Our finalists were invited to the glamorous awards ceremony at the beautiful Hilton St Anne’s Manor near Bracknell to meet and mingle with the press, industry personalities and our other special guests.  The winners was announced and presented with their awards and prizes at this inspiring occasion. Sabina was announced as a winner of the ‘Working Parent of the Year 2010 Award’, presented by Sarah Beeny, TV Presenter together with a prize of Sanctuary Spa.

Sabina Iqbal: “I’m delighted to receive this award as recognition of working mum as it has been really challenging in juggling with my full time work and my voluntary charity work with Deaf Parenting UK aswell as being a mum to three young children under 5. I hope with this award to inspire other mums on balancing work with families, it is important to have flexible working to fit around families aswell as supporting organisations/ communities we work with.”

More information can be found on the mum and working Website: http://www.mumandworking.co.uk/awards/

SABINA IQBAL, CHAIR/FOUNDER OF DEAF PARENTING UK NAMED AS ONE OF THE EUROPEAN MUSLIM WOMEN OF INFLUENCE LIST 2010

The Connecting European Dynamic Achievers Role Models (CEDAR) Network Launch Event and European Muslim Women of Influence Gala took place in Madrid, Spain on 30th October 2010 in celebration of the European Muslim Women of Influence finalists and The Connecting European Dynamic Achievers Role Models Network’s first major event. The conference and gala event was bring together entrepreneurs, media representatives, thought leaders, senior policy officials and politicians for an evening of debate, engagement and celebration.

The Event were attended by high profile female business leaders especially Cherie Blair, (wife of Former Prime Minister Tony Blair), Ms Farah Pandith, Special Representative to Muslim Communities, US Department of State, Senior Advisor Communications, Dr Emmanuel, UN Alliance of Civilizations and Sasha Havlicek, Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Strategic Dialogue.    Cherie gave an opening speech on her personal experiences of being female lawyer and breaking down barriers.

Razia Iqbal, Special Correspondent and presenter, BBC (pictured with Sabina, above) hosted the awards and announced 10 winners named on European Muslim Women of Influence List 2010.  Sabina Iqbal is one of them, a deserving winner. The judges confirmed that although it was to difficult to choose the 10 winners from 26 finalists, all winners were chosen as  a real role models for other, which fits in the heart of CEDAR Network. Sabina on receiving her award gave an moving and inspirational speech about her experience, her passion in empowering and motivating others to follow her footsteps. This resulted a standing ovation from the audience and many approached to Sabina to congratulate in her achievements.

Sabina Iqbal: “It was humbling to meet all the finalists and their work. I was stunned to receive the award; I hope this will serve as a positive role model for other Muslim women across the European and international level.  It is important for us to continue inspiring and nurture our future generation of younger girls/ women of all diverse groups and spread the messages of empowerment. They are the ones who look up to us as positive role models and learn from us of what we can achieve. I hope they get the encouragement and supports they needs, to achieve their potentials.”

More information can be found on the CEDAR Website: http://www.cedar-emwi.com/

DPUK Newsletters:

Hot off the press – Autumn 2010 edition  is now available!

Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Autumn 2010) from our newsletter page. In this issue you will find:

• News on support for DPUK from Rt.Hon Michael Gove and from Tana Ramsey
• Information on the forthcoming Baby Show in Earl’s Court, London
• Product Information on Baby Monitors for Deaf People
• News on Suffolk County Council’s Provision of BSL interpreters for Deaf parents
• Features on Communication and Parenting for Deaf Parents with hearing children, including some top tips
• A real-life example of how parent power can break through barriers in schools

Enjoy reading.

DPUK Team

DeafSafe + DSV Conference flyer for conference on 25th Novembre 2010 at LVSC, Holloway Road is now out. DSV means Domestic and Sexual Violence.

For more information, please click on flyer and programme to view in full: Flyer and programme of the conference .

Ticket = £7 by 14 th November 2010

(£10 after 14 th November)

This conference is organised by Deaf Advocacy – Justices 4 Deaf People. Please contact them for a Booking Form + Ticket directly on

SMS: 07980 973191 or

Email: deafadvocacy.justice@gmail.com

HAD (Harrow Association of Disabled People)’s Access magazine is now out with 3 full pages devoted on Deaf Parenting UK’s recent Conference on ‘Are We Equal? in accessing to health, social services and children’s education.  

More information on Deaf Parenting UK Conference can be found from our Conference 2010 page

SORD Newsletter  is now out with Deaf Parenting UK on the first page regarding Professor Alys Young, DPUK Ambassador who gave a keynote presentation answering the question – ‘Do social care  services work for Deaf parents?’ 

More information on Deaf Parenting UK Conference can be found from our Conference 2010 page

Deaf Parenting UK backed Cathie Cragie (MSP)’s proposal for British Sign Language Bill.  

Asif Iqbal, Media/Project Manager:  “Deaf Parenting UK wish to announce our full support to one of our Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador, Cathie Craigie, Member of Scottish Parliament who put forward the BSL Bill to the Scotland Parliament. At present, the BSL Bill is in consultation with people living in Scotland (see link below).

The BSL Bill will benefits many Deaf people including Deaf parents and families who needs full access to BSL information and services in BSL (including health, education, social services etc), thus empowering them to have equal access.

The BSL Bill calls for everyone to respect BSL users and their language needs aswell as recognising BSL as a language, firmly integrated into legalisation with the equal footing as any other spoken languages, e.g. ensuring all information be made available in BSL, Deaf awareness and BSL curriculum be made nationally through schools and many more.

We urge everyone to support the BSL Bill and enabling Scottish Parliament to approve it before becoming an Act. It would be good that if it becomes successful then we need to call for England and Wales Parliaments to follow with this model.”

If you want more information please go to the consultation paper from this link: Scottish Parliament’s website.

If you want support her with the BSL Bill, please contact her directly by email Cathie.Craigie.msp@scottish.parliament.uk by 29^th October 2010.

Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of Deaf Parenting UK has been selected as a guest speaker for the 8th European Congress on Mental Health and Deafness will be held at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, United Kingdom on 2nd – 5th November 2010.

Sabina’s presentation on Deaf parenting will take place on Thursday 4th November 2010. Please check programme on Deaf Children, Young people and Families for more details: http://www.bsmhd.org.uk/esmhdcongress2010/prog.htm

The theme of the Congress, ‘Healthy Deaf Minds in Europe’, serves as the agenda for an exciting programme providing a forum for addressing mental health issues and developing links between all of the various professionals working in the field of deafness, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, therapists, nurses, social workers, interpreters, educationists, deaf people, carers and the community. The themes of the Congress are preventing mental ill health in the deaf community and promoting deaf mental wellbeing.

The Congress promise to be one of the biggest event, worldwide in 2010. To learn more, go to http://www.bsmhd.org.uk/esmhdcongress2010/index.htm

More updated information on 16th WFD World Congress in South Africa, July 2011. Click on the flyer or here

Hope to see you there.

DPUK Team

The Baby Show is Expecting You!

Earls Court London, 22-24 October 2010

Join us at The Baby Show, taking place at London’s Earls Court on 22-24 October 2010 – you’ll find everything dedicated to pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond. With unbeatable shopping, exclusive offers, fantastic entertainment plus expert advice and information, The Baby Show really is an essential part of having a baby.

Here’s a sneak preview at just some of the great benefits of attending The Baby Show:

• Hundreds of offers including 10% off at Mothercare and Fisher-Price, plus great deals on all your baby essentials
• Celebrity mum Myleene Klass will be live on stage sharing her pregnancy and parenting tips
• Live talks from  Annabel Karmel on nutrition, Prima Baby’s Jo Tantum on sleep routines, and Clare Byam-Cook with breast feeding top tips, plus essential first aid from the British Red Cross
• One to one advice from the midwives at the Tommy’s Meet the Midwives and Health Visitors Centre sponsored by Caffeine Free Diet Coke
• Entertainment for all the family including, the Face of The Baby Show competition, the Sainsbury’s Try Team with live recipe demonstrations, Mothercare Maternity Fashion Show, the Fisher-Price Crèche, play zones and lots more!

To make your day out even more enjoyable we’ve made it completely hassle free – Pampers Changing Room with free wipes and nappies, Tommee Tippee Feeding Area with FREE food plus plenty of areas to put your feet up and recharge the batteries. And once you’ve stocked up on the baby essentials there is the Emma’s Diary shopping drop off point and collect by car service, as well as home delivery. 

We’ve teamed up with The Baby Show to provide BSL interpreters each day of The Show from the Deaf Parenting UK stand K55 and on the Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure Stage with Prima Baby on Saturday 23 October. See Baby Show leaflet which show Deaf Parenting UK (under Advice & Info section).

To book your tickets simply call 0871 231 0844* or visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk quoting EC146, and don’t forget Kids 0-10 Go Free! Please also email to info@deafparent.org.uk if you have booked your place and on which day to ensure numbers for BSL interpreters.

We look forward to seeing you at The Show!

As part of the ongoing support from our Ambassador – Markku (WFD President), we are exhanging information on Deaf Parenting issues on local, national and international level.

They have sent us WFD newsletter to keep us informed of what is happening in international level. So WFD Newsletter August 2010 is now out, with updates on International Deaf News, First Deaf member of European Parliament (MEP), UN Convention of people with disabilities and many more.

Enjoy reading!

DPUK Team

Asif Iqbal, Media/Project Manager: “Welcome our new Secretary of State of Department of Education – Rt Hon Michael Gove MP who recognised the uniqness of our charity and the work we do in supporting Deaf parents/ families.”

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State is delighted to give his full endorsement and support to Deaf Parenting UK. In his letter to Deaf Parenting UK, he wrote:

“I know first-hand the difficulities faced by Deaf children and Deaf parents and I also know how brillantly Deaf parents are coping with life’s challenges.

I’m therefore delighted to be able to endorse and support the work of Deaf Parenting UK.

We should all celebrate and support the love and committment of 1000’s of Deaf parents who provide children with a wonderful start in life.

I wish you the best of luck in the future”

The Equality and Human Right Commission (EHRC) is holding a Formal Inquiry into disability-related harassment and we want to hear your views on our draft Terms of Reference.

Below are five BSL videos clips that:

1. Introduce to the Inquiry and consultation
2. Explain the Inquiry scope
3. Provide a summary of the responses to the consultation on Terms of Reference
4. List the questions for disabled people and details of how you can respond

If you prefer Easy to Read version, please download the word document

Contact us at EHRC

First time visitors – please register with the site.
Return visitors – please log in.

Deadline for your view is 10th Sept 2010 but can be extended for another week if you are keen to submit your view, please contact EHRC directly.

Sabina Iqbal was invited as a guest speaker at the CODA UK & Ireland Conference 2010 in Brighton Deaf Centre, on Saturday 21^st August 2010.

The theme of the conference was ‘Positive Attributes of having Deaf parents’ where CODA (child of Deaf parents, formerly known as HMFD, Hearing [me], Mother, Father – Deaf) shared their positive insight/ experiences of having Deaf parents, explaining how having Deaf parents with rich Deaf culture and heritage have shaped onto CODA’s lives.

Sabina gave a presentation about Deaf Parenting UK and the work they do in enabling, empowering and supporting Deaf parents/ parents to be. Many CODA and Deaf parents were at the conference who found the conference useful in sharing information/ experiences as well as networking with new and old friends.

From there, Sabina (Deaf parent) and another guest speaker – Carmel (CODA) from Australia, were invited to launch the new CODA UK and Ireland website.

Here Marie Dimond, Founder of CODA UK & Ireland explained that there is lack of information on CODA in UK apart from brief info here and there but no central resources of information for CODA. As a result, Marie was involved in obtaining funding and got someone to design the website, she also gathered together all CODA information/ events and some useful resources on CODA issues and added them all onto the website.

Marie also added that the website is useful for:

• Deaf parents with hearing children,
• hearing individuals with one or both parents Deaf (CODA/HMFD),
• Student/Researcher learning/studying CODAs
• Any others who want to show their support and celebrate the launch of the website!

Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of DPUK was one of the Ambassador, said:

“I’m delighted to be working closely with CODA UK & Ireland to exchange our support of our respective organisations in reaching out Deaf parents and their children who are CODA themselves. Through the partnership, we are reaching out to the wider audience and promote positive images of Deaf parents and the well-being of CODA too.

I was also delighted to be at the CODA UK& Ireland conference: Positive Attributes of having Deaf parents, on 21^st Aug 2010 at Brighton which was successful.

I have seen many Deaf parents, their children/ CODA, dispersed across UK who are socially isolated with limited access to support and the conference is one of the event which offered a fantastic opportunity for Deaf parents, children/ CODA to get together, learn from one another aswell as to have fun.

I urge all of you Deaf parents, their children/ adults who are CODA to get in touch with us about future events or check out our websites below:

Deaf Parenting UK www.deafparent.org.uk or

CODA UK& Ireland www.codaukireland.co.uk

Tana Ramsay is best known for being married to chef and TV star Gordon Ramsay for 13 years whilst bringing up their brood of four children. She is 36, a chef and has written a number of cooking books, including Home Made, Tana Ramsay’s Family Kitchen and Tana Ramsay’s Real Family Food. She originally trained as a Montessori schoolteacher. Tana has her own kitchen in the family home – and does most of the cooking. Tana has been happy to play the traditional housewife role.

Sabina Iqbal Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK: I’m thrilled to have the support of the fellow Celebrity Mum of the Year, Tana Ramsay, whom I met at the Tesco Mum of the Year 2010. Tana is a well-known celebrity who inspired millions of women with her achievements, juggling from writing cook books, running marathons for charity aswell as a hard working mum of 4 young children.

Tana Ramsay wife of Gordon Ramsay: “I am a proud supporter of Deaf Parenting UK, a charity that does ground-breaking work reaching out to deaf parents who previously hadn’t been given the resources they so desperately needed. Their achievements thus far have been astounding and I wish them a huge amount of success in the future.”

DPUK Newsletters:

Hot off the press – Summer 2010 edition  is now available!

Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Summer 2010) as attached. In this issue you will find:

• Report from our recent annual conference, “Are We Equal?”
• Information about our new Ambassador, Eileen Hayes
• News of Sabina and Asif Iqbal’s recent visit to Her Majesty, The Queen’s Annual Summer garden party
• News on support received from Lynne Featherstone MP, new Equalities Minister
• An opportunity to take part in Channel 4’s new TV show, Extreme Parental Guidance
• News from the Baby Show held in Birmingham in May
• Stories and pictures from a recent trip to Alton Towers enjoyed by Deaf Parents with their children
• Feature on the life of Deanne Bray, Deaf Parent and Actress
• Report from Dacorum Mela
• And much more news, valuable information and features.

Deaf Parenting UK Newsletters comes out every 3 months and are free for all Deaf parents, families, professionals who work with Deaf parents. If you wish to be kept informed of when the newsletter comes out, please let us know or email to info@deafparent.org.uk.

Wishing you all a very enjoyable Summer, if you are lucky enough to be taking a break with your family, have a wonderful time – don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is 24th September 2010.

We look forward to hearing from you.

DPUK Team

CODA UK and Ireland Conference 2010- (Child of Deaf Adults/Hearing Mother Father Deaf)

When: Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:00am and Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 3:00pm

Location: Brighton

Launch of the CODA UK and Ireland Website!!

All are welcome including Deaf parents with hearing children, hearing individuals with one or both parents Deaf (CODA/HMFD), Student/Researcher learning/studying CODAs or anyone who wants to show support and celebrate the launch of the website!!!

Workshops: Drama/Arts and Crafts for Kids CODAs as Interpreters

Presentations by Guest Speakers (to be announced)

CODA Achievements/ Experiences

Ticket: £5 Adults/Kids Free

CODA Conference 2010 flyer

Email: codaukandireland@ live.co.uk for more information about the event, transport and accomodation.

Please pass on this info to anyone you think might be interested.

Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK with Eileen Hayes, MBE and DPUK Ambassador

Eileen Hayes MBE, DPUK Ambassador joined us at the recent Deaf Parenting Conference 2010 and commented “the conference was a lively, stimulating event and I found the workshops thought-provoking in many ways concerning the need to think about improved access for deaf parents to services many other parents take for granted. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet the work team from DP UK and a number of the other ambassadors, and was really impressed by their energy and commitment.”

More information on our successful conference can be found on: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/services/conference/conference-2010/

DEAF PARENTING UK held A SUCCESSFUL Conference for Deaf parents focusing on ‘are we equal?” at THE RESOURCE CENTRE, HOLLOWAY ROAD, London

Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2010 was held on Wednesday 7^th June 2010 in London and attended by mostly Deaf parents and professional/ service providers working with Deaf parents, co-chaired by Professor Waqar Ahmed and Dr Lesley Jones, both well-known in the research field of Deafness & Ethnicity. We also had a range of speakers – Anne Bristow from Association of Director of Adult Social Services (ADASS); Surinder Sharma, Department of Health (Equality & Human Right Unit) and Professor Alys Young from Manchester University; two local Deaf parents/ families on their personal experiences/ perspective, as well as two workshops, one from Child Health programme Unit of Dept of Health jointly with the Family Nursing Partnership programme; and National Association of Family Information Services, who gave presentations on the theme: ‘Are We Equal? in accessing to Health, Social Services and Children’s Education’, of which many Deaf Parents experienced numerous of barriers.

The theme of the conference on ‘Are We Equal?’ have touched the core issues in many Deaf parents and bringing them from across UK aswell as USA. As we all know, the support for all Deaf Parents are vital for Deaf Parenting UK so all Deaf parents and parents to be know that they are not alone in their experiences/ difficulty in accessing to information about their rights and parenting services.

Although, 90% of Deaf parents are likely to have hearing children, accessing to health services, social services and their child’s education (especially in the mainstream) are proving to be the major battles for many parents especially:

• Health – accessing to health services for Deaf parents’ own health aswell as their children’s health. This ranges from maternity care, children’s health and women / men’s health.
• Social Services – accessing to social services for family support to prevent family breakdown aswell as accessing to personalisation. This ranges from Early Years support, children & families services and Adult services
• Education – accessing to nurseries, primary and secondary school.

During the conference and workshop, delegates were given an insight on the following three key areas that affect Deaf parents the most:

• Educating professionals about the needs of Deaf parents across Health, Social Services and Children’s Education;
• Access to Health, Social Services and children’s education is vital for many Deaf parents but are Deaf parents equal?
• Deaf parents to be informed about their rights and entitlements.

In Anne Bristow’s presentation on access to social services for Deaf parents including personalisation, she explained and challenged how Deaf parents can access to personal budget to gain independent and control of their daily lives. Eg, Deaf parents could use Personal budget to purchase parenting support/ workshops and even set up parent support group to gain confidence in their parenting skills and peer support that they needs. Other suggestion is perhaps to buy interpreter support for parents evening if the traditional route prove to be too time-consuming for many Deaf parents arguing with nursery/schools on who should pay for interpreters.

In Professor Alys Young’s presentation, she highlighted the lack of social services support for Deaf adults and children especially if there is no specialist Sensory/ Deaf services team in place. Her research also shows that more than half of local authorities in UK do recognise children of Deaf parents are ‘children in needs’ and support them accordingly however some other local authorities have certain criteria eg if children of Deaf parents are seen as ‘young carers’ or depend on their family situation before they can be classified as ‘children in needs’.  The conference calls for all children of Deaf parents to be seen as ‘children in need’, therefore should be supported with appropriate resources to meet the children and Deaf parents’ needs.

Feedback from Deaf parents and professionals have found the conference useful and such eye-opener on the presenting issues and gave them the motivation and drive to do something about it especially the gaps in their local area.

Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK: “The conference is an excellent opportunity for Deaf parents to share their concerns regarding accessing to Health, Social Services and their children’s education.

Human Right Act emphasised that every parent have the right to enjoy family life. Furthermore, Government’s policies: Every Parents Matter and PEAL confirmed that every parent have the right to be involved in decision making of their children’s educational future but how can they if they are unable to access to information and choices? Furthermore with the Government’s Personalisation Agenda, enabling deaf/ disabled people (including those who are parents) to have more independent and control on their lives but how can they have control if they don’t have access to information/ resources to make it happen?

Despite the Disability Equality Duty & Disability Discrimination Act already in place which also covers Health, Social Services and Education, very little has been done to address the issues that Deaf parents face. For example, inconsistency of policies regarding who pays for BSL interpreters in accessing to health eg GP, family support eg Sure Start centre/ social services and parent’s evening. Lack of Deaf awareness, attitudes and lack of information/ access to those three key services needs to be tackled to enable Deaf parents to participate in their daily lives without barrier, which many other hearing people take for granted”

Professor   Waqar   Ahmad   Deputy   Vice-Chancellor   Research   &   Enterprise,   Middlesex University & Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador: ‘I was honoured to have the opportunity to chair this excellent conference. Sabina and Asif are an inspiration to us all. Their energy, drive and determination has enabled Deaf Parenting UK to achieve so much with so little resource and in such a short space of time. They and other Deaf parents at the conference demonstrates that Deaf parents, like all other parents, are committed to bringing up their Deaf and hearing children to the best of their ability and resources. It is important for health, education and social services to work with Deaf parents as partners in the design and delivery of outstanding services.’

Anne  Bristow,  the  Joint-Chair  of  the  Association  of  Directors  of  Adult  Social  Services Physical Disabilities Network/ HIV/ and Sensory Network: “This was a vibrant event where deaf parents shared their experience and challenged all professionals to design the services that will give them equal access.  They deserve our support”.

Dr Lesley Jones, Senior Lecturer in Social Science, Hull York Medical School, University of York & Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador: “It was an excellent day of lively, informed exchange between parents, policy makers and practitioners. Both deaf and hearing views were represented in a conference which truly felt to be a move towards constructive change for the better.  It was an honour to be part of it and we look forward to seeing the impact of the networking and work done on that day in the future provision of services.”

Chris Kubwimana, Social Worker, SPD Team, Wandsworth Council:” I really enjoy the Deaf Parenting UK conference. I thought the conference was a successful and informative. There were key relevant to my current work and my colleague’s. But I also think the information would be very useful for our other colleagues from Children and family department. Congratulations for being such a high figure and for playing a good model to Deaf Community. I am sure many Deaf people include myself can look at your example and be confident enough to say I can do this or I can be this person.”

Debra Dalton, Deaf Parent:” Very informative and the speakers gave me a lot of thought about children services who are totally unaware of deaf issues!”

Sannah Gulamani, ViewTalk Deaf Reporter: “We were honoured to attend the Annual Deaf Parenting Conference this year and capture the events of the day. We spoke to several people; key speakers, deaf parents, organisations on issues discussed in the course of the day, providing a fascinating insight to a great conference.”

Clarissa Williams, Former Head teacher and President of National Association of Head teachers (NAHT) & Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador: ““The latest DPUK conference brought together an impressive line -up of speakers with important up to date information to share on the position of deaf parents in today’s world. However there is still much to be done to fight ignorance and prejudice in some sections of society. Too many deaf parents describe feeling isolated and frustrated in dealing with day to day situations. DPUK has done a great deal to bring this sense of isolation into the open and together we must continue to maintain a strong public voice in bringing about whole scale entitlement for all deaf parents to have equal access and rights. Indeed, I am very proud to be associated with DPUK. “

To see the full video/ photos of the conference, please visit our Conference 2010 page

Dacorum Mela 2010: Sabina Iqbal launched Communities Together Pledges

Dacorum Mela 2010 took place on a beautiful sunny day – Saturday 10^th July at the Market Square, was a successful event where different communities from across the borough came through together to enjoy a festival of traditional music, food, dance and entertainment.

The Mela, (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘gathering’ or ‘festival’) was organised by the Global Pindd Community Group and the Council, which celebrates Dacorum’s diversity and community spirit.

The day was scorching at 30C, and it didn’t deter residents, staff and people from community/ voluntary sector including the special guests: Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK; Mike Penning, MP & Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador; and The Mayor of Dacorum Councillor Roger M. Taylor from enjoying the Mela. Community groups from around the borough showcased their heritage and traditions through dance and music at the family festival and even some of the audiences including children joined in and had lots of fun.

Councillor Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services and Public Protection, said: “The Mela is a great opportunity for all residents in the borough to experience a taste of the diversity we have here in Dacorum, through a fun day of music and entertainment. We are also pleased to be launching our Communities Together Pledge at the event. The Pledge gives individuals the chance to show their commitment to making it happen.”

Sabina Iqbal, the first Deaf Asian woman ever at the Mela, launched the Council’s Communities Together Pledge and gave speech in British Sign Language (BSL) and voice-over via BSL interpreter, explaining about the Pledge. The Pledge sets out a vision of how Dacorum’s communities can all live and work happily together. It brings together the thoughts of local residents, community and voluntary organisations and councillors. 

 In her speech, Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK, said:  “I am proud to be here for Communities Together at the Dacorum Mela 2010 with the Mayor of Dacorum and Mike Peninng MP, who is also one of the ambassadors for Deaf Parenting UK. May I say that being an Asian Deaf woman, I am delighted to see all the communities coming together from different cultures and faiths so thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen.

 Today is a great opportunity for all residents to experience a taste of the diversity we have in Dacorum.  We are also pleased to be launching the Communities Together Pledge which was developed by residents, councilors and representatives from the voluntary and community sector.

 This is part of a wider Neighbourhood Action initiative which has been consulting with communities and groups all over the borough to find out, by working together, how we can improve the area for the benefit of everyone.

 We would like to encourage everyone to sign up the Pledge to demonstrate their commitment to making it happen. The pledge is being circulated by volunteers around the market square; please ensure to sign up by the end of the day.”

 After her speech, Sabina then rallied everyone including children in the Market Square who were given a balloon each and at the countdown from 5 to 0 to release the balloons to signify their support to the Communities Together Pledge and it was fantastic to see so many balloons flying up in the sky.

Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to sponsor the Children Classic book on ITV Signed Stories website – Peepo!

The website can be found on http://www.signedstories.com/page/index.cfm.

ITV Signed Stories spokesperson said “As the charity’s annual conference gets underway this week (Wed 7^th July), we are delighted to announce that DPUK has sponsored the children’s classic story, Peepo!

Peepo! is a beautifully illustrated rhyming book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg and has become a classic for babies and toddlers based on the game that parents play with their babies.”

Peepo! can be viewed by Deaf parents together with their children and is fully accessible for all including deaf/ hearing children as the story is signed in BSL with voiceover and subtitled. http://www.signedstories.com/world/browseall/index.cfm#/preview/Peepo

Furthermore, our Chair/Founder – Sabina has been invited to present two books into BSL as follow:

• First Time Nursery – for children who is about to start nursery for the first time! http://www.signedstories.com/world/familiesfriendships/index.cfm#/player/First_Time_Nursery
• Preeta Goes to India – book to go online soon – watch this space.

Enjoy watching.

DPUK Team

We are pleased to inform you that our Annual Report 2009 with our achievements and hard work for the period of 2009 is now available to download from our website on:  http://www.deafparent.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/DPUK-Annual-Report-ended-31st-December-2009finalb.pdf

 Enjoy reading.

DPUK Team

Asif Iqbal, Media/Project Manager: “We are delighted to welcome our new Equalities Minister – Lynne Featherstone MP, who recognised and value the work of Deaf parenting UK and saw us as the innovative lead in working with Deaf parents, putting them into touch with the support network of other Deaf parents for peer support aswell as receiving support from our staff who are Deaf parents or have Deaf parents. This increased our understanding and empathy with each other, supporting one another and working together to have our voice heard in influencing the Government regarding the needs of Deaf parents in accessing to all services.”.

Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities), The Government Equalities Office:  “The awesome responsibility that parents shoulder to fight for their children is made less lonely and difficult because of Deaf Parenting UK whose work is so very much needed. Parenting is difficult under any circumstances – but when our children have something which makes their life more difficult – then we parents need support to fight those fights – but also to know that we are not alone.”

 Deaf Parenting UK received Breakthrough Independent Living Awards 2010: Peer Support ’Highly Commended’ Award.

The 2010 Independent Living Awards Ceremony was held at Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester on Wednesday 16th June.

The theme of the evening is ‘Promoting the rights, responsibilities and respect of disabled people. Those Awards were made to bodies or organisations which evidenced innovation and commitment beyond what is currently accepted as good practice. 

Deaf Parenting UK was delighted to receive ‘Highly Commended’ for Peer Support award presented by Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People and Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador.

Sabina, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK was delighted to have her on board of Ambassador and said “It’s fantastic news that she accepted our offer to become our Ambassador. Being parenting consultant for many well-known brands including Bounty, Parenting TV, Parenting Advisor for NSPCC’s Family Magazine and BBC Parenting advice website and many more, we hope to benefit from her wealth of knowledge and experiences she can offer to Deaf Parenting UK.”

Eileen Hayes, MBE, Parenting Consultant

A mother of four, Eileen Hayes, MBE, is author, magazine columnist, trained counsellor and frequent broadcaster on TV and radio. Her background includes teaching, psychology, health promotion and research on ante- and post-natal care and education.

A regular contributor to the media on family topics, on programmes like, “The Wright Stuff” and Jeremy Vine,. Eileen has also made several series of Practical Parenting tips for Living Channel, and presented a parenting slot on BBC series A Family of My Own and Everyone’s Got One. She was Editor-in-Chief of Your Family magazine and website for five years; and is parenting expert on www.bbc.co.uk/parenting, and www.gurgle.com.

Eileen has published several books on childcare, including Understanding Your Baby, Understanding Your Toddler (Egmont), Crying (Pan MacMillan), Tantrums (Hamlyn) and Crying and Comforting (Dorling Kindersley).

As Parenting advisor to NSPCC, she has worked on major campaigns such as Full Stop and Protecting Babies and written a wide range of their publications, including Baby’s First Year, and “Encouraging Better Behaviour” as well as carrying out a great deal of their media response work on family issues.

“Being a parent is always challenging and all parents have difficulties at times no matter what their circumstances. Deaf parents will face all the same challenges as hearing parents, but may face extra barriers in accessing supports that they needs and therefore need specialist support/ help to overcome such barriers, whether this is being able to attend a Deaf parenting skills workshop run by deaf parents using BSL, or some peer support from parents who have already been there. Deaf Parenting UK is available to give them the information, advice, support and confidence they need around parenting and promote well-being within families.”

To learn more about our Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador, go to our Ambassador page.

Deaf Parenting UK supports FIFA World Cup’s  International Sign broadcast video reports.

Asif Iqbal, Media /Project Manager of Deaf Parenting UK are delighted at the announcement of FIFA.com’s video reports in International Sign:

“We are pleased that FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Mr Markku, President of World Federation for Deaf (WFD and Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador) for pushing this through in recognition of 70million of deaf people across in the world and enabling them to involved in World Cup.

We hope that many Deaf parents/ families across the world, will be able to access to those matches via subtitles on TV and International Sign Languages via FIFA.com websites. Integrated access of both subtitled and International Sign will bring everyone including Deaf people, families together to enjoy the World Cup.

This would certainly bring exciting ideas, challenges and opportunities for Olympic London 2012 and how accessible will it be for Deaf parents/ families?

If you are Deaf Parents/ Deaf families, looking forward to watching the World Cup 2010, please let us know your thoughts on accessibility of International Signs and subtitles for our next Deaf Parenting UK’s Winter Newsletter. Email us on media@deafparent.org.uk

For more information about the International Sign videos on FIFA.com website, click here: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=1223699/

Deaf Parenting UK support Citizens Advice Bureau BSL website, which is live with a British Sign Language service for deaf customers

Access for deaf people to the legal and financial advice provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has been widened with five online films in British Sign Language (BSL) produced by the charity.

There’s an introductory film with information on arranging an appointment with an adviser, along with the kind of information you should take with you. The four other films contain advice on clearing debt, the social security benefits you can claim, what you can do if you’ve been discriminated against and employment rights.

Asif Iqbal was interviewed with Disability Now Magazine (May 2010) about CAB BSL website which can be seen from this link.

National Family Week is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of family life aiming to highlight the importance of quality time together and promote the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. Backed by all major political parties, National Family Week represents the largest coalition on family issues in the UK, working with hundreds of partners and supporters from major national charities to community organisations to help bring families together.  National Family Week – bringing families together

For more information, please go to http://www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk/

Asif Iqbal – Media/Project Manager of Deaf Parenting UK: “As a proud parent of two children, both under the age of 5, it is difficult to maintain the work and family life balance due to our many commitments but it is important to spend time with our children and ensure they remain the main part our life. It is so rewarding to see our children develop with dignity and pride with clear ideas of what they want to achieve and constant personal development.  We strongly support National Family week as it is a very important event to spend time with our family with other diverse families to celebrate and recognise their family life values and it is great to see their children’s joy and pride when spending time with their parents.”

Media case studies needed – can you help…?
Do you have an interesting story to tell? Do you spend time together in weird and wonderful ways? Is there something that makes your family unique? Or are you just a model picture of family life? If so, National Family Week needs you! So if you would like to appear on TV or in the paper sharing your family’s story, just send us a photo of your family and a couple of paragraphs telling us about your family, where you live and what makes your family special. Make sure you include a contact telephone number so we can find out more. Your family must be happy to talk to the media (possibly live!) and be photographed, and you must all be available between now and 8 June.

And if you do make it through to talk to the national media, we’ll give your family a brand-new, state-of-the-art Flip Video Shoot & Share camcorder! You’ll never miss one of those precious family moments ever again!  Please email your details ASAP to Rob at: rdavinson@nationalfamilyweek.co.uk

Deaf Advocacy + Justice 4 Deaf People is pleased to launch + host this first Deaf-led Deaf Diabetes UK (DDUK) Conference on 29 July 2010.

DDUK Conference will provide an excellent opportunity for Deaf diabetes + for Deaf people / Deaf parents do not have diabetes are interested in diabetes matters to meet NHS Professionals.

• Dr Rowan Hillson, MBE, National Clinical Director for Diabetes.
• Dr Stephen Thomas, Clinical Director for Diabetes, Healthcare for London.
• Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK

The conference aim is to:

• raise awareness on the needs of Deaf diabetes’s access to the NHS Diabetes Care + Services plus information,
• develop an understanding of their access + communication needs,
• identify gaps in the NHS Diabetes Care + Services,
• highlight concerns + to offer possible solutions.
• inform Deaf people who do not have diabetes to be aware of diabetes risks + preventative measures. And the needs of Deaf parents + their view about their children needs who may have diabetes.

For more information, please go to http://www.justice4deaf.com/DDUK-Conference-Information.html

DEAF PARENTING UK CONFERENCE `Are We Equal?’ in accessing to Health, Social Services and Children’s Education. ON WEDNESDAY 7 JULY 2010, The Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA.

Asif Iqbal, Media/Project Manager of Deaf Parenting UK is delighted, saying: “We are excited to have Pat Tulloch, Chief Executive of National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS) as one of our speaker at the Conference. NAFIS have a network of local Family Information Services across UK, providing information and advices to parents and families on childcare, early years and children activities. Pat is looking forward to meet all Deaf parents and professionals at the conference, wanting to know their views/ feedback on how Family Information Services can meet Deaf parents’ needs in their local areas.”

We are looking for Deaf parents to share their experiences including the following:
• Should your child be seen as `child in need’ and qualify for free nursery place?
• Do you have access to your children’s education?
• How well is your access to health services for your health throughout pregnancy, birth and your children’s health?
• Are you happy or have any concerns regarding your child’s health/ well-being/ development?
• Is your local social service providing support to you as Deaf parents and accessible to meet your needs?

The conference offers an excellent programme of speakers for Deaf parents/ professionals, aswell as an exciting programme of family activities for children of Deaf parents including Face- painting, magic show, etc. More information about our conference including booking form can be found at: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/services/conference/conference-2010

If you would like to attend the event, please email info@deafparent.org.uk with the above booking form and payment. Or SMS us with your name and email address and we will email you the booking form. Tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

“Limited places, please book early to avoid disappointment”

Cost: Deaf parents/ families £5, Student £10, Professionals/ service providers £80

Deadline: June 25th 2010

Please contact us for more information on by email info@deafparent.org.uk or SMS: 07789 027186 (text only) E-Fax: 0871 2643323

ARE YOU DEAF PARENTS OR HAVE DEAF CHILD?

Deaf Parenting UK is working in partnership with the production company that makes Channel 4’s Jo Frost’s  TV programmes. She is well-known for her previous programmes including Super Nanny.

We are keen to find Deaf Parents/ families to take part.

JO FROST is looking for parents in need of expert advice to take part in the returning series of  Channel 4’s Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance.

Are you Deaf parents or is your child deaf or hard of hearing?  Have you struggled with their behaviour or that of their siblings as a consequence?  Do brothers and sisters act up because they don’t get as much attention as they’d like?  Are you worried your child has been bullied or are they angry because they feel ‘different’?

If any of the above sounds like something you and your family are struggling with, Deaf Parenting UK can put you in touch with the programme.

Deaf Parents have been featured in SuperNanny USA programme (please note this is a preview with subtitles)

For more information please email to media@deafparent.org.uk

with your name, details of your family, address/location of where you are based and the best contact details to contact you (email/fax/SMS/minicom).

All details you provide will be kept secure and protected at all times

Deaf Parenting UK will be presenting an award at the Deaf Sport Personality of the Year 2010 on 27^th November 2010 at Wembley.

“Deaf Parenting UK are delighted to support this vital event in recognising the achievements of our Deaf sport champions, who were otherwise neglected by the mainstream media. Also some of our Deaf sport Champions are parents or have families of their own, which by all means, no easy feat in training for Deaflympics when having family of your own. We wish the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Award 2010, every success”.

To learn more about our award and to book your tickets, please visit www.dspy2010.co.uk

Derby Telegraph have contacted Deaf Parenting UK and is keen to find Deaf parents/ families living in Derby. Deaf Parenting UK is unable to share members’ details to Derby Telegraph due to Data Protection Act however have advised Wendy to write a letter that we can distribute via our newsletter, website and email groups. So if you are Deaf parents and living in Derby and want to share your experiences, please contact Wendy directly and let us know how you get on.

Thanks

DPUK Team.

Letter from Wendy Roberts, Feature Writer of Derby Telegraph:

Hello,

My name is Wendy Roberts. I write features for the Derby Telegraph.

I am keen in finding interesting families from Derby who would be interested in appearing in the paper.
It is my biggest wish to interview a family, with either hearing parents and deaf children – or vice versa, hearing children with deaf parents.

I can only imagine that there are many families in this area who fit this bill -but I’d really like to find you!
It would be so interesting for our readers to find out more about how you run your life and cope with everyday things!

If you are interested, please get in touch. I’d come to see you and do a little interview. Then we’d arrange for a photographer to come and take a couple of family pictures!

I can be contacted on email: wroberts@derbytelegraph.co.uk
I work in the office on a Wednesday and Thursday, 8-4pm. My number here is 01332 29111 ext 5653.

Best wishes and thanks for your support.

Wendy Roberts

Deaf Parenting UK is looking for an effective Coordinator/ Admin officer to set up Deaf Parenting Skills courses in Bristol area. This include finding suitable venue, working closely with social services and health services, encouraging referrals and securing Deaf parents places onto the course. In addition, you will need to support the Deaf trainer in running the workshop session every week for 10weeks per course.

Ideally, the person be based in Bristol area or nearby and have excellent BSL skills. We encourage Deaf people to apply too.

The candidate is expected to start ASAP, pending on the CRB check and satisfactory references, and to commence the work ready for September 2010 course (10weeks) start with view of extending to other 3 courses in Jan, April and Sept 2011

Good rate of pay

Our Criteria – You must have the following skills:
• Excellent organisational skills
• Efficient in administration skills
• Excellent IT skills including flyers, publicity
• Excellent outreach skills in identifying and reaching out Deaf parents with children age 0-18yrs
• Excellent report skills including feedback to the project board.
• Enthusiastic and committed to the project
• Willing to travel across Bristol area

Deadline for application is: 4th June 2010

To express your interest, please email to media@deafparent.org.uk with your CV and covering letter, explaining how you meet the criteria for the above post.

The Baby Show with Prima Baby and headline sponsor Fisher-Price is coming to The NEC, Birmingham on 21 – 23 May 2010. Discover big brands and one off boutiques that you won’t find on the high street, all together in one place so you can compare products to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Visitors will benefit from hundreds of show offers (many cheaper than internet prices!) to help you save time and money!  Hear from the expert speakers who can answer all your questions from nutritional advice through to how to get a good night’s sleep.

Deaf Parenting UK will be providing BSL interpreters on all three days to enable all Deaf visitors to access to all exhibitors stands. To book, please visit our stand – T31.

Here’s a sneak preview at just some of the great benefits of attending The Baby Show:

• Hundreds of offers including 10% off Fisher-Price and Mothercare, and great deals on Bugaboo Pushchairs, Tommee Tippee products and much more
• Live talks from  Jo Tantum on sleep routines, Annabel Karmel on nutrition, Clare Byam-Cook with breast feeding top tips and Katie Price on the idea behind her new baby range, KP Baby
• One to one advice from the midwives at the Tommy’s Meet the Midwives and Health Visitors CentreCaffeine Free Diet Cokesponsored by
• Entertainment for all the family – the Face of The Baby Show competition, fashion shows, play zones and lots more

To make the day out even more enjoyable we’ve made it hassle free – wide aisles for bumps and buggies, plenty of areas to put your feet up & recharge the batteries and once you’ve stocked up on the baby essentials there is the shopping drop off point and collect by car service, as well as home delivery.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk or call 0871 231 0844* and quote BS146. Kids 0-10 GO FREE.

We’d love to see you there!

Deaf Parenting UK Team

* Calls cost 10 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks, or mobiles may vary. Booking fee applies. The Advanced Ticket Box Office closes 19 May 2010.  For full terms and conditions, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

From Equality & Human Right Commission regarding disability related harassment

Can I draw your attention to the formal legal inquiry the Equality and human rights commission is holding into disability related harassment at  http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/legislative-framework/formal-inquiries/inquiry-into-disability-related-harassment/consultation-events . 

We are really keen to get your views on how we will hold the inquiry, you can respond on line at the same link or come along to one of our consultation events to tell us about what you think should be included. 

We will later be taking evidence from Deaf and disabled people on their own experiences of disability related harassment so we can hold public bodies to account for their actions ( or lack of actions).

From Sarah Brown, President of PiggyBankKids and wife of the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP:

“I was very pleased to learn about Deaf Parenting UK through the Tesco Mum of the Year awards and have been incredibly impressed at the services they offer to Mums and Dads in genuine need. As parents we all need support now and then and this charity will help deaf parents and their children get the best out of life.”

Dr Miriam Stoppard OBE, who is a well-known celebrity to millions all over the world as a leading authority on parenting, child care, women’s health, and many other crucial health issues. Miriam’s books have been translated into over 35 languages and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. She has direct experience of the problems of ordinary people answering reader’s letters in a daily double spread in The Daily Mirror, read by 7 million people every day, as well as a regular health page in “Tesco Magazine” and “Top Sante”.

 Dr Miriam Stoppard OBE said:  “I found Deaf Parenting UK and the work that they do for deaf parents inspirational. It is vital to ensure that our information/advice are accessible to all and most often, it is the deaf parents who lose out because they can’t hear or access any spoken information that we take for granted. I’m keen to support Deaf Parenting UK.”

TESCO MAGAZINE HONOURS BRITISH MUMS

Sabina Iqbal won Tesco magazine Mum of the Year Award

For the 5^th year, Tesco magazine honours UK mums at the Tesco magazine Mum of the Year awards. The awards recognise the achievements of exceptional mums whose love, dedication, bravery or kindness has touched the lives of the people around them. Sabina Iqbal has been presented with the Charitable Mum of the Year award by Natasha Kaplinsky, Channel Five News Presenter and hosted by Fiona Phillilp, for her dedication and commitment to help others.

A record number of 4,000 nominations was received by Tesco magazine and the Tesco magazine website. This year nine winners were chosen across a number of different categories by a panel of judges including the Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown, who is patron of the awards.

Sabina Iqbal is deaf and has two hearing children; she has long felt that deaf parents are isolated by a lack of support, especially new parents. As a result Sabina has dedicated her time to providing information and support networks for families affected by deafness and deaf parents of hearing children.

In 2001 Sabina founded Deaf Parenting UK, the first ever charity run by deaf parents for deaf parents. Her work for this fantastic cause has included; creating an informative video to inform deaf parents of their rights, creating and raising the profile of new website www.deafparent.org.uk, giving presentations and talks to parents in need of advice and arranging family days where people can meet others in a similar situation to themselves.

Sabina has also written a book called, ‘Pregnancy and Birth: A Guide for Deaf Women’, the first of its kind in the UK, following anecdotes of deaf women who had encountered difficulties while being in hospital giving birth.

Sabina is dedicated to providing support for deaf parents and as a result has been recognised within the UK and internationally through the success of her projects.

The Tesco magazine Mum of the Year Awards took place on Sunday 28 February 2010 at The Waldorf Hilton in London with some star-studded celebrities including Patsy Palmer, Lucy Benjamin, Jo Joyner, Jessica Wallace (some cast from East Ender), Linda Lusardi (Emmerdale), Linda Robson (Bird of a Feather) Bruno Tonioli (Judge of Strictly Comes Dancing), Gordon Brown, Prime Minister and his wife Sarah and entertainment provided by singer Gabriella Cilmi, Austrailian star and Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri.  

Sabina also attended a special meeting with Sarah Brown at Number 10 on the following morning, with the other mums including Tana Ramsay – celebrity mum of the year (wife of Gordon Ramsay) to celebrate their fantastic achievements.

Her interview in Tesco magazine (March/April 2010 Edition) is now out – to read more, click here or pick up your copy from your local store:

More information of her star-studded awards and interview among other mums will be in the next Tesco Magazine May/June 2010 Edition – watch this space.

DEAF PARENTING UK LAUNCHES DEAF PARENTING UK ANNUAL CONFERENCE ‘Are We Equal?’ in accessing to Health, Social Services and Children’s Education.

ON WEDNESDAY 7 JULY 2010, The Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA.

Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to host their next annual conference – Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2010: Are we Equal? The theme of the Conference will focus on three key areas: Health, Social Services and Children’s Education. 

The conference offers an exciting programme of speakers and fun family activities for children of Deaf parents.  In addition the conference offers an excellent opportunity to meet with other Deaf parents, families and professionals, in order to work together to ensure Deaf Parents have equal access to Health, Social Services and to their Children’s Education.  

Click here to go to Conferences page for more information. We look forward to seeing you there.

CODA UK and Ireland Conference 2010- (Child of Deaf Adults/Hearing Mother Father Deaf)

When: Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:00am and Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 3:00pm

Location: Brighton

Launch of the CODA UK and Ireland Website!!

All are welcome including Deaf parents with hearing children, hearing individuals with one or both parents Deaf (CODA/HMFD), Student/Researcher learning/studying CODAs or anyone who wants to show support and celebrate the launch of the website!!!

Workshops: Drama/Arts and Crafts for Kids CODAs as Interpreters

Presentations by Guest Speakers (to be announced)

CODA Achievements/ Experiences

Ticket: £5 Adults/Kids Free

CODA Conference 2010 flyer

Email: codaukandireland@ live.co.uk for more information about the event, transport and accomodation.

Please pass on this info to anyone you think might be interested.

Sabina has been interviewed about her personal experiences and is now out on Emel Magazine this month. To read more about her, click Emel Article interview with Sabina Feb 2010.

Many thanks for agreeing to share our project information with some Deaf parents.

The aim of the research I am doing with Gary Morgan is looking at why deaf children born into hearing families have delayed social awareness. This doesn’t seem to happen in Deaf families so we’d love to have some Deaf families in our research to show how their interaction is different/better.

This project aims to look at how deaf children interact with their families.  It has been found that deaf children born into hearing families find it more difficult to develop social awareness skills than deaf and hearing children born into Deaf parents/families.  Currently this project includes 30 hearing families with deaf children.  We are looking for Deaf  Parents/ families who would be happy to be involved in our project to show successful interaction with their children.  We hope that the results of our research can help hearing families with deaf children and the professionals who work with them.

The visit involves videoing a parent playing with their child and the researcher playing some games with the child.  All identities will be kept strictly confidential.  Specifically we are looking for families to be involved who have toddlers aged 2-3years.  We will visit families twice over a six month period.  Each time we visit they will receive a £10 voucher.  More information is available in BSL.

I’ve attached some information and my contact details if parents have any other questions. I’m also available on skype. There is also some more participant information and consent forms which are available in BSL and I can send these to parents if they are interested or send them to you for you to pass them on. Any information I recieve from them is kept entirely confidential.

Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Anneka Starling
Research Assistant
Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre
http://www.dcal.ucl.ac.uk/team/anneka_starling.html

Deaf Camp is a national outdoor pursuits initiative for deaf children, organised and led by Deaf volunteers.

In August 2009 a two weeks camp was co-ordinated with the first week in partnership with the NDCS for 8-12 year olds and the second week – Deaf Teen Camp – for 13-15 year olds.

At the recent trustees’ meeting it was decided for the organisation to wind down to enable the charity to end on a high, with all long-serving volunteers moving on to pastures new.

We would like to thank all these who have contributed to the work of the charity, as well as funders; the National Deaf Children’s Society Jack Ashley Millennium Awards, Awards for All, the Big Lottery Fund, Four Acres Trust and the Hedley Foundation.

A total of 300 children have attended the camp weeks, and 126 volunteers have been involved in making this happen. A big thank you to all these volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you!

We have a blog full of photos and articles relating to the camp weeks, and this blog will continue until August 2010 – check it out to learn more about the work we did – www.deafcamp.org.uk

Yours in camping

Ethel Neal
Chairperson
19th January 2010

Asif Iqbal , Deaf, Board member of Disability Employment Advisory Committee, (Department for Work and Pensions) and Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, (Department of Transport) has landed a role as a Public Appointments Ambassador in a new Government programme led by the Government Equalities Office and Cabinet Office to encourage more people to apply for public appointments. The Public Appointments Ambassadors programme was launched at a high profile event in Whitehall on 14th January by Government Equalities Office Minister of State Maria Eagle MP.

Asif has a wide experience of deaf, disability and black and minority ethnic groups (BME) issues. He is currently the Media/Project Manager for Deaf Parenting UK and is the first Deaf Ambassador. He is keen to represent the views of the excluded communities including D/deaf, disabled people and BME communities.

Public Bodies make decisions that affect our day to day lives, but too few women, people from ethnic minorities and disabled people sit on boards like the Arts Council, the governing bodies of local hospitals and the Competition Commission.

Asif Iqbal  said: “It’s an honour to be selected as an ambassador for this campaign. I have found being a public appointee a hugely rewarding experience. I hope my experience will inspire others from different backgrounds with skills to bring to public boards to come forward.”

Asif Iqbal joins over 180 ambassadors, who are current public appointees from across the UK, including playwright and Deputy Chair of the British Museum, Bonnie Greer, and Peter Cooke, Vice-Chair of the Independent Living Fund.  As an  ambassador Asif Iqbal will show  why it’s vital  to  have people with a wide range of skills and experience  involved in the important decisions  public boards  make, playing a key role  in highlighting the benefits of serving on a board and encouraging more people from under – represented groups to apply.

Two new public appointment mentoring schemes were also launched at the event.

To find out more about public appointments, current vacancies and how to apply for new mentoring programmes, click here.