Archive for the ‘News’ Category

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Vote for DPUK to win a £10,000 Aviva Community Fund Award!

We know you care about supporting Deaf Parents and their families – now’s the time to show us how!

DPUK has been led by and supported Deaf parents since 2004 and continues to find ways to help Deaf parents and their families be even more successful and happy than they already are. What we want now is to match Deaf parents with good experience about raising kids with other parents who might want some advice, ideas or support – to find Deaf parents who use sign language to be Helping Hands for other Deaf parents. We need funding to make our idea happen and that’s why we’ve applied to the Aviva Community Fund.

Up to December 2018 the project will aim to recruit and train 25 Deaf adults as parenting mentors who will train and support 25 Deaf parents in need of support. The project funding will support the salary of a part-time coordinator who will:

·       set up the training courses and recruit participants
·       receive referrals
·      match mentors with Deaf parents
·      monitor and review the mentoring relationships

Aviva will be giving funds ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 to the projects that attract the most votes and capture the attention of their judges.DPUK needs your help to secure enough public votes to stand the chance of winning a £25,000 Aviva Community Fund Award.  And by voting, you will make a hugely positive difference to the Deaf community.

Please cast your votes (you get 10) for DPUK before 21st November by clicking on the button below.   Thank you – Remember you can give DPUK ALL YOUR 10 VOTES!


P.S. You will have to register for an account and log in, but it’s quick and simple to do, you don’t have to be an Aviva customer.  It really only takes just a few minutes!

VOTE FOR DEAF PARENTING UK

Deaf Diabetes UK Conference 15th May 2015

DDUK Announcement is pleased to confirm
DDUK – 2nd Conference – 15 May 2015
Venue: Manchester Deaf Centre
+
Exhibition Stalls
Conference Programme details still being finalised
from Invited Speakers/Confirmation asap
Note Key Speakers confirmed from the
NHS (Diabetes) + Diabetes UK
Conference Booking available in February 2015
You can now Register your Interest for
Information on DDUK Conference + Early Bird
Booking Fee
Email : contactdeafdiabetesuk@gmail.com

Celebrating Parents and Carers of Teenagers

If you are the parent or carer of a deaf teenager (11-16s)
or If you are a deaf parent or carer of a teenager (11-16s) and live in Bristol.
Come and celebrate with us!

Saturday 23rd August, Friday 29th August and Friday 24th October
and enjoy a range of activities completely FREE!

Parent Café, Workshops and Well-being activities

Deaf and hearing young people and their siblings will enjoy an Adventure Activity Programme packed with fun:
23rd August: Raft building 
29th August: High Ropes and Archery
24th October: Kayaking
With the help of BSL Interpreters and volunteers!

Email ndcamhstaunton@sompar.nhs.uk 
or ring: 01823 368 373

For poster, click here
 

Appeal Court Ruling regarding Deaf Parents going through family court proceedings.

The of Court of Appeal has issued a judgement as a result of proceedings earlier this year involving a Deaf couple who were challenging a full care order given to a local authority in respect of their daughter. Guidance resulting from the ruling means that all family court cases with a Deaf person involved must now include expert analysis and support around the impact of Deafness from a skilled professional.

A summary of the ruling can be read in Family Law Week:

Legal representatives, local authority staff and social care professionals should ensure they are aware of this useful guidance when working with Deaf Families who require support. The Court of Appeal reminded all relevant state bodies including local authorities and CAFCASS, that they are subject to Equality Act 2010 legislation and therefore owe particular duties to disabled service users/disabled parents.

Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) is a charity that provides specialised support for Deaf Parents, enabling Deaf parents/parents to help their children achieve positive outcomes across all areas of their lives. At DPUK, we work primarily with Deaf parents whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) and who face significant barriers around community inclusion and in developing parenting skills and capacity.

Deaf Parenting UK has been recognised by social care and health services as an expert organisation to approach when there is a need for specialist caseworkers to provide one-to one support, or for advocacy to support casework with individual Deaf parents and their families.

For more information about DPUK Specialist Parenting Support,  please contact:

Nicole Campbell, Families Project Coordinator

Email: info@deafparent.org.uk   SMS: 07928 842529 (text only)

ARTWORK COMPETITION! Sign language brokering experiences in the Deaf community

Do you have deaf parents that use sign language?

Have you had experience of helping your parents to communicate with hearing people or translating information for your parents?

Even if you are deaf or hearing – it means you have done what is called ‘language brokering’

Language brokering is something that children do to help their parents with communication, for example, if the family has migrated from another country and the parents don’t speak the language. Children can learn new languages more quickly than their parents, which is why they will help their parents to communicate in different situations.

Research has shown that children in the UK who speak a different language at home with their parents, like Chinese or Polish, often broker for their parents in different situations, like at the bank, the shop, at school or at the doctor. They can also broker by telling their parents what letters say, or information brochures, or help them fill in forms. This research has also shown that children who broker for their parents have different feelings about it – some feel good about it, some feel not so good about it.

We know that hearing and deaf kids who have deaf parents that use sign language also do this ‘language brokering’. But we don’t really know much about where it happens or why, and how the kids feel about it. We also know that even when people are grown up, they still broker for their deaf parents.

So this is a new project to find out about sign language brokering in the Deaf community in the UK. We want people to tell us about their experiences.

The project has different stages – we have already done a survey of 240 deaf and hearing Codas from 14 different countries and found that many of them began brokering as early as 4 or 5 years old. They also said that they broker in different situations, like other kids with spoken languages. We have also interviewed 11 people in Australia, ranging from 13 years old to over 50 years old, who have talked to us about their language brokering experience.

For the next stage of the research we are holding an artwork competition – so you candraw a picture, take a photo or make a short 5-minute movie to show us how you feel about your sign language brokering experience. We want deaf and hearing kids and adults to submit your artwork.

All the submissions will be judged by a panel of deaf and hearing people that have deaf parents or are involved in the Deaf community.

There will be 9 prizes of a £50 gift voucher for one person in each age and submission category. Winners will be emailed with a voucher.

Each piece of artwork will be analysed to get an understanding of how people feel about their sign language brokering experiences in the Deaf community.

So that children, deaf parents and other members of the Deaf community, hearing professionals that work with deaf people, and interpreters can benefit from this information, we would like to share this artwork with different audiences in different ways: like on a website or at an artwork exhibition. We will only show your artwork with your permission.

Competition rules:

1. This competition is only open to UK residents.

2. There are three age categories: Under 13, 13-18, Over 18

3. There are three artwork categories: (1) Draw/ paint a picture, (2) Take a photo, (3) Make a short movie.

4. Movie submissions should be no longer than 5 minutes long and should ideally be provided through a link to a YouTube or Vimeo clip. If USB sticks or DVDs are posted, they cannot be returned.

5. Deadline for competition entries is 15th June 2014.

6. Entries can be posted or sent by email

7. All entries must include a submission form. If no form is included it will not be entered into the competition.

<<Click here to download the artwork competition submission form>>

<<Click here to download the Artwork competition poster>>

This project is being managed by Jemina Napier, who is a sign language interpreter and researcher and also teaches interpreters. Jemina is hearing and grew up in a large deaf family in London, so has used British Sign Language all her life.

<<Click here for more information about Jemina in English>>

<<Click here for more information about Jemina in BSL>>

This project is also being carried out with support from key organisations who represent the Deaf, sign language interpreting and Coda communities, including: CODA UK & Ireland, the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI), the Scottish Council on Deafness (SCOD), Deaf Parenting UK and the British Deaf Association (BDA). It is vital to carry out this project in collaboration with the Deaf community, deaf parents and sign language interpreters in order to ensure that the communities can directly benefit from the research findings.

To see more information about the project in English and International Sign: << Click here>> 

If you have any questions please contact the project manager Jemina Napier by email –childlanguagebrokering@gmail.com and she can answer your questions by email or arrange a skype conversation if you would prefer to talk in BSL.

Author: Jemina Napier

Stockport Deaf Health Event – Wednesday 21st May 2014

Stockport Deaf Health Event – Wednesday 21st May 2014

  • To improve awareness of local services and support available for deaf and hard of hearing people in Stockport
  • To involve local deaf and hard of hearing people in improving services and their communications
  • To engage service users on their health and social care needs
  • To support the deaf and hard of hearing community to take control of their own health through tailored communications and education sessions.

Where:  Pinewood Lecture Theatre, Stepping Hill Hospital

Time:  2-8pm

Deaf Parenting UK will be setting up stall to promote their services, along with 20 other groups:

1.    NHS Stockport CCG

2.    Stepping Hill Hospital

3.    Hypertension Campaign (BP checks)

4.    Audiology drop-in service

5.    Stockport Council Equipment Adaptation & Sensory Loss Team

6.    BSL Healthy Minds

7.    Interpreter Now

8.    Breast Cancer stall

9.    Cancer information stall

10. Walthew House

11. Healthwatch Stockport

12. Mastercall out of hours GP service

13. Library Service

14. Welfare rights Service

15. UK Council on Deafness

16. Action on Hearing Loss

17. Deaf Nest

18. FLAG

19. Deaf Parenting UK Services

20.   Genie Networks

And 5 workshops:

•             2:00pm Deaf Awareness Training for GPs and Clinicians (Deaf Health Champions)

•             3:00pm Alcohol Awareness Session (Lifeline Project Ltd)

•             4:00pm Breast Awareness Session (Stepping Hill Bobby Moore Unit)

•             5:00pm Deaf Awareness Training for GPs and Clinicians (Deaf Health Champions)

•             6:00pm Cancer Awareness Session (Macmillan & Deaf Health Champions)

PLEASE COME ALONG AND NETWORK!

Hackney Deaf Parenting Support Group

Hackney Deaf Parenting Support Group

 Are you a Deaf Parent/ Deaf Parent to be?
 Want to mix with other Deaf Parents & children?
 Want to receive information, support and advice?

When: 2nd Wednesday of every Month – 12.45pm – 2.45pm

14 th May 2014
11 th June 2014
9 th July 2014
10 th September 2014
8 th October 2014
12 th November 2014

Comet Children’s Centre
20 Halcomb Street
Hackney
N1 5RF

Email: info@deafparent.org.uk
SMS: 07928 842529 (text message only)

DPUK Short Break – Butlin’s Bognor Regis

Deaf Parenting UK’s Families 2nd year running Short Break: Butlin’s Bognor Regis – for Deaf Parents living in London / M25 border only.

  • WHEN:           11th – 15th August 2014
  • WHERE:        Butlin’s Bognor Regis Resort
    Upper Bognor Road
    Bognor Regis
    West Sussex, PO21 1JJ
  • COSTS:         Room only for £100 per person – (2 Years & over)
    Under 2 Years – FREE

(You will sleep in ‘Room Only’ with shower available on – 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th August.  Check out is 10am on 15th August)

FOOD.
If you wish to order food from the list of menu (Breakfast and Dinner)  – you will need to complete form;

  • £17.50 per adult per day.
  • £8.75 per child age 6-14yrs
  • £4.50 per child age 2-5yrs
  • Under 2’s free.

 (We are in arrangement with the company to provide BSL Interpreters for each night of the evening entertainment.  Further details will be announced in due course)

LIMITED SPACES FOR 25 FAMILIES – FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE DEADLINE FOR BOOKING & PAYMENT :- MONDAY 12th MAY 2014, NO REQUESTS WILL BE RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE!

TO OBTAIN BOOKING FORM AND PAYMENT  – EMAIL TO : caroline@deafparent.org.uk

SMS:  07928 282249

Facebook: Caroline Dpuk

 

DEAFvibe – SEE ME HEAR ME EXHIBITION (DEAF DAY)

DEAFvibe – SEE ME HEAR ME EXHIBITION (DEAF DAY)

When: FRIDAY 9TH MAY 2014 10am – 4pm

Where: Waddington Suite & Stanley Matthews Lounge, Britannia Stadium, Stoke City Football Club, Stoke-on-Trent

Award winning charity DEAFvibe is a vibrant organisation seeking to empower Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind community of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

The Deaf-led Charity, now in its fifth year and run by volunteers, will hold its third annual See Me, Hear Me Exhibition.  Entry to the exhibition is free to members of the public and professionals who wish to attend.

Last year’s event attracted 50 exhibitors from around the country and almost 500 visitors including deaf, hard of hearing and deaf blind people, their carers and families and professionals working in the field of deafness.

The exhibition, informally known as the Deaf Day, promotes the wealth of services available to deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind people in Staffordshire, from suppliers of assistive listening devices and national deaf organisations to local health and emergency services that are keen to make their services more accessible. In addition to the information stalls, there will be two BSL interpreted tours of Britannia Stadium, stalls selling crafts, cakes and holistic treatments and fundraising activities including a raffle with fantastic prizes (with some Stoke City FC memorabilia included).

The event is fully accessible, with all communication needs catered for, such as British Sign Language and Deafblind interpreters, Electronic Notetaker and a Lipspeaker, all of which will be available on the day.

DEAFvibe chair, Julie Hart says “The ‘See Me, Hear Me’ event is a great opportunity for all to find out about deafness, the impact it can have on your life and to get advice and information on how to continue to live an independent life after being diagnosed as deaf”.

**********   Deaf Parenting UK will be setting up stall to promote their services – come along and network! ******

CODA UK and Ireland 5th Conference: Are you CODA Aware?

Book your free place at the CODA UK and Ireland 5th Conference: Are you CODA Aware?

CODA- Child of Deaf Adults

 

27th April 2014

9.30-5pm

Grand Connaught Rooms, London

All are welcome!

 

Places limited – for more info, please email: info@codaukireland.co.uk

During the conference we will cover the History of CODAs and the Issues they face. We will have workshops on CODAs as Interpreters and Children in Schools, Volunteer Awards and a Networking Lunch with guest speaker Professor Jemina Napier author of: Sign Language Brokering: A survey of hearing and Deaf Codas.

Deaf Parenting Practitioners Passed with flying colours….

Deaf Parenting Practitioners Passed with flying colours….

Following the success of our specialist parenting support programmes for Deaf parents, funded by Office for Disability Issues – Strengthening DUPLO’ Programme Facilitation Fund, Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) is delighted to announce 10 candidates who have undertaken training to become qualified Deaf Parenting Practitioners.

Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) is an awards winning charity that provides specialised support for Deaf Parents, focusing on helping Deaf parents/parents to be to support their children to achieve positive outcomes across all areas of their lives. At DPUK, we work primarily with Deaf parents whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) and who face significant barriers around community inclusion and in developing parenting skills and capacity.

Our new team of qualified Parenting Trainers are Deaf Professionals who have significant experience working with Deaf Adults, children and families, will be able to deliver more support to Deaf Parents and their families across the UK.

Delivery of Deaf awareness focused support will address the concerns around Deaf parenting, the provision of the support will give Deaf families more incentive to engage and make the required progress.

Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of Deaf Parenting UK is delighted with the positive outcome: “It has taken us a long time to achieve our vision of training more Deaf people (of which many are Deaf parents) to become Parenting Practitioners. This provides them with opportunity to work for us and to deliver parenting support in their local areas across UK, to meet the demand for such provisions.”

For more information about DPUK Specialist Parenting Support, please contact:
Nicole Campbell Project Coordinator Email: info@deafparent.org.uk
SMS: 07928 842529 (text message only)
Fax: 0871 2643323 www.deafparent.org.uk

 

Harrow’s Deaf Awareness Day – 13th May 2013

Harrow Deaf Awareness Day, Harrow Council on Monday 13th May 2013, 9am – 4.30pm

Harrow Asian Deaf Club (HADC) are pleased to have the presence of Councillor Nizam Ismail, The Mayor of Harrow; John Purnell GM QPM DL, Deputy Lieutenant for Harrow and Margaret Purnell (Patrons of HADC) to launch Harrow Deaf Awareness Day on 13th May 2013 at Harrow Council.

HADC is also delighted to secure many excellent speakers with powerful messages being sent out across out to local community and service providers including:

  • Asif Iqbal MBE, President of HADC
  • Councillor Nizam Ismail, Mayor of Harrow
  • John F Purnell GM QPM DL, Deputy Lieutenant for Harrow & Margaret A Purnell, Patrons of Harrow Asian Deaf Club
  • Bilal Khaku, Hatch End High School, giving powerful messages of why Deaf Awareness is important.
  • Michael Lockwood, Chief Executive of Harrow Council

This is FREE event for all, start at 9am with tea/coffee provided.

Also at the venue, the Member Lounge will also hold 25 stalls, thus offering great opportunities for deaf people to find out what services are on offer and for hearing people to see what support/ resources/ information they needs to improve their services and ensuring on accessibility.

The event will offer an opportunity for service providers, council staff, deaf adults & their families, deaf children/ young people & their families and community groups to have a say in how they access services, the barriers they face and what support/ improvements need to be in place to remove such barriers.

The ‘Question Time’ sessions (similar to BBC Question Time) is a fantastic opportunity to enable deaf people and service providers to put forward questions to the panel members on the subject of accessing Council services, services for Children, and access to Leisure, Arts, Theatre and Cinema. Also to encourage further discussion and debate on what should happen to meet the needs of deaf children/ young people/ adults and their families and to enable them to have equal access to services.

The event will be fully accessible to all delegates with BSL interpreters provided and Palatypist on the day.

Below is the list of all Question Time sessions and the Panellist members involved.

1) Question Time: ‘Access to Council Services’

(Social Services, Housing, Community and Equalities)

Chair: Councillor Graham Henson, Cabinet Member of Performance, Customer Services and Corporate Services Portfolio Holder

The Panel Members:

Paul Najsarek, Corporate Director of Community, Health and Wellbeing

David Buxton, Chief Executive of British Deaf Association

Iain Sutherland, Deaf Equality Officer, Bristol City Council

Opening remark – Suzy Talbot, Deputy Editor, Harrow Observer Newspaper

‘My dream and your dream’ – Ammaar Hussein, Hatch End High School

2) Question Time: ‘Access to Children, Schools and Families’

Chair: Professor Bencie Woll, Director of Deafness Cognition and Language (DCAL) Research Centre, University College London

The Panel Members:

Catherine Doran, Corporate Director of Children and Families

Nicola Ward, Director of London National Deaf Children Society

Sabina Iqbal, Chair of Deaf Parenting UK

3) Question Time: ‘Access to Leisure, Arts, Theatre and Cinema’

Chair: Marianne Locke, Divisional Director Community & Culture

The Panel Members:

Tim Bryan, Service Manager of librarians, Sports and Leisure

Deepa Shastri, Performer, Paralympic Opening Ceremony

Andrew Hoey, General Manager, Harrow VUE Cinema

Closing Remark: Councillor Nana Asante, Deputy Mayor of Harrow

This is also an excellent opportunity for YOU to meet with other stakeholders including deaf children, young people and adults and their families and service providers, to work together and see how we can move toward to improve access to services for all.

The event is supported by The Harrow Observer Newspaper, Harrow Community Radio, Harrow Times, Harrow Borough Council, CommunityID and Hatch End High School

An event not to be missed.

Book your place now – email hadc@hotmail.co.uk

HOT OFF THE PRESS – DPUK AUTUMN 2012 NEWSLETTER IS NOW OUT

Hot off the press – Welcome to our DPUK Autumn 2012 Newsletter. In this issue you will find:

  • Autumn welcome from Nicole, DPUK Coordinator
  • Update news from Asif, DPUK Ambassador
  • Funding News
  • London Olympic/ Paralympic
  • HADC’s Halloween Party
  • Deaf Father’s fight to get interpreter
  • Family Lives’ Useful Guide on ‘Violence with Teen’
  • DPUK Factsheets Series
  • DPUK Trustees Wanted – to apply or learn more, please email to info@deafparent.org.uk
  • DPUK Events News
  • DPUK’s and local Support Groups/ Events
  • Contact Us

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Sunday 2nd December 2012

If you have missed any of our previous newsletters, they can be found on our Newsletter page.

NEW NHS Diabetes Group for Deaf BSL users/ DDUK

Do you need information/advice about diabetes in BSL Support & Sharing Experiences

Are you Deaf parents with diabetes or have children with diabetes?

If yes, come to our NEW NHS Diabete Group for Deaf BSL users/ DDUK

Main Topics:

Diabetes Service provided by Central London Community Healthcare

How to manage Hypo’s

What can you do to protect your eyes/sight

Questions & answer session

BSL Interpreters(RSLI) & Refreshments Provided

WHERE? THE ABBEY CENTRE, WASH HOUSE ANNEX, 34 GREAT SMITH STREET, LONDON SW1P 3BU

WHEN: FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2012

TIME : 6PM – 8:00PM

FOR WHO? DEAF WITH DIABETES LIVING IN BARNET, HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM, KENSINGTON & CHELSEA AND WESTMINSTER BOROUGH

INTERESTED? Book your place now and get confirmation by SMS: 07980 973 191  or contactdeafdiabetesuk@gmail.com

DPUK’s London Deaf Parents Support Groups

London Deaf Parents Support Groups run by Deaf Parenting UK

  • Deaf Parents & children’s drop in family friendly environment
  • Access to toys and activities for children under 5yrs
  • Receive information, support and advice

Camden Locality

Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm

When:

  • Tuesday 9th October 2012
  • Tuesday 13th November 2012
  • Tuesday 11th December  2012

Where: Harmood Children Centre, 1 Forge Place, Off Ferdinand Street NW1 8DQ

Hackney Locality

Time: 12.30pm- 2.30pm

When:

  • Monday 22nd Oct 2012
  • Monday 19th Nov 2012

Where: Comet Children Centre, 20 Halcomb Street, Hackney N1 5RF

Newham Locality

Time: 1 – 3pm

When:

  • Friday 19th October 2012
  • Friday 23rd November 2012
  • Friday 21st December 2012

Where: Abbey Lane Children Centre, 1 Abbey Lane, Stratford E15 2SD

Hammersmith & Fulham Locality

Time: 1 – 3pm

When:

  • Monday 15th October 2012
  • Monday 12th November 2012
  • Monday 10th December 2012

Where: Masbro Brook Green Family Centre 49 Brook Green, London, W6 7BJ

For more information or queries, please contact me.

Nicole Campbell

DPUK Families Project Coordinator

sms: 07928 842529

fax: 0871 264 3323

www.deafparent.org.uk

DPUK PARENTING FACILITATOR WANTED FOR BRISTOL AREA.

Deaf Parenting UK is looking for an effective Trainer/ Facilitator to deliver Deaf Parenting Mentoring courses in Bristol area. You must be enthusiastic and committed to the project; be experienced in delivery courses; carry out pre-post evaluations; and ensuring workshops are set in safe and supportive environment.  In addition, you will need to have excellent report skills including feedback to the project board and be supported by DPUK Coordinator in delivery the workshop session every week for a 12weeks 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 2012 course (12weeks) start with view of extending to other projects (subject to fundings)

Good rate of pay

DPUK Parenting Facilitator Person Specification

  1. Experience of using evidence-based parenting programmes or strategies to achieve and support positive parenting skills
  2. Experience of meeting the learning needs and styles of Deaf adults and knowledge of issues affecting the learning and development of members of the Deaf community.
  3. Knowledge and understanding of contemporary parenting issues and resources to support parents.
  4. Knowledge and understanding of child development.
  5. Experience of working in partnership with a range of community agencies (including health services) supporting parents, families and the Deaf community
  6. Expertise in health related and wellbeing issues for Deaf adults. Awareness of and training in mental health issues that affect the Deaf community.
  7. Awareness of the need to use information sharing protocols appropriately and to support and respect the confidentiality of service users
  8. Evidence of good quality interpersonal and communication skills
  9. Be a native British Sign language user or qualified to level 3 or above.
  10. Experience of working with diverse groups of service users and of taking action to address barriers and promote access for hard-to-reach groups.

Facilitators working for DPUK will be subject to enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Facilitators working for DPUK will either be covered by DPUK’s professional indemnity insurance or be required to have this in place if working on a self-employed basis.

Deadline for application is: 31st July 2012

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.

DPUK COORDINATOR/ ADMIN WANTED FOR BRISTOL AREA.

Deaf Parenting UK is looking for an effective Coordinator/ Admin officer to set up Deaf Parenting Mentoring 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 a 12weeks 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 2012 course (12weeks) start with view of extending to other projects (subject to fundings)

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: 31st July 2012

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.

HOT OFF THE PRESS – DPUK SUMMER 2012 NEWSLETTER IS NOW OUT

Hot off the press – Welcome to our DPUK Summer 2012 Newsletter. In this issue you will find:

  • Summer welcome from Nicole, DPUK Coordinator
  • Update news from Asif, DPUK Ambassador
  • Sir Malcolm Bruce & his knighthood
  • HADC’s Queen Jubilee Celebration
  • HADC’ Special reception at City Hall
  • Marlee Matlin’s campaign on Deaf parents go Movies with their kids
  • NDCS campaign: UK law changes for Deaf children in school
  • DPUK Newsround – worldwide including 1st NZ Deaf Parents Conference
  • DPUK Events News
  • DPUK Families Day Out & Events coming up – to book your places, please email to info@deafparent.org.uk
  • DPUK Support Groups diary dates for 2012
  • Keeping in Touch

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Friday 7th Sept 2012.

DPUK Families Day Out – Paradise Wildlife Park, 26th May 2012

DPUK Families’ Day Out

In conjunction with National Family Week

At Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, EN10 7QA

When: Saturday 26th May 2012

From: 11am – 6pm

      • Explore Paradise – Indoor & Outdoor Attractions and Activities.
      • Eating at the Park
      • Gardens at the Paradise
      • Animals Experiences

Tickets Cost £4 Per Person.

CONTACT DPUK FAMILIES PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR BOOKING FORM

DEADLINE FOR BOOKING REQUESTS:  MONDAY 30H APRIL 2012

Email: info@deafparent.org.uk

Fax: 0871 264 3323     SMS: 07928 842529(text message only

DCAL: Do you sign with your baby/child?

Click on the above image to enlarge into full size. Please feel free to print and circulate to spread the word.

1st New Zealand Deaf Parent Conference 11-13th May 2012

To learn more about 1st New Zealand Deaf Parent Conference, please email to Stephen and Monica on: deafparent@deaf.org.nz

FAQ for 1st NZ Deaf Parent Conference

Click on the image to enlarge for the full size poster to print and circulate.

Deafax’s campaign: Education & Advice on Relationships & Sex

Deafax calls on schools and medical service providers to give deaf people Education & Advice on Relationships & Sex (E.A.R.S).

Deafax are launching a campaign on 28th March 2012 to call on schools, teachers and medical service providers to supply adequate sex education and sexual health care for deaf people.

Research into deafness and sexual health is extremely rare and almost completely overlooked. Deafax are pioneers in this area, carrying out in depth research within the deaf community and uncovering shocking results.

Out of a sample of profoundly and prelingually deaf mothers, 87% of which were British Sign Language users, only 17% received sex education in a ‘deaf-friendly’ way at school with 33% gaining information from friends and family and another 33% with no information at all. The remaining 17% received non deaf-friendly sex education at school. 1/3 of young women interviewed were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of conception and many were unaware of walk-in clinics or heard of bad experiences when staff couldn’t understand the deaf person.

Medical service providers mistakenly assume that written material (leaflets, booklets, websites) are suitable to relay health information to the deaf community.

On 1st October 2010, the Equality Act stated that it is a legal requirement for all service providers to make provision for the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Yet research reveals that deaf mothers-to-be are generally unable to access antenatal classes and their midwives are not ‘deaf aware’ or trained on the best ways to communicate with a deaf person.

Information on maternity leave and benefits entitled to them are not passed on and deaf mothers say they feel isolated and have no communication with health visitors.

Out of all the health trusts Deafax spoke to, just one had a midwife who could sign, she had funded her own training.

100% of those who took part in the study believed that the level of service is not the same for both deaf and hearing expectant mothers.

In response, Deafax are launching a Sexual Health Package, tailored for deaf students and teachers to deliver invaluable information on safe sex and STIs to deaf students, using communication methods to suit individual needs.

Deafax have also developed training packages for teachers of the deaf in the field of sex education and deaf awareness workshops for mainstream organisations. They are asking all those in the deaf community to contribute to this under-researched area by completing this survey – so that service providers and schools can no longer overlook the needs of deaf people.

Deafax are also conducting new research for deaf people which is confidential and anonymous; please go online http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCWNCM7

International Families Event – fundraising for DPUK

IF Event Programme 13th May 2012
United Nations International Day of Families Theme

“Ensuring work family balance” A non-profit themed event


“Local Family TV celebrates this year’s United Nations’ International Day of Families with a special celebrity fundraising event aimed at re-discovering the importance of a well-balanced family.”

As a topic of increasing relevance in the 21st century, this high-profile, non-profit charity gala brings together families, NGOs, businesses, individuals, trusts, Ambassadors and High Commissioners to discuss and raise awareness of this prominent issue.

Local Family Television will be raising funds in support of Deaf Parenting UK at their special, Celebrity Fundraising Gala 2012.

The event, which will take place on 13th of May 2012 at the magnificent, 5-star Wyndham Grand Hotel Chelsea, will celebrate the UN’s International Day of Families while raising money for a number of important UK charities.

The theme for this year is Hollywood and Bollywood and Local Family TV will have a number of celebrity designers showcasing their work in an exclusive fashion show as well as special guest speakers and a mysterious luxury prize draw.

Sabina Iqbal from Deaf Parenting UK will be giving a speech to remind our guests of the important cause, we support and of our partnership with Local Family TV to continue delivering new services and support programmes for Deaf Parents across the UK.

Last year,  representatives from 15 Head of States came in support of the private event, while fashion leading lady Sienna Miller sponsored the gala with her Twenty8Twelve collection.

Sofia-Chezene Theophilou, founder of Local Family TV said: “On 16th May 2011 history was made when it showed that countries around the world supported the important role of families by attending the event and I cannot wait to see each country having a UN Ambassador one day and incorporate this in the Family Rights Charter.

Each year I will be involved with working alongside government officials, businesses, individuals, charities, NGO, Ambassadors and High Commissioners to celebrate families all over the world.”

Funds raised will go towards new development plans and stronger support systems for Deaf Parenting UK.

To book your tickets and support our cause – please book online on http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2990519725

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Our Charities

GREAT ORMOND STREET – Great Ormond Street Hospital provides inspirational, world-class care to hundreds of children every day. To help them continue their work, we need to raise over £50 million each year. You can help us help them by attending our event.

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION UK – A mother said “ The day was just of out this world it was unbelievable; at one point there were about 20 people making her happy! We are very grateful to Make-A-Wish for how amazing it all was – Victoria was completely spoilt!” Please help us to continue to make all these children’s dreams come true by coming to the event and helping us raise £6.8 million in 2012.

AID FOR JAPAN – Over 350 children were left orphaned after Japan was hit by itstragic tsunami 2011; Akemi Solloway now needs to raise £5000 for charity registration and more so that these orphans are given a chance to lead happy, healthy lives. Please help orphans by coming and supporting the event.

DANCEAID – We have all seen TV show Got to Dance – taking this idea to a more global level, Danceaid is a new and exciting charity that harnesses the energy of dance to transform the lives of vulnerable children both in the UK and abroad. Every penny will go towards the development of fundamental projects that support and protect children growing up in the developing world. Help us to help them by coming to the event.

DEAF PARENTING UK – Enabling confidence, empowering and supporting Deaf Parents in the UK. Help the organisation deliver new services and programmes to support the development of Deaf parents by meeting the parents and finding out more about the individuals behind the work.

*****************************

This year’s national theme is Hollywood and Bollywood, so this is a strictly Black Tie, Ballgown, Cocktail dress or Bollywood-style attire event.

Booking: Tables of up to 10 people can be booked in advance

Standard ticket:£100.00 including an exquisite three-course dinner and wine, as well as access to the event’s fashion show (20% of ticket price goes to the charities)

VIP ticket: £150.00 including VIP reception, champagne, exquisite three-course dinner with wine or juice and front row seats at the fashion show (20% of ticket price goes to the charities)

Fashion Show only: £30.00 including access to the show and a glass of wine or juice (60% of ticket price goes to the charities). Please note seats are very limited for the show.

Prize draws: An exclusive, luxurious prize can be won by a lucky standard or VIP ticket holder. There will also be prize draws for other items throughout the day and evening.

To purchase your ticket online – click here and 20% of the tickets price will go toward the named charities.

Programme details
12 noon – 3.30pm Presenters Audition

* Please note only advanced bookings are accepted for the audition
– Exhibitions opens to include cultures from around the world.

4pm Ribbon opening ceremony

*Special guests include the Hammersmith and Fulham Mayor, the Mayor ofKensington and Chelsea and the Mayor of London

4.10pm Welcome by Celebrity Host Adam Child and Saba Sadik (LFTV
Presenters)followed by the LFTV Family Rights Charter feature.

4.30pm Bollywood Dancing

5pm
Hollywood and Bollywood film producers, directors Q & AIntroduction by
Lucia Yuki Miyashita (LFTV Press and Broadcast Presenter)

5.45pm Guest of Honour (to be announced)

– Winner of Family-Friendly Logo: a competition by children from St Joseph School in Chelsea.

  • Winners of lyric-writing and song-writing competition by children from Song Academy Fulham and Beracah Music
  • 6pm Dinner commences with following speakers in the following order:
    a) Great Ormond Street Charity Reg No 235825
    b) Make-A-Wish Foundation UK Charity Reg No 295672
    c) Aid for Japan (acquiring Charity registration)
    d) Dance Aid Charity Reg No 1140749
    e) Destiny Dalby LFTV young presenter speaking about Anaphylaxis Charity Reg No 1085527
    f) Family Law and Parent Rights (solicitor invited)
    g) Family and Investments, the way forward invited speaker Mr Neil Taylor, St James Place Wealth management
    h) Deaf Parenting UK Charity Reg No 1112453 – Speaker Sabina Iqbal

    7.45pm Evening prize draw: Anexclusive and deluxe mystery prize open to Standard and VIP ticket holders only.

    8.00pm Celebrity Hollywood and Bollywood Children and Adult Fashion Show featuring the following designers:

Invited: Stella McCartney, Invited Victoria Beckham, Invited Butler and Wilson

Confirmed:

Models from celebrity modelling agencies Storm Models, Select Models, D1 and Fashions Finest to model for the show

–       Haute Couture Celebrity Designer  Adeboyo Jones

http://www.adebayo-jones.com/main.html

–       Parveen Couture Celebrity designer

http://www.parveencouture.co.uk/

–       NicoDidonna

http://www.nicodidonna.com/

–       Celebrity designer Kika Holanda designing for Kimberley Welsh & Helen Mirren

www.KiKaHolandaDesign.com

–       Celebrity Designer Smart Phiri designing for Ashley Banjo

www.smartdesigerns.co.za

–       Millinery Designer Linda  Mirembe

www.linmir.com

–       Erika Sonada Indian Designers Clothing by Strand of Silk

http://strandofsilk.com/

–       Bollywood Designer Lili Collection

http://www.facebook.com/lilicollection

–       Nikki Jones Shoes

http://www.nikkishoes.co.uk/

–       Leonie Porter

http://www.leonieporter.com/

–       Silvia Gale Guillen designing for Amanda Holden

www.silviaguillen.co.uk

10pm Thank you, close and carriages

To purchase your ticket online – click here and 20% of the tickets price will go toward the named charities.

Hot off the Press – DPUK Spring 2012 Newsletter is now out

Hot off the press – Welcome to our DPUK Spring 2012 Newsletter. In this issue you will find:

  • Spring welcome from Nicole, DPUK Coordinator
  • Update news from Asif, DPUK Manager
  • First Deaf MP in New Zealand
  • Two New Deaf Parenting UK Ambassadors
  • New proposal to Governments for children to maintain contact with Fathers (who separated from children’s mother)
  • SEN Specialist funding protected for Deaf children
  • Enabling communication is vital in families of Deaf children
  • Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration
  • HADC’s London 2012 Olympic celebration – a huge success
  • Deafax’s new project & campaign: Education & Advices on Relationhips and Sex (E.A.R.S)
  • Local Family TV organise International Gala to raise money for charities including DPUK
  • 1st NZ Deaf Parents Conference, May 2012
  • DPUK Family Events News
  • DPUK Families Day Out – 26th May 2012
  • DPUK Support Groups diary dates for 2012
  • Keeping in Touch
  • DPUK Workshops
  • Parent Advocate Project – Workshops, funded by TSB Foundation
  • DCAL research project – Deaf children wanted.

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Friday 8th June 2012.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deaf Parenting UK Family related events – Updates

Deaf Parenting UK is pleased to announce the following updates for Deaf Families living in the London Regions:

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EASTER FUN DAY

Fun & Games!

Saturday 7th April 2012, 1pm – 5pm, at St John’s Deaf Club, 258 Green Lanes, London N4 2HE (click here for flyer)

COST £2.00 PER CHILD – (UNDER 1 YEAR OLD -FREE)

FREE SNACK/REFRESHMENTS FOR CHILDREN,  REFRESHMENTS FOR SALE AT CANTEEN FOR ADULTS

DEADLINE FOR BOOKING YOUR CHILD’S PLACE: FRIDAY 30TH MARCH 2012

***************************************************

First Steps – BEHAVIOURIAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR DEAF PARENTS (Flyer)

At Comet Children’s Centre, 20 Halcomb Street, Hackney, N1 5RF

Monday 16th April 2012, 12.30-2.30pm

The ‘workshop’ will cover:

Introduction to First Steps – Who Are We?

Information about basic behaviour management strategies (e.g. praise and ignoring)

What topics you as a parent would like to see covered at future sessions.

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Re-decorate this spring!!!

Come and learn how to decorate Kew Palace style!

Kew Palace Botanic Gardens (flyer)

Sunday 20th May 2012, 11am – 4pm

Free experimental printing workshop for maximum 15 people – children + deaf parents (2 children /1 adult ratio)

For children age 8-12 years

BSL Interpretation

Tea/Coffee Refreshments provided

Only 15 places available on first come, first serve basis.

  • Bring your own packed lunch
  • Free unassisted time to roam around in gardens after end of workshop.

For further information and booking forms for the above – please contact DPUK Families Project Coordinator:

Nicole Campbell

DPUK Families Project Coordinator

SMS: 07928 842529

Fax: 0871 264 33233

Welcome to 3 New Ambassadors…

Sabina is delighted to welcome our new Ambassadors – Dr Joanna Downes, our Double Awards winner of Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011; Clive Boswell, Civil Servant of Foreign Commonwealth Office and one of our DPUK Judge; and Asif Iqbal MBE who is stepping down from his current role as Project Manager of Deaf Parenting UK for the last 5years.

Sabina explained: “It is good to have them on board as each one of them have wealth of experiences, knowledge and skills to offer to Deaf Parenting UK and we look forward to working with them on our projects”.

Dr. Joanna Downes

Joanna’s interest in parenting issues started when she commenced her doctorate research into deaf children and attachment. She met deaf parents who had been faced with negative attitudes from professionals when they tried to access services for their children. This started her work in trying to raise and promote the awareness and needs of making mainstream services accessible to both deaf children and deaf adults.

Joanna has a strong interested in enabling deaf people to access mental health services and making sure that professionals do not use deaf parents’ children as interpreters. This led to Joanna producing guidelines for the NHS to follow in both primary care on how to work with and book BSL interpreters.

In 2009, after Joanna completed her doctorate, she went onto become Manager of the Deaf parenting Programme at Action Deafness with funding from the Parenting Fund. This programme identified the many gaps in services and information for Deaf parents.

One gap was the awareness of midwives where deaf parents had repeatedly informed Joanna that they had received poor services. This led to collaboration with DeMontfort University in delivering the first CPD course for midwives to understand in depth the psychological, social and mental health issues deaf parents and children may experience.

Joanna went on to win two awards at the first Deaf Parenting UK Awards event in October 2011 and the DeMontfort University also won an award for the course she wrote.

Joanna is now a freelance consultant and researcher, so she can spend more time with her two young children, who both communicate bilingually in English and BSL.

She says “It is excellent that there is an organisation aims to break down barriers for deaf parents because many deaf parents put up with sub-standard services and appalling attitudes. As an ambassador, I will try to promote awareness and remind professionals and the public of their duty to make sure Deaf parents get equal treatment, because it is their right.”

Clive Boswell

Clive Boswell is currently employed as Auditor for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  Clive was born deaf and has recently been fitted with a cochlear implant.  He is married with two children.

“I am truly honoured to have been asked to become an Ambassador for Deaf Parenting UK.  I believe that being deaf (since birth and connexion 26) I face challenges and prejudice every day of my life.  I hope this has resulted in my becoming more resilient for the remainder of my life!  I also hope this experience will enable us to provide support/knowledge/wisdom and emotionally  to our children; even though they are hearing; having deaf parents will no doubt give them challenges of their own.

I fully support the aims and objectives of Deaf Parenting UK and hope to be able to contribute positively.”

Asif Iqbal MBE

Asif is well-known as effective networker and campaigner throughout his career. In 2005, he worked at Parentline Plus for two years as a Project Manager and one of his role was to develop and manage four pilot projects from scratch on national level in partnership with organisations who works with excluded communities. The project went through the development stage including piloting with view of rolling out a franchising model of services, this provided key opportunities to train and recruit Trainers from the excluded communities who are parents themselves, to provide the Parents Together courses. This had in turn support parents (from the excluded communities) with their parenting skills at home, to improve their parental engagement with their children, thus lead to their improved learning & social outcomes.

Since Oct 2007, he worked as Media/Project Manager for Deaf Parenting UK. Asif ‘s role also involved in networking with high profile people which result in securing an excellent range of Ambassadors for Deaf Parenting UK.  He was also responsible for organising annual national conferences, working in partnership with organiser of The Baby Shows to provide access for Deaf parents / visitors who comes to The Baby Shows, dealing with press releases/ media enquiries and liaising with celebrities, Ambassadors, working partnership with other organisations and Trustees as well as managing staff/ volunteers.

In addition to the last 3 Annual conferences which Asif organised, he also organised the first ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards event that took place in central London in October 2011. It was momentum event as it was seen as a first ever Awards for Deaf parents and professionals working with Deaf parents in history and it was a great success. Working behind the scene of each conference and Awards event, he managed to secure massive of media coverage for Deaf Parenting UK and raising DPUK’s profile across the UK and worldwide.

Not only it stopped there, he managed to secure Deaf Parenting UK as Winner of TFPL’s first Social Impact Award 2008, Berlin, Germany, voted by the world business leaders for charity/third sector on innovative use of knowledge and information management. He also secured Deaf Parenting UK as one of the 30 winners for Talk Talk Innovation Award 2008 and as Runner up the Guardian’s Public Services Award 2008 for Equality & Diversity category.

In his spare times and between jobs, he is also Public Appointment Ambassador for Cabinet Office and Government Equalities Office; Board Member of DPTAC (Disabled Person Transport Advisory Committee) for Department of Transport; and Board Member of the British Disability Panel for British Council; and finally a President of Harrow Asian Deaf Club.

In the past he was former Board members of DEAC (Disability Employment Advisory Committee) for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Former Board Member of Royal Association of Disability and Rights (RADAR).

In recognition of his work and services to Deaf and disabled people, he was named to receive MBE on Queen’s Birthday Honour list in June 2011 and was later awarded with MBE by Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

Asif said: “I feel honoured to become a Ambassador of this charity, I am passionate and supportive of this charity as I am a strong believer of empowerment, enabling and supporting Deaf parents who wish to achieve the best for their children. I also hope to see more Deaf parents as inspiring and be excellent role models to other parents and to share their experiences. In my role, I will continue to promote awareness and champion the needs of deaf parents at all levels.”

Hot off the press – DPUK Newsletter Winter Edition

Hot off the press – Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Winter 2011). In this issue you will find:

  • Christmas wishes from our Editor
  • Update news from DPUK Manager
  • Family Information Tour that is happening across UK
  • DPUK & St John DC’s Children Xmas party
  • BDA Conference
  • DPUK’s new funding from TSB Foundation for Deaf Families Project including parents support groups.
  • London 2012 Celebration
  • DPUK Lifetime Achievement Awards 2012
  • DPUK Family Events News
  • Latest news and details of DPUK events & workshops
  • Job Opportunities to work with DPUK

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Friday 2nd March 2012.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sexual Health Workshop for Deaf Parents

Do you want to know more about answering your children’s question on sexual issues…?

“…Young Deaf  People feel embarrassed to ask their parents about sexual health issues…”

When:    Monday 23rd January 2012

Time:     10am – 1pm

Where:   Room 3, The Poetry School 81 Lambeth Walk London SE11 6DX

Cost: £5.00 per person

Workshop provided by Deafax’s deaf trainer

Contact DPUK Families Project Coordinator for more information and booking form.

Flyer also available by clicking here so please circulate to Deaf parents who are interested.

FAMILY INFORMATION TOUR

Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to be chosen to work in partnership with first ever UK and Ireland’s Family Information Tour organised by London Family Television. The products and services that have been chosen for the Family Information Tour are made to enable the enrichment of the lives of families, children and young people.

Asif Iqbal MBE Project Manager explained: “We are delighted with our partnership with Family Information Tour, ensuring that Deaf parents and other parents who visits the Tour are aware of Deaf Parenting UK and our services.

Family Information Tour are also FREE which provide families with information, advice, support and resources at family friendly venues. It is also fantastic opportunity for Deaf Parenting UK and other charities/ organisations to showcase the best products, services and businesses to parents, children and young people.”

Sofia Theophilou, Director of UK and Ireland Family Tour: “Local Family TV is delighted to be partnering with Deaf Parenting UK on our UK and Ireland Family Information Tour.  It is important that not only is information and advice is important for families but that everyone should also know about Deaf Parenting UK as charity that does so much for deaf parents.  We also hope that more people will become volunteers or donate and we will continue to get the message across.” 

The Family Information Tour will also showcase the following:

Products – Some of which to include books and video games that will benefit parents, children and young people with educational information;

 Seminars – Q&A sessions with real-life experts;

Services: Businesses and voluntary organisations chosen by us will exhibit information and provide advice to parents, children and young people;

Presenters Casting: We have received confirmation from over 100 people who will be attending the tour for our presenter auditions.  We are looking to train local children, young people and adults to present programmes in their communities;

The Family Information Tour will cover 9 dates across the venues at Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Exeter, Cardiff, London, Edinburgh and Belfast on Saturdays from November 2011 to April 2012, therefore giving the maximum impact benefiting families, children and young people living in the UK and Ireland, as follow:

Birmingham – 26th November 2011

Venue – Carrs Lane Church Centre, Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX

Manchester – 10 December 2011

Venue – Manchester Bridge Club, 30 Palatine Road, Manchester, M20 3JJ

Newcastle – 28 January 2012

Venue – Fluid Bar and Kitchen, Bealim House, 17-25 Gallowgate, NE1 4SG

Norwich – 11 February 2012

Venue – Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich St, Andrews Hall Plain, Norwich NR3 1AU

Exeter – 18 February 2012

Venue X Centre Commercial Road Exeter EX2 4AD 

Cardiff – 10 March 2012

Venue – Whitchurch Community Centre, Old Church Road, CF14 1AD

London – 24th March 2012

Venue –Christ Church United Reformed Church, Chase Side, Enfield, EN2 6ND

Edinburgh – 31 March 2012

Venue – Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL

Belfast – 28 April 2012
Venue – Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, BT1 2LA

Hot off the press – DPUK Newsletter (Autumn 2011) out now.

Hot off the press – Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Autumn 2011). In this issue you will find:

  • Brief news about DPUK’s 1st ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards
  • DPUK’s Deaf Families Project funded by Children in Need including family/ children activities.
  • London 2012 and Paralympic Games
  • The Baby Show 2011, Earls Court, Oct 2011
  • Deaf Sport Personality of the Year Awards 2012
  • DPUK Awards 2011 – Announcement of Winners and highly commended.
  • Latest news and details of events

I hope you find the contents informative, your comments and/or views would be most welcome!

Don’t forget the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is Friday 16th October 2011.

We look forward to hearing from you.

DPUK’s upcoming Family fun days…

Deaf Parenting UK are delighted to announce an exciting programme of activities as part of Deaf Families Project, funded by Children in Need,  including:

  • 22nd October 2011 – Unicorn Theatre – Billy the Kid Captioned Show from 1.30pm-3pm (see flyer)
  • 26th November 2011 – Discover Children Story Centre, Stratford from 12-5pm (see flyer)
  • 11th December 2011 – Children’s Xmas Party at St Johns Deaf Club from 1-6pm (see flyer)
 

Calendar of Events for 2012 -:

  • 14th January 2012 – Children’s New Year Disco – venue location to be advised shortly
  • 23rd January 2012 – Sexual Health Workshop provided by Deafax
  • 11th February 2012 – Eddie Catz Soft Play Centre, Wimbledon
  • 17th March 2012 – Arts & Craft Session for Mothering Sunday – venue location to be advised shortly
  • 7th April 2012 – Easter Theme Fun & Games and Tea Party – venue location to be advised shortly
  • 26th May 2012 – National Family Week – DPUK Family Day out at Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire – TBA
  • 16th June 2012 – Subtitled Film at Picture House Cinema exclusively for Deaf Families in conjuction with Father’s Day – Details to be advised
  • Events for July, August & September 2012 will be sought/finalised after Christmas.

To learn more or to book your place, please email Nicole on info@deafparent.org.uk

DPUK’S AWARD 2011 VIDEOS now out…

DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARD 2011 Videos now out…

Deaf Parenting UK celebrated their 10years anniversary by hosting a fantastic first ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011 at Royal Over-Sea League, Central London on Friday 7th October 2011 and is now on BBC See Hear! programme this week via BBC iPlayer here.

Also our extra video by Remark! can be viewed below (Flash player required):

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

For more info about the event and who won, see our news online

Asif at 10 Downing Street Reception

Asif Iqbal at RADAR Reception with Samantha Cameron, 10 Downing Street

Asif Iqbal MBE, Project Manager of Deaf  Parenting  UK  was mingling with Samantha Cameron, wife of Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to celebrating the role of disabled leaders.  The event organised by RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rights) and was attended by a mixture of community leaders, celebrities, MPs and Sponsors. includes Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People, Jeremy Hunt MP, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson and David Blunkett MP.

Asif Iqbal explained of his multiple roles, as one of the Disabled leaders, as a Board of Trustee of RADAR; Public Appointment Ambassador for Government Equalities Office and Cabinet Office; Disability Advisory Panel for the British Council; Board Member of Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, Department of Transport and President of Harrow Asian Deaf Club.

Not only he stops there, Asif works passionately on voluntary basis as a Media/Project Manager for Deaf Parenting UK. Recently he organised Deaf Parenting UK Award event in central London, a first ever Awards for Deaf parents and professionals working with Deaf parents in history and it was a great success with 150 attendees. 

Asif explained that he managed to mingle with Samantha, who was impressed, his huge achievements which resulted in his gaining his MBE at recent Queen’s birthday. Asif is an inspiring and positive to role models to others.  Asif highlighted the importance of our future generation of deaf and disabled people especially those young people who need excellent role model like us to aspire to, to show what we can achieve and inspire to others. Samantha is in full support of this.

Asif added that their conversation with Samantha moved onto the topic of parenting where Samatha’s daughter Florence is 3 weeks older than Asif’s daughter Rubi. Samantha mentioned that Florence is still crawling and didn’t realise that Rubi, who just started walking, had in fact made her first appearance at No.10 at the tender age of 5 weeks old with her Deaf parents to celebrate Eid Reception that No.10 organised by Prime Minister David Cameron last November 2010.

The organisers of the event explained “The successful evening was to celebrate disabled leaders and the work of Royal Association of Disabled people – and to look ahead to the exciting developments of Disability Rights UK and future partnership work.  A future Leadership Academy. We [Disability Rights UK] are seeking a group of companies to work with us to develop a world class, accredited leadership programme that supports disabled leaders of our organizations (DPOs); at work (enabling talented disabled people to move into management and senior management); and in our communities.” 

 

Baby Show Earls Court 28-30 Oct 2011

The UK’s favourite baby show is back at London’s Earls Court from 28-30 October 2011.

****Hot of the Press!****

We have 16 FREE complimentary tickets up for grabs on first come first serve basis. To get your complimentary tickets – please email your request ASAP to info@deafparent.org.uk (Only two tickets per family).

Also, as a member of Deaf Parenting UK, you can buy tickets for just £12.50, saving £7.50* on each ticket – just quote code EC690. Come and see us on our Deaf Parenting UK stand G71 where BSL interpreters will be available throughout the show.

 More on our DPUK & Baby Show page

300 brands and exclusive show offers

With over 300 must-have brands, including Tommee Tippee, Trunki, SugarJack, Aden & Anais and Britax, The Baby Show is the best place to shop for all your little one’s needs. Plus amazing show offers including 10% off Mothercare, 25% off all Superdrug own brand items and 10% off everything on the M&S stand, as well as a free reusable bag and baby cardigan worth £9 with every purchase (one per customer while stocks last).

The Baby Show Stage

Live on stage leading experts talking on all the key topics for new parents, including Clare Byam-Cook on breastfeeding and if you can’t breastfeed, Annabel Karmel on feeding your baby, Megan Faure on sleep and Dr Julie Coultas on child development and play. Plus there will be hourly give-aways of Fisher-Price Toys on the stage for the duration of the event. On Saturday 29th October, a BSL interpreter will be in attendance on stage and a hearing loop will be sited around the stage area available for us.

Competitions Galore:

Is your baby the future face of The Baby Show 2012? – Enter at H42 and receive a free professional image of your little one and visit the Fisher-Price ‘Win All This’ stand’ next to the stage – where you have the chance to win a £1000 worth of Fisher-Price nursery items and toys.

Hassle Free Day Out

The Baby Show is hassle free, with a helping hand on offer from Emma’s Diary who will be providing a free shopping drop off/collect by car and home delivery service, plus a free crèche courtesy of Fisher-Price and a changing room with nappies at the ready***.

Don’t forget to check out the latest toys at The Vtech Smart Play Zone and the Fisher-Price Stand (F40).

Book today and save £7.50 off the ticket price! Deaf Parenting tickets are available for just £12.50, saving £7.50* on each ticket – just quote code EC690. To book your tickets visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at The Show.

*offer relates to advance ticket sales only. The Advance Ticket Box Office closes midnight on the 27th October 2011.

**Calls cost 10 pence per minute plus network extras. Booking fee applies. For full terms and conditions, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

***Charges apply for Home Delivery service.

The search for a Lifetime Achieving Deaf Parent Award 2012

Lifetime Achievement Award

Deaf Parenting UK is celebrating their 10 years Anniversary and to make it more special, we are organising an exclusive Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise people for their valuable contribution and positive differences to the lives of Deaf parents, their children and their communities.

The seven judges appointed by DPUK agreed that the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD), needs particular attention in order to encourage informed nominations from the Deaf Community.

We would like to announce a search for a Deaf Parent who achieved a great deal in his / her lifetime, who greatly improved the quality of life and access for Deaf parents and families.

What we need from you, for this significant Award, is to make people look back several decades, (eg 10-100 years) to identify Deaf people who used their parent role in opening up new opportunities for other Deaf parents in achieving equality as hearing parents in family life.

This means “The search for a Lifetime Achieving Deaf Parent” for the most voted Achiever of being a Deaf Parent in supporting Deaf people and their own families by the Deaf/Hearing Communities.

We have about 6months to find the worthy people who meet the criteria of Lifetime Achievement Awards.  It will be like X-Factor where people can nominate themselves or someone worthy of this award. The nomination will be narrowed down to 12 and then we will use the public vote to collect points before announcing the winner in Spring/Summer 2012

We look forward to receiving a broader range of nominations in due time, each one with detailed information of achievements which enabled Deaf parents’ quality of life and access.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner will be invited to attend the stunning reception in London – details to be announced nearer the time

If you would like to nominate yourself or someone worthy for our Lifetime Achievement Award 2012, please

Nominate online now and email it to media@deafparent.org.uk

or post it to:

Deaf Parenting UK
c/o Gary Morgan
49 Gordon Square
London
WC1H 0PD

Deadline for application is: Friday 2nd March 2012

Please spread the words and get nominating.

DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARD 2011 – Huge Success

DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARD 2011

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

Also, BBC See Hear! filmed the event which can be viewed via BBC iPlayer here.

Deaf Parenting UK celebrated their 10years anniversary by hosting a fantastic first ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011 at Royal Over-Sea League, Central London on Friday 7th October.

The Awards event was located at a grand and stunning venue, which saw 150 people joining the celebration which started with delicious refreshment of tea/ coffee with royal and sky blue cupcakes decorated with stars, rounded off with a luxury buffet together with a ‘DPUK Awards 2011’s Celebrating 10 years anniversary’ celebration cake. It was very much like an Oscar style, very glamorous and luxury feel, everyone enjoyed themselves.

The Awards event was hosted by Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of Deaf Parenting UK: For many, who have known of Deaf Parenting UK and those who are new to our work, Deaf Parenting UK started as a small project in April 2001 and now grown to a pioneering organisation and well-known charity across UK and worldwide, providing support to Deaf parents, parent to be and professionals working with Deaf parents.

At the Awards, we gathered together to honour the positive contributions of Deaf Parents, parents to be and professionals who works with Deaf parents to our community. This was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with a difference, where the Awards are to celebrate and applaud the commitment, dedication and determination of Deaf parents and professionals (who work with Deaf parents) from all over the country and from all walks of life, for their contribution to improve the quality of life for Deaf parents ranging from front-line service, community based and strategy levels.”

All of our finalists were treated with special day and were nervous when the Awards ceremony announced the winners and highly commended of which many were shocked and delighted by the outcome. The Winners were awarded with a large glass trophy and gold-framed certificate and those who were highly commended were also awarded with silver-framed certificate of highly commended by the sponsor and DPUK Ambassador of each category.

Sabina added “Those finalists, who have made an amazing positive difference to all of our lives, are here today and we applaud them for coming this far. It is their passion, energy, courage and determination that inspired all of us. It’s an exciting time to witness such momentum in history of recognising Deaf parents and professionals in field of supporting Deaf parents as well as encourage a growth of people keen to make the difference in our lives too.”

Caroline Parker - Deaf Performer

"So Strong" - Audience joined in the chorus...

Everyone were also treated with a fantastic and powerful performance from Caroline Parker, a Deaf performer who signed the songs into British Sign Language (BSL) including Bette Midler’s ‘Beneath My Wings’; Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling so Good’ and Labi Siffre’s ‘So Strong’ which proved to be so empowering and inspiring, summing up the feeling of the overall Awards Event.

Sue Saxey, President of NCT who presented the Community of Deaf Parents Awards: “NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, is delighted to sponsor the Community of Deaf Parents Award.  This award is particularly special to the work we do at NCT as we have been creating communities of support for those in the transition to parenthood for 55 years.  Having a supportive community of others who have had similar experiences to you can often be a real lifeline when you are adjusting to life as a parent.  We would like to congratulate Deaf Parenting UK for their work and those who won awards for their amazing efforts to support parents”.

Mike Penning MP, DPUK Ambassador: “I congratulate all the winners and nominees at the Deaf Parenting UK awards. Since its foundation 10 years ago, DPUK has been an incredible success story. It is truly an inspirational charity that plugs a gap giving assistance, support and advice in an area that only those who have been there can really appreciate the issues. I am delighted to have been invited to attend and play a small part in giving recognition to those who have made life easier for deaf parents – whether that be a single deaf parent or deaf parents as a whole.”

Eileen Hayes, DPUK Ambassador announced winner...

Dr Joanna Downes, a Double Winner: “I was honoured to be a part of it and to be given two awards made me feel very proud of what I have achieved. But this is not the end, hopefully with DPUK support; I can go on to achieve even more for deaf parents.”

David Rose, a Deaf guest at the Awards exclaimed: “Deaf Parenting UK created a really a great, beautiful, inspiring, and wonderful occasion; it was good to see Deaf parents, professionals, and staff being honoured for their work, and achievements. This is something we don’t do enough in recognition for our Deaf Community members who have made significant contributions for the betterment of us all.  I really enjoyed the whole event and it was a wonderful networking opportunity! Well done!”

The Awards Event was filmed ‘live’ by BBC See Hear which is due to be broadcasted on Weds 2nd Nov at 1pm at BBC2 and Remark! for our DPUK website.

Full programme with details of all finalists available here

The winners by categories are as follow:

1) Positive Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Communication ID

Winner: Charlotte Moulton-Thomas

Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn- Thomas

Winner: Charlotte Moulton Thomas with Collette Hogan (sponsor) and Susan Daniel OBE (DPUK Ambassador)

Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn-Thomas (Pauline Latchem accepted in Melissa's place)

Charlotte Moulton-Thomas is a Deaf parent with two young sons – Jack, 12, who is hearing and Theo, 10, who has cerebral palsy, is deaf and a wheelchair user – both of whom are bright, engaging and a real credit to their mother. When children were young, Charlotte was raising them by herself which must have been incredibly challenging given their differing circumstances and needs. Charlotte has had to constantly struggle to ensure that Theo receives the necessary support and services. This would be hard enough for a hearing parent but immeasurably more difficult for a deaf parent. Likewise she has had to cope in an all-hearing environment to make sure Jack is being supported at his mainstream school. Charlotte, however, is indefatigable, never gives up and is constantly alert to any opportunity to improve and enhance the progress and wellbeing of both her boys. As Charlotte has said herself ‘In this house there’s no such word as ‘can’t!’

2) Community of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by NCT

Winner: Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group, North Wales Deaf Association

Highly Commended: Cheeky Monkey Family Group

Winner: Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group with Sue Saxey (Sponsor) and Eileen Hayes MBE (DPUK Ambassador)

Highly Commended: Cheeky Monkey Family Group

The Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group, North Wales Deaf Association organises events for Hearing parents of Deaf children and Deaf parents of Hearing children to meet, gain confidence and learn from each others experiences. The events are usually held once a month and are subsidised for its members. These events have included parties, trips to the theatre, and days at local shows and as they always ensure communication support is available, it gives Deaf parents and children a chance to enjoy the day without the barriers to communication they often face.

3) Professional Support of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by BSLworks

Winner: Dr Joanna Downes

Highly Commended: Maple Tomlin

Winner: Dr Joanne Downes with Sandra Duguid (Sponsor) and Professor Ulrike Zeshan (DPUK Ambassador)

Highly Commended: Maple Thomas

Dr Joanna Downes is a very positive role model. She is deaf, BSL user, mother to two hearing children and achieved her Doctorate in Child Attachment, the first dissertation of its kind in the UK She also provided one to one support for individual Deaf parents [with various communication needs] through very difficult times in their lives such as child protection procedures, separation, divorce, supporting parents to lodge complaints with the Police. Dr Downes became the first Deaf BSL professional to join Leicester City and Leicestershire Children’s Hearing Service Working Group (CHSWG) in its 12 year history of being established.  Shortly after joining CHSWG, she became Co-Chair of this group and advocated most strongly for INFORMED parental choice for both Deaf and Hearing parents of Deaf and hearing children.

4) Best Practice of Working with Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Sprue Safety Products Ltd.

Winner: De Montfort University Midwifery Department.

Highly Commended: Science Museum

Winner: De Monfort University Midwifery Dept with John Caudle (Sponsor) and Mike Penning MP (DPUK Ambassador)

Highly Commended: Science Museum

DeMonfort University  Midwifery Department went and beyond the call of duty in providing the first ever bespoke Awareness Training for midwifery students in being able to appropriately support all kinds of Deaf Parents needing to access Midwifery services. Development of a 12 hour Awareness Training programme consisting of what is Deafness, barriers faced by Deaf parents accessing midwifery services, the differing types and standards of communication professionals available. Development of a “fob” of essential signs for midwives to carry with them to assist with informal communications with Deaf parents Sourcing funding to further develop training for other health professionals through the use of e-learning, DVD’s. Supporting d/Deaf Parents as Guest Speakers and acknowledging their previous negative experiences of maternity care. What made the Midwifery Department personnel different were their openness, willingness, commitment, dedication and support of Deaf Parents directly.

5) Campaigner of Deaf Parent Award, sponsored by TFPL

Winner: Dr Joanna Downes

Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn- Thomas

Winner: Dr Joanne Downes with Darron Chapman (Sponsor) and Lilian Lawson OBE (DPUK Ambassador)

Highly Commended: Melissa Mostyn-Thomas (Pauline Latchem accepted in Melissa's place)

Throughout her campaign work, Dr Joanna Downes was very clear about Deaf parents’ rights and their responsibilities. Dr Downes utilised national and international legal framework when dealing with professionals to ensure they were also made aware of their legal responsibilities in making their services accessible to Deaf Parents. Dr Downes also campaigned on the following issues at a strategic level:

  • Bilingual education be considered and further developed for Deaf families in Leicester. The Local Children’s Safeguarding Board undertake an access audit of the services they provide to Deaf families in Leicester, previously Deaf families were not part of their “at risk” priority list.
  • That the education / employment / legal / medical / mental health services consider their legal duties under the Equality Act.
  • Those hearing children (Coda’s) who have Deaf parents are not used by professionals to act as Interpreters.

6) Friend of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Joseph Frasier Solicitors

Winner: Stuart Harrison

Highly Commended: Shazia Nasreen

Winner: Stuart Harrison with Ms Hinna Akhtar (Sponsor) and Clarissa Williams (DPUK Ambassador)

Highly Commended: Shazia Nasreen

Stuart Harrison is Deaf, BSL user and also uses speech. He is also a parent. He has a multitude of different roles including being self-employed. However, it is not his previous history…it is the support he has provided another Deaf parent for several years to assist them through a multitude of complex emotional, legal, mental health, domestic violence issues. Stuart’s support was pivotal to this Deaf parent. He maintained his sense of humour, his respect, his knowledge, skills and experience. He was able to provide appropriate information, advice and guidance for this parent. He was available to “be there” for the parent when times were particularly challenging for several years. The parent concerned is now thriving and a fully functioning member of society, the parent is involved in community activities and professional work.

7) Deaf Parenting UK Dedicated Staff sponsored by Deaf Parenting UK

Winner: Nicole Campbell

Winner: Nicole Campbell with Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of DPUK

8)Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by RAD

As no winner is found, further information on The Search for a Lifetime Achieving Deaf Parent can be found here. Deadline for Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination: Friday 2nd March 2012

Signed Stories nominated at DPUK awards

“Our award winning Signed Stories website has been shortlisted for another award – this time from Deaf Parenting UK…” Read more with BSL clip from their Signpost website

Click the following  for more info on:

The Awards event will take place on Fri 7th Oct from 10am to 1.30pm in London so come on, buy your tickets and join us!

Deaf Parenting UK Awards Shortlists Announcement

DEAF PARENTING UK’S SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCEMENT

Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to announce the shortlist of all nominees for our Deaf Parenting UK Awards Event which is due to take place on Friday 7th October in Central London.

The Awards is to celebrate the 10 years anniversary of Deaf Parenting UK as a unique charity, the only one in UK and worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with a difference, where the Awards are to celebrate and applaud the commitment, dedication and determination of Deaf parents and professionals (who work with Deaf parents) from all over the country and from all walks of life, for their contribution to improve the quality of life for Deaf parents ranging from front-line service, community based and strategy levels.

The awards recognise all levels of achievement made by Deaf parents and professionals in the UK – whether professional or personal level. As well as increasing a candidate’s own personal profile, these awards are a wonderful opportunity to give your organisation/ company the recognition it deserves.

Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK explainedDeaf Parenting UK was pleased to receive several nominations from individuals and groups across the UK and their independent panel of judges has a difficult job of going through every nomination before making their decision on the shortlist of nominees.

Deaf Parenting UK wish to thank to every one who made their nominations, all were very inspiring and wish to express their congratulations to all nominees who have been shortlisted as finalists for their positive contribution and making differences in many deaf parents’ lives. It’s an exciting time to witness such momentum in history of recognising Deaf parents and professionals in field of supporting Deaf parents.”

Penny Beschizza, Chair of Awards Judging Panel expressed the view of the judges:The judging process was very interesting and challenging. We focused on the meaning of each Award title, which helped us to narrow down the criteria each time when we looked at the nominations. The way the nominations were presented also helped us to look for clear mention of Deaf Parenting.  All our discussions were unbiased and balanced, aware of the potential implications of each Award in promoting DPUK’s aims for the Awards.”

Congratulation to the following finalists for the following Award categories and all winners will be announced on Friday 7th October at the Deaf Parenting UK Awards in London:

1) Positive Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by CommunicationID

  • Bronwynne Buxton
  • Charlotte Moulton-Thomas
  • Marie Sneesby
  • Melissa Mostyn-Thomas

2) Community of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

  • Conwy and Cyswllt Family Support Group
  • Cheeky Monkey Family Group
  • Deaf-SELF
  • The Arboretum Community Project and BSL Talking Hands

3) Professional Support of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by BSLworks

  • Dr Hilary Sutherland
  • Maple Tomlin
  • Dr Joanna Downes
  • Dr Mary Griggs
  • 4) Best Practice of Working with Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Sprue Safety Products Ltd.

    • Science Museum
    • ITV Signed Stories
    • DeMontfort University Midwifery Department.

    5) Campaigner of Deaf Parent Award, sponsored by TFPL

    • Tomato Lichy
    • Melissa Mostyn-Thomas
    • Dr Joanna Downes

    6) Friend of Deaf Parents Award, sponsored by Joseph Frasier Solicitors

    • Stuart Harrison
    • Shazia Nasreen

    7) Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD)

    • To be announced at the Award Ceremony

    To learn more about the event and to buy your tickets, go to www.deafparent.org.uk/2011/08/deaf-parenting-uk-awards-2011-tickets/

    -Ends-

    For all media enquiries/ contact please contact Asif Iqbal via email media@deafparent.org.uk

    Summer Newsletter 2011 now out!

    Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Summer 2011). In this issue you will find:

    • News of Asif’s honour on receiving the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list
    • Harrow Asian Deaf Club’s family fun day and their celebrations to mark DPUK’s 10th birthday
    • An update on the Bristol Deaf Parenting Project
    • Photos from DPUK’s family fun day to Legoland, Windsor
    • Articles from some fascinating blogs of interest to Deaf Parents
    • A reminder of DPUK’s 10th birthday star-studded awards ceremony
    • A notice board full of forthcoming events

    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 Awards 2011 tickets

    At the star-studded Awards, there will be fantastic award ceremony from 10.30am til 1.30pm including entertainment and music with well known Deaf performer Caroline Parker.

    Delicious food will be served with tea, coffee, biscuits/pastries on arrival and a luxury hot buffet for lunch and round off with a cool dessert to tickle your taste buds.

    Also it is perfect timing to meet new and old friends and support all nominees in recognition of their achievements.

    There are more to look forward to including Raffles with some fantastic prizes including meal for 4 at one of stunning restaurant, family trip to Windsor Castle and many more.

    And to celebrate Deaf Parenting UK 10th Anniversary, we have fabulous goodies bags to giveaway for everyone who attends the Awards ceremony!

    Come on, buy your tickets now!

    When: Friday 7th October 2011

    Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm (Door open at 10am)

    Cost: £15 per person.

    Dress Code: Smart clothes (no jeans/ trainers please)

    How to pay for tickets as follow:

    (If you are not sure how to use Paypal, contact us for booking form and complete your payment details, we can process your payment online)

    • Cheque/ Postal Order

    (Deadline for Cheque is 1st September 2011 to allow time for cheque to clear into DPUK account)

    Deadline for buying ticket is 16th September 2011.

    Hurry, buy your tickets now before it sold out. Its on first come, first served so don’t miss out.

    To learn more about DPUK Awards 2011, please go to our website: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/index.html

    DPUK&Bristol NHS: Free Deaf parent Mentor course

    Free Deaf Parent Mentoring Course 

    • Are you a parent or someone who has cared for children?
    • Would you enjoy supporting other Deaf families or
    • are you someone who is already working with Deaf families?

    If yes, you may be interested in doing this free course.

    Where? 
    St Paul’s Children Centre, Bristol
     
    When?
    17 th  September 2011,
    22 nd  October 2011,
    5 th  November 2011
    3 rd  December 2011
    14 th  January 2012,
    11 th  February 2012
    10 th /11 th  March 2012
     
    Deaf speakers / facilitators will lead the course
    Free crèche is provided
     
    Topics include having fun with families, keeping up the modern time, feelings, alcohol/smoking/drugs, sexual issues and keeping the family healthy.
     
    Contact Hilary, DPUK Bristol Coordinator at
    hilary@hilarysutherland.co.uk
    Or text 07766304998 

    Please see our poster  and display them at your local Deaf club, family centres and any other places that Deaf parents goes to generate interests.

    Free Deaf Parenting Support Group for all (Camden)

    FREE Deaf Parenting Support Group run by Deaf Parenting UK

    Are you a Deaf Parent/ Deaf Parent to be?

    Want to mix with other Deaf Parents & children in a family friendly environment?

    Want to receive information, support and advice on parenting?

    Why not come along and find out what it is all about?

    DPUK Camden Deaf Parenting Support Group – 2nd Friday of Every Month

    Open to all Deaf parents/parents to be in Camden and neighbouring boroughs

    Time:10am – 12 noon

    When:

    Friday 9th September 2011

    Friday 14th October 2011

    Friday 11th November 2011

    Where: Harmood Children Centre, 1 Forge Place, Off Ferdinand Street NW1 8DQ

    RAD Money Advice Service

    The Royal Association for Deaf People, in partnership with A4e (www.a4e.co.uk. http://www.a4e.co.uk/), started the Money Advice Service on 1 April 2011. The Service provides free, unbiased, clear and confidential advice to d/Deaf customers in British Sign Language (BSL). We provide communication support for d/Deaf people whose first language is spoken English.

    To be eligible to access the service, customers must have a valid UK postal address to show that they are UK residents who live, study or work* in Greater London, Kent, Surrey or Essex.

    * Work: applies to employees, the self-employed, freelance workers or volunteers.

    The Service is funded by the Financial Service Industry through the Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/) and covers the following:

    * Budgeting
    * Savings and Investments
    * Borrowings – credit cards, loans and mortgages
    * Retirement planning and pensions
    * Redundancy
    * Tax and Welfare benefits including tax credits
    * Protection (Insurance)
    * Debt
    * Starting a family

    The Service is delivered in different locations so a further communication will follow with details of specific venues.

    We also aim to make our service more accessible to those of you who have work commitments so we are more than happy to deliver the sessions in your workplace or college/university.

    For further information and an appointment contact us on:
    E-mail: money.advice@royaldeaf.org.uk
    SMS: 07749 965725

    Harrow Asian Deaf Club & Deaf Parenting UK’s joint celebration

    Deaf Parenting UK is celebrating their 10years anniversary by joining force with Harrow Deaf Club on Sat 2nd July 2011 to have a fantastic family fun day with BBQ which was a great success and attended by 150 people including families and children of all ages.

     

    We were so lucky, after a wet week, the sun shone through, everyone had so much fun, especially the children who had a various activities including art& craft of painting/ decorating their mirror frames, Tombola, Lucky Dip, face painting, Pinata, bouncy castle and some party games.

     Adults met up with other Deaf parents and networked, enjoying delicious BBQ! 

    Deaf Parenting UK wish to thanks Harrow Asian Deaf Club for organizing such event as it is opportunity to recognize our charity work aswell as promoting fun day for Deaf parents and families. 

     Harrow Asian Deaf Club rounded off the day with a surprise 10years anniversary cake to Deaf Parenting UK, to the delight of all children and families involved who tucked in delicious cake.

    DPUK Nominations – 4 weeks left to go…

    DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARDS EVENT 2011 – Nominate someone now!

     Why not nominate yourself or someone worthy of the award?

    Deaf Parenting UK Awards 2011 Powerpoint presentation clips – click here to view (click to run when prompt)

     Do you know of:

    • Deaf parents or professional who works hard to improve lives of Deaf parents?
    • Someone in the community supporting Deaf parents?
    • Someone eg neighbour or friend who supported your Deaf parents through difficult times?
    • Best practice or new services accessible to Deaf parents?
    • And many more….

    WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!Nominations are now open to individuals (including Deaf Parents, families, friends, neighbours, Samaritan) and Organisations (including Health, Social Services, Education, voluntary organisations & community groups).

    Deadline for Nomination is 15th July 2011

     There are 7 categories to nominate someone as follow. Please use one nomination form for every person you wish to nominate and choosing one category per person.

     Awards Categories

     

    1. Positive Deaf Parent Award – For Deaf parent, who made a difference as a positive role model to others aswell as making positive contribution.
    2. Community of Deaf Parents Award – For individual/ groups who have been working towards improving community, supporting Deaf Parents and enabling Deaf Parents to participate in the Community.
    3. Professional Support of Deaf Parents Award – For professional who have made difference to the life of Deaf Parents.
    4. Friend of Deaf Parents Award – a personal recognition of friendship, for an individual e.g.: friend, family or even a neighbour/ Samaritan who have supported a Deaf parent through a difficult time and nomination are encouraged from children of Deaf parents or their families who have found an individual worthy of this award.
    5. Best Practice of Working with Deaf Parents Award – For Service Providers who have made difference above and beyond the call of duty, an innovative or new practice that we all could learn from.
    6. Campaigner of Deaf Parents Award – For individual who has fought against all odds for the benefit of Deaf Parents, fighting for the right of access to services of Deaf Parents and for their children.
    7. Lifetime Achievement Award – For individual’s lifetime work and success in improving the quality of lives of Deaf parents.

    Nominate now

     Two options of making your nomination:

    1) Download the DPUK Nomination Form (Words), please click here and send it by email to awards@deafparent.org.uk

    2) Complete the Nomination Form online, please click here and follow instruction on the form to submit it online.

    Thanks and Good luck with your nomination!

     Deadline for nomination: 15th July 2011.

    Ticket also now for Sale to our Awards event which will be on Friday 7th Oct in Central London. An event – not to be missed!

    Early Bird Discount (until 15th July 2011) £10 per person
    Full price (1st August – 16th September 2011) £15 per person

    Deadline for buying ticket is 16th September 2011. Venue will hold 200 people maximum so buy your tickets now. Its on first come, first serve so don’t miss out.

    Please spread the word or distribute the flyer (downloadable from our website) to as many as possible to Deaf Parents, their families, friends, Samaritans, Neighbours, or to your local Deaf clubs, Deaf Associations/ Centre, workplace, heath services, social services and education eg your child’s school/ college etc and encourage them to make their nomination.

    Flyer available from: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/DPUKflyer.pdf

    To learn more about DPUK Awards 2011, please go to our website: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/index.html

    DPUK Website won Bronze Award June 2011

    Deaf Parenting UK were delighted to recieve an award from The Mumpreneur UK.

    The Mumpreneur Award judging panel have evaluated Deaf Parenting UK website for its content, easy navigation, informative resources of our products and services and awarded us with Bronze Website Award with logo (see left).

    Asif Iqbal, Project Manager said: “We are delighted with the result from The Mumpreneur UK as it was highly competitive. Also it is an opportunity for us to promote our website as a central resources to Deaf parents and parents to be.”

    Asif Iqbal MBE – Queen’s Birthday Honour List 2011

    Asif Iqbal MBE – Queen’s Birthday Honour List 2011

    Asif was named to be awarded with MBE on the Queen’s Birthday Honour List. Describing his reaction on receipt of the letter, Asif exclaimed: “I was very shocked when I got the letter. I thought it was something relating to my Government work as public appointment and realised that I was honoured with MBE on the Queen’s Birthday Honour list for my work over the years providing services to Deaf and Disabled people. It hasn’t occurred to me and thought it was sent to me by mistake. Reality hit me and I felt humbled and honoured.

    I’m delighted that Her Majesty The Queen and Prime Minister have recognised my work and want to thank everyone and organisations that I have worked with, including the public bodies, charity work, voluntary sector, government officials, Ambassadors, and people that I have been in contact with and worked with in my role with Deaf Parenting UK and my other roles as Public Appointment as well as the public for all their support.”

    Asif added: “Also many thanks to all well-wishers who have sends me emails, Facebook messages and SMS of congratulations which are so heart-warming and overwhelming! Thanks for your continued support and will keep in touch!”

    DPUK & Harrow Deaf Club BBQ

    Harrow Asian Deaf Club & Deaf Parenting UK’s joint celebration

    Deaf Parenting UK is celebrating their 10years anniversary by joining force with Harrow Deaf Club to have a fantastic family BBQ.

    When:  2nd July 2011

    Where: Bentley Day Centre, 94 Uxbridge Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 6DH

    Time: 2pm-9pm 

    It’s a FAMILY DAY OUT!! EVERYONE are welcome, you can invite whoever you want to come, anyone can join the fun day out!

    It includes BBQ, Bouncy Castle, Pinata, Egg and Spoon Race, Sack Race, Apple Bobbing, Art, Lucky Dip, Prizes and so so so so much more!!!

    Entry Prices:
    – Adults: £5
    – Children (aged 7-15) : £2.50
    – Family (2 adults and 2 childs) : £12
    – Kids (6 or under): Free

    No need to pre-book, just turn up and have lots of fun!
     
    Please note that children are the responsibility of the parents as no crèche provided at the venue. It is fun for both parents and kids to share together.
    Contact:

    Any Questions: Please contact the HADC team,
    SMS/Text: 07907445619  Please don’t forget to add your name in the text message so we know who you are.
    Email: hadc@hotmail.co.uk

    DPUK Family Day Trip to Thorpe Park (JULY 2011)

    

    DPUK Family Day Trip to Thorpe Park

    THORPE PARK is the place to get your adrenaline pumping!

    Must Travel by coach, courtesy of DPUK

    FREE Tickets inclusive of coach and theme park entrance:

    Children under 1 metre – FREE

    (Maximum ticket requests – 4 people per family)

    When: Saturday 23rd July 2011

    Where: Opposite London’s Dungeon at London Bridge BR Station

    Time: 8.30AM SHARP

    Return to London Bridge at 7.30pm

    Places will be given on first come first serve basis for Deaf Families living in South West, West, North, North West, and East London Regions only

    Limited TICKETS – book quickly to avoid disappointment!

    DEADLINE FOR TICKET BOOKING & APPLICATION REQUESTS: FRIDAY 17th JUNE 2011

    Email: info@deafparent.org.uk

    Fax: 0871 264 3323

    SMS: 07928 842529

    Deaf Parents on ‘The Guardian’

    The Guardian, Saturday 14 May 2011

    ‘Sign language is part of our identity’

    Charlie Swinbourne and his partner are deaf. Their two children have full hearing but signing has bought them all closer together

    Charlie Swinbourne with his partner, Jo, and their daughters Edie, six months, and Martha, two. Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian

    One day last summer, I was playing hide and seek in the park with Martha, my 18-month-old daughter and hid behind a tree. Wondering where I was, she turned to Jo, her mother, and asked, “Where’s Daddy?” With Jo’s reply – “Daddy’s behind the tree” – Martha found me and ran, giggling into my arms. A typical family scene, you might think, except that Jo was 30 metres away, and they communicated without making a sound, in sign language.

    Nowadays, the idea of parents signing with their babies isn’t unusual – you only have to type the words “baby signing” into Google to see just how popular the classes have become. However, for us, signing wasn’t something we needed to be taught – because Jo and I are deaf.

    We both wear hearing aids, and with amplification I can just about use the phone, while Jo is a little more deaf and can’t (as a result, I get to book all the doctor’s appointments). We both have immediate family members who are deaf – Jo’s sister, and my parents and two brothers – so there was a possibility that Martha might be born deaf too. But this didn’t worry us – deaf culture and sign language is part of our identity – something we feel positive about.

    On the day Martha was born, we turned down the newborn hearing test, preferring to enjoy her as a baby before discovering how much she could hear. We soon found out, when we indulged the noisy deaf habits we’d never had to question before. She woke every time we flushed the toilet at night, watched television with the volume turned up, or trampled clumsily across our floorboards. Her six-week hearing test confirmed it: she was hearing – or deaf-impaired, as some of our deaf friends like to describe it. Once we knew for sure, we stepped up our efforts to talk and sing to her (poor thing: we’re tone deaf as well).

    Although she could hear, we were determined to sign with her too. As soon as Martha held our gaze, we signed basic words – “nappy”, “milk” and “sleep”. At 10 months old, she responded for the first time. During her evening bath, as Jo signed “duck” (signed by opening and closing your hand like a duck’s beak), Martha’s hand responded with a virtuoso quack of her own. Within a few weeks, she was signing “duck” all the way up the stairs to the bathroom.

    Soon, she learned more words – “light”, “octopus” (another bathroom toy), and, most important, “Mummy”. She loved signing her favourite person’s name so much that I had to reassure our childminder that Martha periodically tapping the side of her head with the palm of her hand wasn’t a physical tic, but simply how “Mummy” is signed. At 15 months old, she began to say “Mmmm” each time she made the sign, and before long, “Mummy” became her first spoken word.

    Like a mini superhero, Martha gained new powers as she added to her repertoire. With the sign “again” she could ask us to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the sixth time in a row. Consequently, Eric Carle’s classic story of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly by way of extreme gluttony is now burned into my memory for life. Meanwhile, with the word “more” Martha could demand second helpings of yogurt, grapes and milk – and snow. One day, I carried her out into the garden to show her thick snowflakes falling from the sky. “More!” she signed, insistently. I didn’t have the heart to tell her there was a limit to my powers.

    Signing also taught her new concepts. A few months later, I was standing at the supermarket checkout with a trolley full of food, when Martha started excitedly banging her fist against her chest, as if imitating Tarzan. I had to explain to the bemused elderly man next to me in the queue that she was signing “mine” – which was her way of claiming ownership of the chocolate buttons I’d placed on the conveyor belt. She didn’t stop there – she went on to claim that our house, car and even my socks were all “mine”.

    We also used signs to help Martha identify relatives and friends – through sign names – which are a common feature of the deaf world. For example, when she says “Grandad” Martha puts a hand to her ear, because he once gave her a toy phone. For “Nanny” her hands track the outline of her grandmother’s necklaces. And for her friend “Cate” she taps her cheek with her forefinger – as if giving herself Cate’s dimples.

    Communicating visually also taught Martha how to adapt to our deafness. If we don’t hear her call us, she’ll tap us on the shoulder (which occasionally becomes a game of tag) or wave her hand. Signing has also encouraged her to maintain eye contact, which became more important as her speech developed, because both Jo and I lip read to help us understand what she is saying.

    Now nearly two and a half, Martha still signs but speech has become her primary form of communication. Where once she signed to herself as she sat in her pram – drawing inquisitive stares from bus passengers all over London – she is now more likely to try to give them orders in a language they can understand. The six-month window when Martha was too young to speak, but old enough to learn sign language, is a stage we’re now looking forward to experiencing again. Our second daughter, Edie, was born in November, and Martha has christened her with her own sign name – tapping her ear every time she says it (our guess is that she thinks Edie sounds a bit like “ear”).

    Edie is as sound-sensitive as Martha, so we’re continuing to tiptoe across our floorboards, leave the toilet unflushed (at night, at least) and watch television quietly. We can’t wait to see her discover language by creating shapes in the air with her tiny hands and fingers, just as her sister did.

    The Royal Collection & the Wallace Collection:June/July 2011

    The Royal Collection and the Wallace Collection:

    Wednesday 29 June, 18:00 – 19:30 at The Queen’s Gallery

    Saturday 2 July, 16:30 – 18:00 at the Wallace Collection

    (The talk will be delivered between 16:45 and 16:00 and refreshments will be served at the beginning and end of the talk)

    Outside In: Exploring depictions of Dutch Life at the Royal Collection and the Wallace Collection

    This event will explore the themes of war and peace, and mood and morals in seventeenth-century Dutch paintings. A number of paintings in the Dutch Landscapes exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery will be compared with interior scenes at the Wallace Collection.

    At The Queen’s Gallery the talk will be delivered in English with BSL Interpretation provided by Tracey Tyer and Lipspeaking support from Linda Croton.

    At the Wallace Collection the talk will be delivered in SSE (voice and sign) by Serena Cant. Notes and a loop will be available.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/may/14/deaf-signing-hearing-children

    Special Senses Day at Colchester Zoo

    Special Senses Day at Colchester Zoo

    On the 2nd July Colchester Zoo will be holding its annual Special Senses Day, a great day out that has been designed to make the zoo fun and accessible for all abilities.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors with a range of disabilities to get more involved with activities at the zoo and there will be special encounter sessions for anyone that is registered disabled and a sensory awareness zone with touch and sniff activities, live animals and crafts.

    Highlights of the day will include the ‘Special Senses Show’ at the Wild about Animal’s Theatre and the assistance dog team demonstration at the Displays Arena. The ‘Special Senses Show’ will explain all about how animals use their senses for survival and the assistance dog team demonstration will give visitors an insight into the expert training that the specialist hearing dogs receive.

    Families with deaf children are invited to visit the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Listening Bus, the UK’s only touring information centre for deaf children and over the course of the day there will also be British Sign Language Interpreted feeds and displays for hearing impaired visitors throughout the zoo.

    Start/Finish times: 9.30am – 6.30pm (last admissions to zoo grounds at 5.30pm)

    Ticket costs:
    Adult rate – £16.99
    Child rate – £10.50
    Senior (over 60) rate – £13.99

    Disabled rate – £8.50

    Carers – 1 Carer may also enter at the same rate as the season appropriate Disabled rate
    Please note verification of disability status will be required to qualify for the concessionary rate. e.g Blue Badge, letter etc.

    Please check out the website on www.colchester-zoo.com for more information and for

    enquiries, please telephone: 01206 331292

    Next CODA/HMFD Workshop: Sunday 26th June 2011.

    Next CODA/HMFD Workshop is planned for Sunday 26th June 2011.

    These workshops are aimed at the hearing children of Deaf parents.

    The morning workshops are a safe place for the children to express themselves and their feelings. Parents are not judged. The workshops are about the children feeling free to talk about their shared experiences with their peers.

    We, as a group, have all agreed that what we talk about, in the workshops, stays in the workshops and is not discussed away from the workshops, with anyone!

    The afternoon activities are decided by the children and are their opportunity to have fun and be carefree.

    Workshop Facilitators, Angie Poole and George T. Taylor, encourage the children to take pride in their bi-culturalism and bi-lingualism. Angie and George are both adult HMFDs, fully accredited workshop facilitators and CRB checked.

    CODA = Children of Deaf Adults (English)

    HMFD = “hearing (me) – Mother – Father – Deaf” (BSL)

    Next CODA/HMFD Workshop is planned for Sunday 26th June 2011.

    10:15 – 10:30, meet at Arboretum Hall/Cafe (parents and children).

    10:30 – 12:30, WORKSHOP (children age 8-16 only).

    12:30 – 13:00, Lunch.

    13:00 – 16:00, Afternoon activity (to be announced).

    16:30, parents collect children from Arboretum Hall/Cafe.

    Please e-mail, address below, to confirm you child’s attendance. This is necessary because numbers are limited.

    BSL Talking Hands
    Angie Poole & George T. Taylor

    • British Sign Language/English Interpreters & Translators
    • Workshop Facilitators & Trainers (CODA/HMFD & ‘Parenting Matters’)
    • Columnists
    • Consultants (Health & Safety, Technical Aids, Access to Work)
    • Advocacy (Mental Health)

    DPUK Awards on SignTube/ BSL now live…

    DPUK Awards on SignTube & BSL now live on DPUK Awards website

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of Deaf Parenting UK have been interviewed by SignTube about Deaf Parenting UK and our upcoming Awards, check it out on: http://www.sign-tube.com/media/2305/Deaf_Parenting_UK/

    Furthermore, BSL version of Deaf Parenting UK Awards is now live on www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011 so please spread the word and get nominating and to buy your tickets online.

    DPUK featured in WFD Newsletter

    Deaf Parenting UK and our work have been featured in WFD Newsletter May 2011 which aims to share information and good practices with other countries around the world. The Newsletter also have News and fantastic ranges of information from across the world, to read more, click WFD Newsletter May 2011.

    BBC See Hear: Deaf Parents with Deaf children wanted

    See Hear are planning to make a programme special on Education,  what I’m looking for is for Deaf parents of Deaf child/ren, as education issue/schools etc, will always be in their minds when their child/ren are diagnosed as deaf. 

    According to the statistics today around 90% of all deaf children are in mainstream education, that is approximately 10% increase in the last five years, which is something I am sure that the deaf parents of deaf children are concerned about.

    Please contact me by email on angela.spielsinger@bbc.co.uk

    Thanks

    Angela Spielsinger

    National Family Week: 30th May – 5th June 2011

    We are working closely with the National Family Week, which is due to take place on 30th May – 5th June 2011.

    To celebrate National Family Week and Deaf Parenting UK’s 10th Anniversary, we are organising two family fun days. The first will be on Tuesday 31 May 2011. We feel that these events are a great way for Deaf Parent families to have fun and network, together. Also, Children of Deaf Parents will benefit by interacting with others from the Deaf community, whist enjoying the chance to enjoy quality time together and take part in fun activities. The trip on May 31 is a day trip to LEGOLAND!

    The second event, on Saturday 23 July 2011, will be to Thorpe Park—watch this space. Email to info@deafparent.org.uk for more info.

    Sabina on TV: Muslim Families in Europe

     Sabina on Sahar TV programme: Muslim Families in Europe

    Our Chair, Sabina, was interviewed by with Sahar TV, for an exclusive TV programme ‘Muslim Families in Europe’ which is broadcasted to viewers across Europe, Middle East and worldwide. It was their first experience of meeting Deaf parents and hearing about their experiences. Sabina was interviewed for the whole of programme (45mins) to share her experiences as Deaf mum as well as explaining about the work of Deaf Parenting UK The programme is being broadcast in April 2011.

    Spring Newsletter 2011 now out

    Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Spring 2011). In this issue you will find:

    • Plans to celebrate 10 wonderful years of Deaf Parenting UK with an Awards Ceremony in October
    • News of some very exciting family trips to Legoland and Thorpe Park
    • Information on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
    • Guidance for schools, teachers and support staff on developing strong, successful relationships with Deaf parents
    • News of how baby monitors can be a real help to Deaf Parents
    • Information on Family Week, CODA International Conference and some BSL Interpreted and Lipspeaking guided tours at Windsor Castle

    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:

    DPUK’s new SMS number

    Deaf Parenting UK have upgraded their mobile phone and have new SMS number. Please ensure you have the correct number or visit our Contact Us page.

    Thanks

    DPUK Team

    Why not nominate yourself or someone worthy of the award?

    Read more..

    DPUK to give out awards to celebrate 10th anniversary (SignPost)

    DPUK to give out awards to celebrate 10th anniversary

    Deaf Parenting UK is celebrating its tenth anniversary with an awards ceremony to recognise people who work to improve the quality of life for deaf people and their families

    There will be seven awards for parents, professionals and service providers in the deaf community.

    And the event in being supported by the Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron who said: “Many congratulations to Deaf Parenting UK’s 10 Year Anniversary. It is fantastic that these awards give recognition to those people who have made such a valuable contribution and positive difference to the lives of Deaf parents, their children and their communities.”

    You can nominate yourself or someone else via the DPUK website, before Friday July 15.

    Tickets are also on sale for the awards presentation event on Friday October 7 in London. You can get a cheaper ticket (£10 per person) until Friday July 15 then after that they cost £15 per person.

    BSL clip on Signpost website: http://www.signpostbsl.com/news/signpost/archiveArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10746

    FREE Deaf Parenting Skills workshops – Bristol & Surrounding Areas.

    Are you Deaf parents or know of Deaf Parents living in Bristol area or surrounding areas?

    Want to meet other Deaf parents?

    Want to boost your confidence on parenting?

    Need support/ information/ advice on where to go?

    Workshops are for you!

    Where: St Paul’s Children Centre

    Little Bishop Street

    St Paul’s

    Bristol BS2 9JF

    When: Saturday 12th March 2011

    Saturday 26th March 2011

    Saturday  9th April 2011

    Saturday 16th April 2011

    Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm

    Do come along and get to meet other parents as well as sharing your experiences and to learn from others too.

    The workshops and crèche are free, please book places for yourselves and your children, if they wish to come along – booking form attached or contact Hilary for a booking form.

    The suggested topics are as follows:

    • Healthy eating with the family
    • Communication with the family
    • Keeping fit with the family
    • Behaviour management
    • Budgeting with the family
    • Positive parenting tips
    • Understanding child development
    • Knowing your benefits

    Do let us know if there is anything in particular that you would like to see happen during the workshop sessions.

    Want to know more and to book your places, please contact Hilary Sutherland by email on Hilary@hilarysutherland.co.uk or by fax 01454 324408

    Deaf Parenting UK Support Video Relay Services (VRS)

    Following the recent campaign on VRS across the country and the most recent in London at Friend House, Asif Iqbal, Media/ Project Manager of Deaf Parenting UK went to find out more and with over 150 people turned up to learn more about VRS.

    Asif commented: “Video Relay Services is a fantastic way to enable Deaf people especially Deaf parents/ families to communicate with hearing people in daily lives via video phone and interpreters. Imagine the day where Deaf parents, using VRS would be able to liaise with the school, GP, children activities centres etc,  easily using the webcam on TV or via computer (and hopefully via 3G mobile phones too), be able to order pizza or takeaway from local restaurant, have a chat with families and friends via VRS and many more.

    Many Deaf parents/ families faces barriers in telecommunication as currently, there is only three options – textphone which are very much outdated and too much reliant on English especially with typetalk/ text relay, not accessible for many Deaf BSL users. Other option including mobile SMS which is fine for a very short message but not for a long conversation and again reliant on English for hearing people to understand what we mean. Some providers take our mobile numbers eg insurance companies, councils, banking and mobile companies etc, but there is no way we could add a note that we are Deaf and to text us on the mobile numbers. Instead they ring and ring on our mobile so impossible for us to answer the call!! 3rd option is fax which is also outdated as technology moves forward very fast.

    VRS is the best way forward, putting Deaf person in the control in telecommunication, giving us the freedom of who to call in BSL without having to rely on English or asking someone to make the call or making an effort to visit the place to explain what you want when it can be easily resolved via VRS!”

    Deaf Parenting UK is a small national organisation, run by Deaf parents for Deaf parents and our motto is enabling, empowering and supporting Deaf Parents to access to services equally as any other parents on day to day lives across health, social services and their children’s education. From our recent conference on ‘Are we Equal: in accessing to health, social services and children’s education’, feedback from Deaf parents found communication even at the first point of contact was the biggest barriers and hopefully the VRS would the best way forward if available for all. For those reasons, Deaf Parenting UK wish to give their full supports, saying that VRS offer tremendous benefits to many Deaf parents/ families.

    To learn more about VRS and to give your support, please check out their website: http://www.vrstoday.com/ or contact your local MP (letter template available to download from VRS website or useful tips to make your video too onto VRS website!)

    FREE Education session about diabetes for Deaf diabetes.

    NHS Diabetes offering FREE Education session about diabetes for Deaf diabetes. Could you please put this information on your website for Deaf parents to access information + to encourage Deaf parents who may have diabetes or their child / children may have diabetes to attend. I am assisting the NHS. This is an opportunity for Deaf diabetes to attend. Priority is given to Deaf diabetes – pending on spaces available Deaf people who do not have diabetes may attend but need to let me know to put their names down quickly.

    NHS Diabetes

    Diabetes Education Session for the Deaf and hard of hearing London

    11th March 2011

    9am – 4.30pm

    Full programme available here.

    This education session is organised following the first ever successful Deaf Diabetes UK conference organised by Catherine Forry from Deaf Advocacy + Justice 4 Deaf People last year. This session is organised at the suggestions made by participants at this conference in July 2010.

    NHS Diabetes is delighted to be supporting this education session on diabetes self-care and treatment for Deaf people and those hard of hearing who have, either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, on 11th March 2011 at the following address:

    The Resource Centre

    356 Holloway Road

    London N7 6PA

    This session is supported by Dr Rowan Hillson, National Clinical Director for Diabetes at the Department of Health and the Specialist Diabetes Team, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

    What will be provided?

    An all day session on diabetes treatment and management provided by specialist clinicians covering diet, foot care, self-management and complications of diabetes.

    There will be BSL interpreters as well as Speech to Text facility available throughout the day.

    Who should attend?

    Anyone who is Deaf or hard of hearing and has diabetes is welcome as well as their carers.

    Next steps

    To book a place at this session please e-mail the details of people attending to Suzanne.devlin@diabetes.nhs.uk or leena.sevak@diabetes.nhs.uk (Or Call on Mobile 07787520351)

    (Lunch and refreshments will be provided and if you have any special dietary requirements please let us know.)

    Training Opportunity for Deaf Managers

    Managers in bilingual and bicultural working environment – Facing the Challenge

    A Training Course at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

    16-17 May 2011

    How to get the best out of Deaf staff and managers ?

    How can Deaf People succeed in management?

    A new course aimed at breaking down the barriers faced by Deaf people in management.

    Essential lessons in management for:

    •   Deaf Managers and Executives

    •   Managers responsible for Deaf Staff, including Deaf Managers

    •   Aspiring Deaf Managers

    Run by top management experts and top BSL experts from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Management and Languages. Guest lecturers with experience in Deaf management from the UK and other countries, including Finland.

    More details – webpage:

    http://www.sml.hw.ac.uk/business/cpd/deaf-managers-facing-the-challenge.htm

    BSL video:-

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nBYrsoh6kM

    International Sign video:-

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9prTI5NKraY

    To enrol:

    http://www.eventelephant.com/thedeafmanagerfacingthechallenges

    DPUK Awards 2011 – Nomination open now

    DEAF PARENTING UK’S AWARDS EVENT 2011 – NOMINATION OPEN NOW

    Deaf Parenting UK is celebrating their 10 years Anniversary and to make it more special, we are organising a first-ever Deaf Parenting UK Awards Event to celebrate our 10 years anniversary, recognising people for their contribution to improve the quality of life for Deaf parents ranging from front-line service, community based and strategy levels.

    There are 7 awards aimed for either individual Deaf parents or professionals working with Deaf parents and service providers (including health, social services, education, community/ charitable organisations/ groups).

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK: I’m delighted to tell you that Deaf Parenting UK will be celebrating their 10years anniversary and what is a better way to celebrate is by hosting a fantastic Award event. Deaf Parenting UK have been set up as a small project in 2001 and now grown to an pioneering organisation and well-known across UK and worldwide, providing support to Deaf parents, parents to be and professionals working with Deaf parents.

    With the award event, we are honouring the positive contributions of Deaf parents, parents to be and professionals who work with Deaf parents to our community and I sincerely encourage you to share with us the stories of those people making an amazing, positive difference to all our lives.

    Making a successful nomination can change the life of a candidate, giving them the confidence to pursue their chosen career and life path with renewed energy and passion. This is a great gift to offer a friend, colleague or even yourself, so please do let us know your stories of courage, achievement and tenacity. We find them inspiring and it is important to recognise them for their valuable contribution to improving the quality of life for Deaf parents and community.

    Samantha Cameron, wife of Prime Minister: “Many congratulations to Deaf Parenting UK’s 10 Year Anniversary. It is fantastic that these awards give recognition to those people who have made such a valuable contribution and positive difference to the lives of Deaf parents, their children and their communities. I hope you all have an enjoyable day”.

    Jo Frost, Supernanny Star: ”My heartfelt congratulations to Deaf Parenting UK on their achievements over the past 10 years in effecting change and opening the doors of communication and equality for all.”

    Trevor Phillips, Chair of Equality and Human Rights Commission: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Deaf Parenting UK on their 10th Anniversary, and take the opportunity to pay tribute to their achievements in providing support and empowerment to Deaf Parents. Through its rights based approach, and the provision of practical services and support, Deaf Parenting UK has made a significant contribution to the realisation of the rights afforded to disabled people and children through domestic human rights legislation. I am delighted that Deaf Parenting UK has chosen to celebrate their Anniversary by recognising the achievements of deaf parents, service providers and campaigners.  By effectively harnessing the energy and commitment of individuals, communities and organisations, we can achieve effective and sustainable change. I look forward to hearing about this exciting event, and reading about the inspiring achievements of the nominees and winners.”

    Nominate yourself or someone worthy of the award: Nominations are now open to individuals (including Deaf Parents, families, friends, neighbours, Samaritan) and Organisations (including Health, Social Services, Education, voluntary organisations & community groups).

    To submit your nomination now, please log onto our website: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/index.html, read DPUK Awards page first before making your nomination from the Nomination Page.

    Deadline for nomination: 15th July 2011.

    Ticket also now for Sale to our Awards event which will be on Friday 7th Oct in Central London. An event – not to be missed!

    Early Bird Discount (until 15th July 2011) £10 per person
    Full price (1st August – 16th September 2011) £15 per person

    Deadline for buying ticket is 16th September 2011. Limited space availability so first come first served.

    Please spread the word or distribute the flyer (downloadable from our website) to as many as possible to Deaf Parents, their families, friends, Samaritans, Neighbours, or to your local Deaf clubs, Deaf Associations/ Centre, workplace, heath services, social services and education eg your child’s school/ college etc and encourage them to make their nomination. Flyer available from: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/DPUKflyer.pdf

    To learn more about DPUK Awards 2011, please go to our website: http://www.deafparent.org.uk/awards2011/index.html

    -Ends-

    For all media enquiries/ contact please contact Asif Iqbal via email media@deafparent.org.uk

    If you want to know more about Deaf Parenting UK, please visit http://www.deafparent.org.uk/ or email us on info@deafparent.org.uk

    Sign Circle Deaf BSL Camping Festival 22-25 July 2011

    Sign Circle Deaf BSL Camping Festival 22-25 July 2011, Longridge Showground, Preston, Lancashire, www.signcircle.org.uk

    Sign Circle is a camping festival with many different activities, workshops, entertainment and performances for all ages to enjoy. During this weekend you and your family can take part in the programme or simply sit back, relax and switch off. The festival welcomes the whole signing community; Deaf people, families, friends and groups.

    The reason why Sign Circle was set up is because mainstream festivals are often not accessible for Deaf people, and they do not have the unique elements of Deaf community and culture. At Sign Circle you and your family will have unlimited access in BSL to anything that is going on at the campsite.

    The festival has been successfully running for the past four years and now celebrates its 5th anniversary. In total Sign Circle has provided entertainment for 1,200 campers and volunteers, and continues to grow. The festival is organised and run by a team of volunteers.

    May 2007, 142 people at Fanwood Campsite in Yorkshire
    May 2008, 250 people at Fanwood Campsite in Yorkshire
    May 2009, 386 people at Longridge Campsite in Lancashire
    May 2010, 417 people at Longridge Campsite in Lancashire

    For more information about the festival:
    – Visit www.signcircle.org.uk
    – Email enquiries@signcircle.org.uk
    – Text 07762 142 131
    – Join the Facebook event ‘Sign Circle – 5th Deaf BSL Camping Festival’

    The Baby Show ExCeL returns on 18 – 20 February 2011!

    The Baby Show ExCeL returns on 18 – 20 February 2011!

    Give your baby the best start by visiting the UK’s number one Baby Show.

    In just one day you can…

    • Enjoy huge savings on 1000s of must have products from top brands
    • Try before you buy to find the right products for you
    • Learn all you need for a happy, healthy baby from experts
    • Talk with midwives and health experts to put any concerns to rest
    • Get expert product advice and demos
    • BSL interpreter(s) provided from Deaf Parenting UK Stand M28 on each day and on Stage only on Saturday.

    … Plus, relax as nappy changing, feeding and play areas, shopping drop-off and collect by car services make visiting a breeze.

    Tickets for The Baby Show ExCeL are now on sale or email info@deafparent.org.uk to win some FREE tickets.

    More info can be found our news section and our The Baby Show page.

    Sabina give talk at Harrow Asian Deaf Club

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK was invited to give a talk about deaf parents at Harrow Asian Deaf Club

    ON SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 2011

    AT

    HARROW ASIAN DEAF CLUB

    Bentley Day Centre

    94 Uxbridge Road

    Harrow

    Middlesex HA3 6DH

    From: 6pm to 9.30 pm

    Entry: £2.00

    (Under 10’s free)

    R.S.V.P and for more information please contact:

    Renuka Ruparelia – Chairwoman

    renukaruparelia@yahoo.co.uk

    Events near you

    If you have any events near you that you wish to publicise to Deaf parents, please email us with details so that we can add to our Events page. Our news and event pages are updated regularly so don’t miss out!

    Thanks

    DPUK Team

    DPUK Ambassador on Bounty Magazine

    Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador, Eileen Hayes, MBE is parenting consultant for the Bounty Magazine and in this Winter 2010/ Spring 2011 edition, she added her new role as Ambassador for Deaf Parenting UK, thus raising the profile of Deaf Parenting UK. Please see ‘Meet our Expert’ where Eileen is listed at the top. (click on images below to see full size)

    Bounty Magazine is free for all new mum as part of their Bounty pack for mum to be and parents of young children, packed with so many useful information and advices for different stages of newborn to young toddler. To learn more about Bounty and to register for your FREE pack (only for those who are pregnant or have young todders, go to www.bounty.com

    Free Relationship Counselling with Deaf Signing therapist

    Are there any couples in the Greater London area who feel they might benefit from some counselling to improve their relationship ?

    Pauline Latchem is a qualified and experienced therapist offering a professional and confidential service.

    Pauline said “I am able to offer some free sessions to support couples who are willing to explore and work on any difficulties in their relationship.

    The service is available for gay or lesbian couples as well as heterosexual couples, but

    • they must be in a relationship with each other
    • both partners must want to come to therapy together (not one partner alone)

    This offer is open to Deaf or mixed Deaf/hearing couples, CODA’s or hearing people who sign to level 2 /3.

    I can offer up to 50 free hours in total.  This free offer will apply for a limited period only, and sessions will be offered on a first come first served basis.”

    Most couples benefit from 5 – 10 sessions.

    To find out more, please contact me in full confidence –

    email: plcounselling@gmail.com

    Donaldson’s School Information Day

    INFORMATION DAY
    SATURDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, 2011
    10am – 1pm

    Information Days are free to attend and provide a perfect opportunity for parents and professionals to find out more about Donaldson’s, Scotland’s national school for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties.

    We are now taking bookings for our next Information Day on Saturday 26th February.   Please see a flyer for the event below or visit our new website for more information.

    Donaldson’s would be very grateful if you could forward this information to any of your colleagues or any parents or carers who may find this event of interest. We request that all places are booked in advance so that we can cater for individual needs wherever possible. Thank you.

    DeafSafe Conference on Domestic Violence/Abuse – London

    DeafSafe Conference – London

    Date:     Thursday 17th March 2011
    Venue:   The London Resource Centre, 365 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA.

    Topics: Issues about Domestic Violence / Abuse + within the Deaf Community

    Presentations by experts well-known to the Deaf & professional communities (ask for the programme)

    Who for?
    For everyone: the Deaf Community, Professionals working with Deaf people + Domestic
    Violence Service providers

    Conference Ticket:
    £10 each.  Professionals – £75 each.
    Closing date for Tickets:  14th march 2011.
    Sorry: no Tickets at the door.

    For Booking Form + Conference programme –
    Contact:

    SMS:          07980 973191
    Email:         deafadvocacy.justice@gmail.com

    INFORMATION for exhibitors –

    To those working for organisations.

    Exhibition Stalls available for £30 each.
    Further information please contact us.
    10 stalls available –  4 stalls left now.

    Deaf Parents/Families wanted for CH4 Jo Frost TV programme.


    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)

    This is second round of application. For those who have already applied, please do not apply again. If you are unsure or require 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

    DPUK Award 2011 Competition – BSL News

    This news item have been broadcasted in BSL by Signpost News:

    Deaf Parenting UK 10th Anniversary Awards 2011

    We will be organising an awards event to celebrate our 10 years anniversary of our charity. To kick this off, we are running a competition in which YOU can be involved. The event is for Deaf parents/ families as well as professionals who work with Deaf parents.

    Competition:

    Tell us one thing you would like to see happen on this special day? How do you want to celebrate it? What is your idea?

    Please email your ideas together with your details to media@deafparent.org.uk by 31 st January 2011. The winner will receive a family trip of 4 to a Theme Park* of their choice. (* run by Merlin Entertainment Group)

    WIN TICKETS TO THE BABY SHOW AT LONDON’S EXCEL

    This February head to London ExCeL to give you and your baby the best start at the UK’s number one Baby Show. A day of unrivalled inspiration, education and entertainment, where you’ll find everything you need for pregnancy, birth and the baby and a great day out, made easy.

    The Baby Show with Prima Baby and Fisher-Price takes place from 18-20 February 2011 and is giving five lucky winners the chance to win a pair of tickets to attend.

    In just one day huge savings can be enjoyed on 1000s of must have baby and maternity products; try before you buy to find the perfect products; chat with midwives and health experts; and gain expert product advice whilst watching live demonstrations.

    The UK’s biggest and best baby show will offer visitors handy hints and tips on the best pregnancy and baby products to buy for babies and birth, as well as 1000’s of fantastic savings on all the top branded and products to give new and expectant parents and babies the very best possible start.

    For those who are unsure of what to buy The Show offers shoppers the chance to try before they buy – ensuring that the products purchased cater for all the families needs. Plus, there’ll be plenty of unique and useful products, not available for purchase anywhere else in the country, which will make parents and babies safe, happy and healthy.

    What’s more, The Show will have nappy changing, feeding and play areas making visiting The Show one of the most pleasurable shopping experiences for parents and babies. And, for all those heavy bags there’s an area to drop shopping off and ready for collection by car service making visiting the show a breeze.

    The Baby Show is the only place to host all the UK’s leading baby and parenting brands all under one roof with the likes of Mothercare, Pampers, Britax, Tommee Tippee and Plum Baby all showcasing the latest products, gadgets and technologies. The Bay Show features the best people with the best brands making it a great day out, made easy.

    The Baby Show takes place on 18-20 February, ExCeL, London. Tickets are on sale now for The Baby Show and are available from the box office on 0871 231 0844 or online at thebabyshow.co.uk. Head to www.thebabyshow.co.uk for full details

    DPUK Award 2011 Competition

    Deaf Parenting UK 10th Anniversary Awards 2011

    We will be organising an awards event to celebrate our 10 years anniversary of our charity. To kick this off, we are running a competition in which YOU can be involved. The event is for Deaf parents/ families as well as professionals who work with Deaf parents.

    Competition:

    Tell us one thing you would like to see happen on this special day? How do you want to celebrate it? What is your idea?

    Please email your ideas together with your details to media@deafparent.org.uk by 31 st January 2011. The winner will receive a family trip of 4 to a Theme Park* of their choice. (* run by Merlin Entertainment Group)

    Website launch creates a ‘buzz’ for deaf young people

    The first website dedicated to all deaf young people is being launched today by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), after a survey showed that 90 per cent want more opportunities to meet other deaf people*.

    www.buzz.org.uk, has been developed by and for deaf young people aged 8 – 18, and provides the biggest online space for deaf young people to come together, meet and share their views.

    Nicola, an 18-year old deaf young person, said: “The buzz website really unites deaf teenagers and children across the UK and helps you make friends before NDCS events and stay friends after as well.

    “I found out about other deaf teenagers following their dreams in the articles on the website. It shows me that you can follow your dreams and your deafness will not stop you,” said Nicola.

    A consultation with almost 1,500 deaf young people revealed that they want access to more information and advice, and 75% want to get involved and help create the information themselves*.

    Susan Daniels, Chief Executive of NDCS said: “The Buzz is the first website for deaf young people, and it belongs to them, providing an important space for them to meet and express their views.”

    “Deaf young people told us they want information on topics like social activities and we’re now looking for interesting and enthusiastic deaf young people to get involved by sending in their ideas, stories and photos to the Buzz.”

    www.buzz.org.uk includes details of exciting events across the UK, stories about other deaf young people, the latest news and reviews, free games and important information and advice on everything from bullying to the environment.  Deaf young people can also use the website to find and contact friends in their local area.

    Deaf Parenting UK’s Winter 2010 Newsletter is now out!

    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 10th anniversary in 2011 (including competition to win fantastic prize – Deadline: 31st 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 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.

    Richard Jones as Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador for Wales

    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

    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.

    Jo Tantum, New DPUK Ambassador

    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.

    Minister of Children & Families supports Deaf Parenting UK

    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”.


    Winners of Deaf Sport Personality of the Year 2010

    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.

    Sabina meet Prime Minister at No.10 Downing Street

    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 HONOURED WITH ‘WORKING PARENT OF THE YEAR 2010’ AWARD

    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 NAMED AS ONE OF THE EUROPEAN MUSLIM WOMEN OF INFLUENCE LIST 2010

    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/

    Deaf Parenting UK’s Autumn 2010 Newsletter is now out!

    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

    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’s Access Magazine now out

    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

    Social Research with Deaf People (SORD) Newsletter now out

    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 British Sign Language Bill.

    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 29th October 2010.

    DPUK as Guest speaker at European Mental Health & Deafness Congress 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

    Updated info: WFD World Congress, South Africa, 2011

    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

    Baby Show, Earls Court 22-24 Oct 2010

    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!

    WFD Newsletter August 2010 now out!

    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

    Secretary of State for Education endorsed DPUK

    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”

    Your views on Disability Harrassment/ discrimination wanted

    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

    If you have any queries about the Inquiry or this online form, or difficulties using this secure website, please contact our Helpline.

    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, Ambassador of CODA UK&Ireland, launched their website

    Sabina Iqbal was invited as a guest speaker at the CODA UK & Ireland Conference 2010 in Brighton Deaf Centre, on Saturday 21st 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 21st 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, a proud supporter of Deaf Parenting 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 Summer 2010 Newsletter now out!

    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

    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.

    Eileen Hayes MBE supports DPUK Conference 2010

    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/

    DPUK Conference 2010: Huge success!

    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 7th 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

    Sabina Iqbal launched at Dacorum Mela 2010

    Dacorum Mela 2010: Sabina Iqbal launched Communities Together Pledges

    Dacorum Mela 2010 took place on a beautiful sunny day – Saturday 10th 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 sponsor Children Classic – Peepo!

    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 7th 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:

    Enjoy watching.

    DPUK Team

    Deaf Parenting UK Annual Report 2009 now out.

    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

    Equalities Minister supports Deaf Parenting UK

    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.”

    DPUK: Independent Living Awards 2010- ’Highly Commended’

     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.

    DPUK appointed new Ambassador Eileen Hayes, MBE

    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

    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

    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.

    Deaf Parenting UK Support National Family Week on 31st May 2010 – 6th June 2010

    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 Diabetes UK is hosting 1st Conference on Deaf diabetes

    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 2010 update

    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

    Deaf Parents/Families wanted for CH4 Jo Frost TV programme.

    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


    DPUK support the Deaf Sport Personality of the Year Award 2010

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

    Deaf Parents/Families wanted in Derby

    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

    DPUK Coordinator/ Admin wanted for Bristol Area.

    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, NEC Birmingham 21-23 May 2010

    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.

    Disability Related Harrassment Legal Inquiry – your views wanted

    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).

    Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister impressed with Deaf Parenting UK

    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, lends her support to Deaf Parenting UK

    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.”

    Sabina Iqbal won Tesco magazine Mum of the Year Award 2010

    TESCO MAGAZINE HONOURS BRITISH MUMS

    Sabina Iqbal won Tesco magazine Mum of the Year Award

    For the 5th 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 Conference 2010: Are We Equal? (7th July 2010) – information now out

    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

    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.

    DCSF’s Call for Evidence – Deadline 2weeks time (14th Feb 2010)

    The Department of Children, School & Families (DCSF) have asked Deaf Parenting UK for support in reaching as many Deaf parents as possible to find out how they support parents better and enabling parents to have full access to their children’s learning.

    Please find an attached ‘call for evidence’ from parents, professionals and organisations working with parents.

    What Deaf Parenting UK would like to see is for as many Deaf parents, professionals working with Deaf parents and services providers to contribute evidences by considering the following:

    • how information is shared with parents;
    • how parents are involved in decisions about their child;
    • how mothers, fathers and other carers are helped to engage (eg: support from family, friend, professionals, advocate, peer support etc)
    • how schools and settings have sought to identify and remove barriers faced by particular groups of parents (eg: in what ways are childcare/nursery/schools ensuring Deaf parents’ needs are met?)
    • how practice changes as children mature (eg: how things changes as child get older? Staff becoming more familiar of Deaf parents’ needs as child grows in early year/primary/secondary school?);
    • how parental engagement can be built into wider improvement strategies for individual children or whole settings. (How can Deaf parents be involved to have their say on how services can be improved for their children and for the whole school for example?)

    Deaf Parenting UK and DCSF are keen to hear about your experiences. In particular we want any evidence you have on:

    • successful approaches/ good practices? What works well and what doesn’t work well and why?
    • Experiences of Deaf parents with children age 0-19yrs. Deaf parents can be from diverse background ranging from working parents, home parents, single parent, young parent, older parents etc.
    • Also what are good things from childcare/ early year providers (nurseries) that are useful in supporting parents within the home?
    • Example could be useful model of positive behaviour that parents can borrow for home and enable child to learn more within the home eg: reading book, fun games that promote learning, communication.
    • Anything that you feel are really useful that help you to promote your child’s learning in the home/family life.

    Please send information to DCSF urgently at parental.engagement@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk  remembering to include contact details so that they can get in touch if they require further information.

    Deadline for evidences to be submitted to DCSF is 14th February 2010.

    Sabina featured in Emel Magazine – Feb 2010

    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.

    Deaf Parents Wanted for a research project

    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 UK WINDS DOWN AS A CHARITY AFTER EIGHT YEARS OF RUNNING SUCCESSFUL CAMP WEEKS SINCE 2001

    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 lands role as Public Appointments Ambassador, Government Equalities Office and Cabinet Office, UK

    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.

    Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter 2009 Winter Edition now out!

    Welcome to our Deaf Parenting UK Newsletter (Winter 2009). In this issue you will find:

    •  Updates on Deaf Parenting UK’s recent activities, including Sabina hosting the Deaffest Film and TV Gala Awards
    • News including recommendations to changes for parental leave,  a call for evidence for a government advisory group aimed at finding way to enable parents to have full access to schools and their children’s learning
    • DPUK’s Educational Ambassador, Clarissa Williams’ views on how schools should better work with deaf parents
    • And news on the forthcoming Baby Shows in London and Birmingham

    If you miss any of our previous newsletter, you can catch up here via our newsletter page.

    Sabina Iqbal as Guest speaker at The Baby Show, ExCel, London, February 2010

    Sabina will be at The Baby Show, ExCel, London on Saturday 20 February 2010, as guest speaker for two time slots on the Persil and Comfort Pure Stage with Prima Baby.

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK “Being Deaf mum of two young children under 3, Baby Show is a vital event to get all things you needs under one roof. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see what is on offer, meet other mum/ mums to be. Deaf Parenting UK is there to ensure all Deaf parents/parents to be to benefits fully from the Baby Shows, have full access to the stage shows, exhibitors and to buy their products needed for their babies.”

    Leah Poole, Show Manager, The Baby Show “We’re pleased to be once again welcoming Deaf Parenting UK back to The Baby Show next year. It is our on-going aim to ensure the show caters to all parents or parents-to-be and by having the UK’s leading experts on the needs of deaf parents we are able to ensure that such parents are able to gain real inspiration and support from the show. We are particularly excited about having Sabina take to the main stage at our ExCeL show in February to share the wealth of her own extensive knowledge in this field with The Baby Show audience.”

    About the Baby Shows:

    Deaf Parenting UK will provide BSL interpreters at each day of the Baby Show at the London ExCel centre and the NEC, Birmingham and Earl’s Court Exhibition centre, London.

    The ExCel Show will take place 19th—21st February 2010 in London’s Docklands and the Birmingham Show will take place 21st—23rd May 2010, and the Earl’s Court Show will take place 22nd—24th October 2010.

    Deaf Parenting UK will provide BSL interpreters each day of the Shows from the Deaf Parenting UK stand, enabling Deaf parents to meet experts at the various other stands at the show. This is a fantastic opportunity for Deaf parents to ask questions and learn about baby stuff during their visit to the Baby Show.

    To learn more and check out the programme, please visit: http://www.thebabyshow.co.uk/deaf-parenting-uk

    The Baby Show really is a great value day. out for the whole family! Great offers are available (many cheaper than internet prices) on an array of products and all the baby essential: prams, cots, carriers and car seats,feeding equipment, baby clothes, nappies, maternity wear, nursery furniture and lots more. The Show is filled with major brands, luxury retailers and unique boutique companies not seen on the high street.

    Fantastic Entertainment! It’s a great day out for the whole family. There are maternity and baby fashion shows for mums-to-be and the fantastic Tomy Play Area for the little ones. Check out www.thebabyshow.co.uk for the latest information and timetables.

    What’s more, a visit to The Baby Show is hassle-free; the Pampers Changing Room with FREE nappies & wipes, Tommee Tippee Feeding Area with private breast-feeding & bottle warming facilities as well as FREE Heinz baby food and a FREE supervised crèche for baby free shopping*. Plus, there are wide aisles, plenty of seating and refreshment areas such as the Pregnacare Juice Bar.

    If you’ve taken advantage of the great offers and stocked up on all your essentials Emma’s Diary is offering a FREE Shopping Drop-off & Collect by Car service to all visitors!

    Save big by booking in advance. To book tickets visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk  or call 0871 231 0844* and quote EX146.

    For more information and to book tickets visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk

    Deaf Parenting UK is working in partnership with the Baby show in 2010

    Deaf Parenting UK will provide BSL interpreters at each day of the Baby Show at the London ExCel centre and the NEC, Birmingham and Earl’s Court Exhibition centre, London.

    The ExCel Show will take place 19th—21st February 2010 in London’s Docklands and the Birmingham Show will take place 21st—23rd May 2010, and the Earl’s Court Show will take place 22nd—24th October 2010.

    Deaf Parenting UK will provide BSL interpreters each day of the Shows from the Deaf Parenting UK stand, enabling Deaf parents to meet experts at the various other stands at the show. This is a fantastic opportunity for Deaf parents to ask questions and learn about baby stuff during their visit to the Baby Show.

    The Baby Show really is a great value day out for the whole family!
    Great offers are available (many cheaper than internet prices) on an array of products and all the baby essential: prams, cots, carriers and car seats, feeding equipment, baby clothes, nappies, maternity wear, nursery furniture and lots more. The Show is filled with major brands, luxury retailers and unique boutique companies not seen on the high street.

    Try before you buy! Test the latest travel systems and car seats to find the best solution for you. The Baby Show offers you a unique experience which allows you to get advice and compare products from the big brands direct such as Britax, Stokke and Maclaren or head to one of the large retailers such as Mothercare, Glasgow Pram Centre or Baby Planet to get some independent advice.

    Parents and parents-to-be can pick up lots of expert advice and information. Visit the Persil and Comfort Pure Stage with Prima Baby for great talks on topics such as sleep routines, baby nutrition, and much more! Plus catch up with celebrity mum Tess Daly who will be signing copies of her new book ‘The Baby Diaries’ and get the latest advice from Dr Miriam Stoppard. There’s also the Tommy’s Meet The Midwives & Health Visitors Centre sponsored by Caffeine Free Diet Coke for informal one-to-one chats with their experts. Or discover new foods and recipes for little ones at the Journey of Discovery with Heinz

    Fantastic Entertainment! It’s a great day out for the whole family. There are maternity and baby fashion shows for mums-to-be and the fantastic Tomy Play Area for the little ones. Check out www.thebabyshow.co.uk for the latest information and timetables.

    What’s more, a visit to The Baby Show is hassle-free; the Pampers Changing Room with FREE nappies & wipes, Tommee Tippee Feeding Area with private breast-feeding & bottle warming facilities as well as FREE Heinz baby food and a FREE supervised crèche for baby free shopping*. Plus, there are wide aisles, plenty of seating and refreshment areas such as the Pregnacare Juice Bar.

    If you’ve taken advantage of the great offers and stocked up on all your essentials Emma’s Diary is offering a FREE Shopping Drop-off & Collect by Car service to all visitors!

    Save big by booking in advance. To book tickets visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk or call 0871 231 0844* and quote EX146.

    For more information and to book tickets visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk

    DPUK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    If you are interested please contact at media@deafparent.org.uk

    Deaf Parenting UK working with DCSF and other organisations on Parental Engagement

    Deaf Parenting UK is involved in the Department of Children, School & Families (DCSF)’s advisory group and the group is looking at ways of how to support parents better and enabling parents to have full access to their children’s learning.

    Please find an attached `call for evidence’ from parents, professionals and organisations working with parents.

    What Deaf Parenting UK would like to see is for as many Deaf parents, professionals working with Deaf parents and services providers to contribute evidences by considering the following:

    • how information is shared with parents;
    • how parents are involved in decisions about their child;
    • how mothers, fathers and other carers are helped to engage (eg: support from family, friend, professionals, advocate, peer support etc)
    • how schools and settings have sought to identify and remove barriers faced by particular groups of parents (eg: in what ways are childcare/nursery/schools ensuring Deaf parents’ needs are met?)
    • how practice changes as children mature (eg: how things changes as child get older? Staff becoming more familiar of Deaf parents’ needs as child grows in early year/primary/secondary school?);
    • how parental engagement can be built into wider improvement strategies for individual children or whole settings. (How can Deaf parents be involved to have their say on how services can be improved for their children and for the whole school for example?)

    Deaf Parenting UK and DCSF are keen to hear about your experiences. In particular we want any evidence you have on:

    • successful approaches/ good practices? What works well and what doesn’t work well and why?
    • Experiences of Deaf parents with children age 0-19yrs. Deaf parents can be from diverse background ranging from working parents, home parents, single parent, young parent, older parents etc.
    • Also what are good things from childcare/ early year providers (nurseries) that are useful in supporting parents within the home?
    • Example could be useful model of positive behaviour that parents can borrow for home and enable child to learn more within the home eg: reading book, fun games that promote learning, communication.
    • Anything that you feel are really useful that help you to promote your child’s learning in the home/family life.

    Please send information to us at parental.engagement@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk remembering to include contact details so that we can get in touch if we require further information.

    Deadline for evidences to be submitted to DCSF is end of January 2010.

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder will be presenting an award for the RADAR People of the Year Awards 2009

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder will be presenting an award for the RADAR People of the Year Awards 2009 at this year’s prestigious People of the Year Awards on Monday 30th November 2009 at Battersea Evolution.

     The People of the Year Awards is the only event in Europe that recognises and honours individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution towards the furtherance of the human rights for disabled people in the UK.

     The Awards will be attended by over 500 VIP’s guests from the worlds of corporate disability and public sectors, business, government, arts & media, politics and disabled people.  

     Other VIP presenters to present awards at the event, also include Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State of Department Work and Penions, Richard Griffiths, Frank Gardner, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Alastair Campbell, Cerri Burnell, CBEEB Presenter and Mark Harper, Shadow Minister for Disabled People, etc.  

     If you want to know about the awards please see the Website: http://www.radar.org.uk/awards-2009/judges.aspx

    Sabina Iqbal Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK is host of the Deaffest Film & TV Gala Awards on 28th November 2009

    The Deaffest Film & TV Gala Awards will be held on Sat 28 November at Light house, Wolverhampton. It is the red carpet event of the year when the awards for Best TV Programme, Best Experimental Film, Best Factual Film and Best Drama will be presented. The host of the evening will be Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK.

    To learn more about the TV Gala Awards, please see the website: http://deaffest.co.uk/deaffest-gala-awards/

    Sabina Iqbal was honoured with a ‘Black History Month Award 2009’

    28 October 2009

    Deaf Youth Pride hosted their inaugural Black History Month event which took place on Saturday 24th October at Forest Gate Youth Centre, London.

    The event showcased the excellent performance of drama, music and dancing from Deaf Youth, raising their profile as Deaf young people from black and ethnic minority groups, a sector of our community which has all too frequently been overlooked.

    The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to Deaf youths who have shown particular skills, aptitude and determination in their lives with a view to building confidence and encouraging them to become role models for Deaf peers and younger generations, much to the applause from the audiences, delighted to see a large number of Deaf youths receiving their certificates.  

    The finale of the evening were a selection of Golden Hands ‘Black History Month’ Award 2009, presented by Sarla Meisura and Kevin Buckle, Deaf Youth Workers and the first gong went to Sabina Iqbal, for her tireless work and outstanding contribution to the society by setting up a first and unique parenting organisation for deaf parents run by deaf parents – Deaf Parenting UK. Sabina came up to collect the award with her daughter, Samaira (3).

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK was gobsmacked when her name was announced for the Black History Month Award 2009: “I was totally shocked as I came to support the event and was impressed by a selection of Deaf youth with their confidence; skills and their performances, celebrating the Black History Month, were outstanding. They are our future leaders. I truly thought the awards were for the youth but was shocked when Kevin announced my name. It was lovely to be recognised for this award as I was once a Deaf youth at the very same Deaf youth centre! I was also delighted to meet all young people and hope the event inspires even more young Deaf people from diverse background to achieve their dreams.”

    Kevin Buckle, Deaf Youth Worker: “The Black History Month, also known as BDHM, event at Forest Gate Youth Centre was a huge success and it was nice to see young people involved in the project. The atmosphere with people was lovely and fantastic! Everyone enjoyed our ethnic foods (Caribbean and Asian) after the performances. About over 80 people attended the event. A Deaf programme was made on Black Deaf History month and it was looking for new and fresh Deaf people from Black community with a lot of knowledge and experience so they contacted me but then I believed that best for young deaf people would be given an opportunity to be filmed instead of me, giving their fresh and youthful perspective.

    With a lot of support from Sarla, a Deaf key youth worker from the youth centre, I tried to encourage some young people to be involved in the project which took hard work and it paid off when they produced some excellent performances.

    During the event, I gave a short speech of why Black Deaf people were overlooked and left out from Black History books and History books. Even in the modern mainstream media, there are very few Deaf role models with ethnic minorities’ community to be looked up to.

    There were a lot of different performances to be shown including Eze and Alecia’s beautiful sign song.”

     Outstanding Winners:

    There were some special BHM awards – made up of a beautiful gold plated hand shaped object. They were given to:

    • Sabina Iqbal, a founder and Chair of Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) for her tireless work and outstanding contribution to the society by setting up a first and unique parenting organisation for deaf parents run by deaf parents.
    • Marie Walters, a member from a large family of 28 Deaf people. It is really rare that there are a large number of Deaf family members. She is originally from Jamaica and she is now married to her Deaf British husband, Lloyd. She should be in the Guinness Book of records!
    • Kavita Kohli, a former social worker, used to work for Hounslow and Newham Social Services. She has been involved in Deaf community, especially within Asian community. She was often involved in a lot of project meetings, appeared on Sign On TV a few times. She has written her article about Group work with Deaf People as well as other articles. She couldn’t come to the event because of unforeseen circumstance. The award will be given to her after the event.
    • Chloe Campbell, a Deaf daughter from Deaf parents – she is very energetic and lively and she has shown her commendable leadership skill. She developed and made a drama about slavery with some young people including myself!

    It was announced that Black History Special will be broadcasted by BBC’s See Hear on Wednesday 28th of October at 1pm.

    Sabina Iqbal won the GG2 Leadership and Diversity Award 2009: Achievement through Adversity

    16th September 2009

     The GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards are hosted by the Asian Media & Marketing Group at a lavish ceremony in London on 15th September 2009 at the Grosvenor Hotel, London.

    The Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG) is Britain’s biggest Asian publishing house. With a 40 year heritage, AMG publishes a stable of market leading magazines for the Asian community in the UK and USA. The company hosts a number of hugely successful events and award dinners affiliated with its magazines.

     The 11th Annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards was a premier ceremony highlighting and showcasing ethnic achievement, celebrating the very best of multi-cultural Britain on their ‘Inspirational Leadership in times of change’. All award winners were outstanding individuals who have excelled and overcome barriers against the odds.  The GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards were honoured and privileged to have Rt Hon. Tony Blair, former Prime Minister, as the keynote speaker at this year’s gala awards ceremony.

    Sabina Iqbal has been honoured in the GG2 Leadership and Diversity Award 2009: Achievement through Adversity, presented by Cherie Blair, the wife of former Prime Minister, Ramnikal Solanki CBE, Editor – in-chief of the Asian Media and Markerting Group, Robin Bailey, Insurance & Investment Director and Chairman the Diversity and Equality Opportunities Committee, Nationwide and Gillian Joseph, Sky News presenter.

    Ramniklal Solanki CBE explained: “We value the diversity of our people and our society; and the leaders who have done much to maintain the harmony of our diverse society. In these difficult economic times, it is important that we stand as one and deliver a positive and powerful message to those who seek to divide us. These awards show that our country is amply enriched by diversity and that statement must be heard far and wide.”

    The evening was celebrated with the awards host –  Hardeep Singh Kohli with many distinguished guests including BBC and Sky News presenters; with well-known VIPs, civil servants, sports personalities, musician, broadcasters, celebrities and MPs in attendance, lots of characters from EastEnders including Nina Wadia (who plays Zainab); Sir David Normington, Civil Service Permanent Secretary and Sir Paul Stephenson, Commissioner Metropolitan Police.

     Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK was shocked when her name was announced for the GG2 Leadership and Diversity Award 2009: Achievement through Adversity, awarded to an individual who has reached a high level of attainment through difficult circumstance. Sabina was ecstatic to have won the award and exclaimed: “It shows that being Asian, Deaf, and Women with leadership through adversity, if I can do it the others can do it too.  It was a fantastic event to network with celebrities and met Cherie Blair and who presented my award!”

    Deaf Parenting UK Spokesperson: “Sabina Iqbal did so much in this regard, overcame so many barriers and succeeded in leadership in her personal and professional life. We congratulate her for her achievements.

    Now, we are so proud to receive more recognition with 12 awards in the last 12 months. So a very big thanks to all of you for your massive support to Deaf Parenting UK and our work. Clearly the recognition of the awards has given us positive impact and changes to Deaf parents’ lives and the importance of our work with Deaf parents and professionals/service providers who works with Deaf parents.”

    Info on Italian’s website about Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2009

    Our recent Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2009 have generated so many interest in UK and worldwide. Italy’s National Association of Deaf people have written a feature about our conference and it is now on their website:

    http://www.ens.it/articolo.asp?ID=2179

    DEAF PARENTING UK held the biggest ever Conference 2009 for Deaf parents focusing on Education, Education, Education at City Hall, London

    18th June 2009

    National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), Department of Children, School and Families (DCSF), Daycare Trust, Sign for Success, Deafness Cognition and Language (DCAL) Research Centre and Equality and Human Right Commission (EHRC) as well as two local Deaf parents gave presentations on Education, enabling Deaf Parents to access to their children’s education of which many experienced numerous of barriers.

    Deaf Parenting Conference 2009 was held on Friday 12 June in London and attended by 200 people, mostly Deaf Parents aswell as professionals/ services providers working with Deaf parents. The theme of the conference on Education have touched the core issues in many Deaf parents and bringing them from across UK aswell Deaf parents from Italy, Belgium, Cyprus and Greece who challenged the Government and representatives from NAHT, DCSF, Daycare Trust on the needs of Deaf parents in accessing to their children’s education without barriers.

    Richard Barnes, Deputy Mayor of London: “Deaf parents face many daunting challenges in accessing their children’s education, and, indeed, playing a full part in that education. I hope that by hosting the Conference City Hall can facilitate deaf parents and all agencies to come together, identify common issues and move towards there solution”

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK: “It was fantastic opportunity to see a largest numbers of delegates at the Deaf Parenting UK conference and the theme of Education, Education, Education is the hottest topic for many Deaf parents. Although this is the first time that the issues have been highlighted, enabling Deaf parents to share their experiences of frustrations in accessing to their children’s education, all delegates are willing for the Government especially DCSF, National Association of Headteachers (who have links with all heads of schools across the UK), Daycare Trust and EHRC to consult with Deaf parents on parenting strategy as to date, Deaf parents have been excluded from the whole process. To date, Deaf parents have had no input as such to influence to their children’s education and the conference gave them opportunity to learn more about their rights under Disability Discrimination Act and Human Right Act but also highlighted the gaps in the system which fails to address the needs of Deaf parents. Deaf Parenting UK hopes that the Government and all representatives from DCSF, NAHT, Daycare Trust and EHRC will work closely with Deaf parents and to commission some work from Deaf Parenting UK to find ways to address those gaps.”

     Julia Gault, Head of Families Unit, Families Engagement Division, Department Children, Schools and Families (DCSF): “The conference provided an important opportunity for deaf parents to bring their issues directly to those like myself working on the future direction of national policy. I appreciated the frankness with which they spoke of their experiences and how they would like to see things change.  This has given renewed vigour to my work towards the Government 2020 Goal that all parents will be satisfied with the information and support they receive.”

     Clarissa Williams, Former Head teacher and President of National Association of Head teachers (NAHT): “It was both a privilege and an experience to have been invited to attend and contribute to the Deaf Parenting UK conference. Listening to the delegates and speakers I realised that the world of education still has some way to go to enact the principles as enshrined in law in order to ensure that deaf parents are allowed and indeed welcomed to join in the learning partnership that they so rightly desire for their children. 

     It was very salutary for me to observe how effectively the deaf community communicates using sign language and this brought home to me the importance of expanding the use of sign language to make communication real and effective amongst all parties.

     I was occasionally saddened and ashamed to hear examples of prejudice that so often comes from ignorance and understand the need to work together with other agencies to reduce inequality through strong advocacy, challenge and support.

     Deaf Parenting UK are to be congratulated in the assertive and professional manner in which they are leading in raising our awareness of the key issues affecting deaf parents and their children.  As a former Head teacher I salute their determination and commitment and will do what I can to disseminate their message to the educational world.”

    Ceri Hughes, Director of KMPG LLP who did the closing remark of the conference:” Many congratulations to Deaf Parenting UK on excellent conference. I very enjoyed attending the conference and meeting lots of different people and found the presentations very interesting.”

     Kathy Robinson, Sign for Success and is also a Deaf Parenting UK Ambassador: “The Conference was an eye opener.  Excellent speakers and a real feeling of moving forward to address the needs of Deaf Parents.  Deaf Parenting UK is keeping Deaf Parents high on the government’s agenda.  A hugely informative, supportive successful day!”

     Zem Rodaway, Solicitor, Equality and Human Rights Commission:  “We welcomed the opportunity to participate in this important event and look forward to working with Deaf Parenting UK in the future.”

     Carolyn Denmark, Deaf Parent: “The conference on the day was informative for everyone and obviously there are some issues that we are aware of “Will our account being taken into consideration?” People are cynical on the day how the board can take it back to the Government and how can DCSF identify our needs which is understandable.  I hope they learned something from us on the day to consider how to meet our needs.

     It is good to know that we had Belgian and Italian Deaf people on the day and they found it useful and wanted to develop similar model as ours in their country, it is a positive sign to have a network.”

    Cedric Moon, Deaf Parent:” It was very clear from the comments of the deaf delegates that there are wide variations in the standard of access to schools for deaf parents and information about schooling is routinely unavailable to them.  What each deaf parent should have is a Government backed charter setting out what minimum services can be expected from schools as a statutory right. This would help schools face up to their responsibilities.”

    Professor Gary Morgan, Deputy Director DCAL research centre, City University London:I very much enjoyed meeting deaf parents and seeing how much DPUK is doing. The ESRC centre for Deafness, Cognition and Language is committed to informing parents about our research through a partnership with Deaf Parenting UK.”

    Upcoming conference 2009: Education, Education, Education

    An event, not to be missed!

    Click here to download and view the Deaf Parenting Annual Conference 2009 flyer (PDF format)

    BABY SHOW 15-17th May 2009 at NEC, BIRMINGHAM

    Click here to download flyer

    Deaf Parenting UK in Daily Mirror’s Special Mother & Baby Feature, Sunday 22nd March 2009

    Deaf Parenting UK working with Daily Mirror to reach out to millions of parents in UK and that Deaf Parenting UK advert was supposed to come on the Sat 21st March edition of Daily Mirror’s Special on Mother & Baby feature. However Daily Mirror apologised for the postponing the special feature to Sunday 22nd March which was also a Mother’s Day (hoping to reach out a much higher readership).

    Please find the enclosed Special feature on Mother & Baby and the advert of Deaf Parenting UK near the bottom of the page which came out on Sunday 22nd March 2009 (Mother’s Day)

    Deaf Mum on front cover of NCT’s NewGen Magazine, March 2009

    Deaf Parenting UK are proud to have been featured with a Deaf Mum (Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK) as the front cover, portray a positive image of Deaf parent, with two double spread about her experience as Deaf mum and the work of Deaf Parenting UK. The NewGen Magazine is run by National Childbirth Trust.

    The article is out now on March 2009 edition of NewGen as attached. Please do let us know your views/ comments about the article.

    To learn more about Deaf Parenting UK and the work we do, check out our website www.deafparent.org.uk

    DEAF PARENTING UK LAUNCHES DEAF PARENTING UK ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 on Education, Education, Education!

    Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to confirm the speakers for their upcoming Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2009: Education, Education, Education aswell as strong support from David Cameron (Leader of Conservative Party), Nick Clegg (Leader of Liberal Democrat), Annette Brooke MP, (Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children Schools and Families) and Rt Hon Theresa May MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Work & Pensions and Shadow Minister for Women).

     The theme of the Conference will focus on three key areas: Educating professionals about the needs of Deaf parents; Accessing children’s education – vital for Deaf parents; and Educating Deaf parents on their rights and entitlement.

    To learn more about the conference, please view the  DPUK Conference Press Release and DPUK Conference Flyer

    Deaf Parenting UK on Sign-Tube

    Deaf Parenting UK is delighted to work in partnership with Sign-tube to bring you information about Deaf Parenting Conference 2009 in British Sign Language

    Click here to view website

    See us at The Baby Show with Prima Baby sponsored by Volvo, ExCeL, London – 27 February – 1 March 2009

    The Baby Show with Prima Baby sponsored by Volvo enables parents to give their baby the best start; with unbeatable shopping with many products cheaper than internet prices, fantastic entertainment and access to great information and advice – the Show really is an essential part of having a baby.

    There are lots of experts and activities including: child nutritionist Annabel Karmel, Tommy’s midwives and health visitors, sleep expert Jo Tantum, essential baby and toddler first aid skills from St John Ambulance, fashion shows, play zones and much more!

    What’s more, The Baby Show really is a hassle free day out with free nappies and wipes, crèche, feeding area as well as Shopping Drop-off, Collect by Car and Home Delivery.

    What’s more we will be at the Show providing BSL interpreters each day from our stand. This will enable you to meet the many experts at the various stands and is a fantastic opportunity for Deaf parents to ask questions and learn about baby stuff during the three day show.

    The Baby Show is a great day out for the whole family – mums, dads, grandparents, friends, babies and toddlers!

    Ticket prices:

    • Standard advance – from £11.95
    • Standard on the door – from £13.50
    • Grandparent advanced ticket – from £11.00
    • Tommee Tippee promotion + entry ticket – from £15.90
    • Kids 0 -10 GO FREE

    Opening hours :

    • 9.30 – 5.30 daily

    Book Tickets

    To further information and to book tickets please click here or call 0871 231 0844*, quoting EX146

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    *Calls charged at national rate. Booking fee applies. The advance box office closes on 26 February 2009.

        
       
       

    DPUK Christmas 2008 and New Year 2009

    Deaf Parenting UK will closed from 12 noon on Wednesday 24th December 2008 and re-open on Wednesday 7th January 2009. On behalf of DPUK Team, we wish you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas and Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

    SABINA IQBAL, BEACON PRIZE 2008 (HIGHLY COMMENDED) FOR COMMUNITY BUILDER

    DPUK Press Release 8 December 2008

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/ Founder of Deaf Parenting UK have been honoured with Beacon Prize Highly Commended Certificate in the category of ‘Community Builder’, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to charitable and social causes.

    Please see DPUK Press Release  for more information.

    DPUK Conference 2008 – Video now out live.

    Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2008 videos and transcripts added.

    Please click here to visit the DPUK Conference 2008 page

    DEAF PARENTING UK (RUNNER UP) FOR THE GUARDIAN PUBLIC SERVICES AWARD 2008

    DPUK Press Release 25 November 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK has been honoured as Runner Up for The Guardian Public Services Award 2008, at a lavish ceremony in London on 25th November 2008 at the Old Billingsgate, London.

    Please see DPUK Press Release  for more information.

    Channel Five News as a major breakthrough, to have their first signed story! broadcasted on 18th November 2008

    We are so proud to influence Channel Five News by featuring a Deaf person using BSL – Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK was on Channel 5 News at 5pm for a minute, on Tuesday 18 November (Yours News, Your story) about Deaf Parenting UK. This is seen by Channel Five News as a major breakthrough, to have their first signed story on their programme!

    Just in case if you missed it, you can view it online on this link: www.fivetvonline.tv/news.php?news=1297. Feel free to circulate to your colleague, family, and friends. The full version can be found on Conference 2008 page (Channel Five Trailer Video explaining what Deaf Parenting UK do and transcript in Word)

    Please let us know your thoughts after you seen the programme as we want to raise awareness about the needs of Deaf Parents and raise profile of Deaf Parenting UK.

    To learn more about Deaf Parenting UK and to qualify for free membership for Deaf parents/ families, please visit our website on www.deafparent.org.uk.

    SABINA IQBAL WON THE WOMEN IN THE FUTURE VOLUNTARY AWARD 2008

    DPUK Press Release 7 November 2008

    Britain`s most inspirational Sabina Iqbal has been honoured in the BT Women in the Future Voluntary Award, presented by Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Judges of this category included Clive Alderton, deputy private secretary to TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at a lavish ceremony in London on 6th November 2008 at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

    The mission of the Women of the Future Awards is to showcase young talent of women breaking through the glass ceiling including the generosity of women, who not only building phenomenal business and careers but who want to give something back. It is humbling to see so many busy and successful young women devoting their precious time to sharing their experiences with the next generation. The evening was celebrated with the awards host – Kate Derham, ITV Newscaster; with well-known VIPs and celebrities in attendance, including Naga Munchetty of BBC Working Lunch, Theresa May, MP & Shadow Leader of the House of Commons and Shadow Minister for Women and Baroness Sue Greenfield (scientist). Many women are inspired by her achievements.

    The judges said: “Sabina is someone who spotted a gap in service provision and had the motivation to plug it – overcoming numerous barriers to do so. She has transformed the provision of services to this group in the UK and we have every confidence that she will go on to do the same overseas. She has created a truly sustainable, world-class organisation in the voluntary field.”

    Deaf Parenting UK Spokesperson: “Sabina, even as Deaf Asian woman, is an excellent role model and an inspiration to many women across the UK and the world. Her achievements are amazing, especially in her voluntary capacity, where she founded Deaf Parenting UK and her vision for the future for Deaf parents, enabling them to have a voice in the society and sharing models of good practices. For many, she is our Queen of Heart, so passionately campaigning and supporting the equality of Deaf parents”.

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    DEAF PARENTING UK WIN TALK TALK INNOVATION IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD 2008 & RUNNER UP FOR DACORUM EXCELLENECE AWARD 2008

    DPUK Press Release 6 November 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK win TalkTalk’s Innovation In The Community Award 2008 enable charity and community group throughout the UK to harness the power of the Internet. Deaf Parenting UK was chosen as one of the 30 winners to receive the award in an award ceremony at the House of Lords on 5th November 2008.

    We were also delighted to have been a Runner Up for The Dacorum Excellence Award 2008 to recognise Deaf Parenting UK success and achievement by the local community.

    DPUK Press Release 6 November 2008 – Talk Talk Award Innovation in the Community Award 2008 (Word)

    SABINA IQBAL AS FIRST-EVER DEAF WOMAN SHORTLISTED FOR WOMEN OF THE FUTURE AWARDS

    DPUK Press Release 31st October 2008

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK, has been shortlisted for an award at the national Women of the Future awards. The awards celebrate high-achieving women under 35.

    Sabina is in the running for the Women in the Future Award at the ceremony in London on 6 November.

    A Deaf Parenting UK spokesman said: “Sabina is extremely dedicated, working tirelessy on voluntary basis, campaigning for the equality of Deaf parents in accessing to services. Everyone are rooting for her.”

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    The Baby Show, Earl Court, 17-19 October 2008

    DPUK Press Release 21 October 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK had their exhibition stand at the Baby Show, Earl Court, 17-19 October 2008 and provided BSL interpreters to enable Deaf parents to enjoy the experiences of The Baby Show in the same way as many other parents. Exhibitors were able to take advantage of the unique service to communicate with Deaf parents as new customers.

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    New Ambassador Maria Miller MP Shadow Minister for the Family

    DPUK Press Release 20 October 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK is pleased to announce to welcome our new ambassador Maria Miller MP to join our Board of Ambassadors to promote awareness on the needs of Deaf parents.

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    Deaf Parenting UK made a breakthrough with government at their recent Deaf Parenting UK Conference

    DPUK Press Release 8 October 2008

    Department of Health, Department of Children, School and Families, Equality and Human Right Commission have made their pledges to address the needs of Deaf Parents.

    The pledges were made at the Deaf Parenting Conference 2008 in Birmingham on Saturday 4th October 2008 where many Deaf Parents, professionals/ services providers working with Deaf parents challenged the Government on the needs of Deaf parents in accessing to services without barriers. The event was filmed by BBC See Hear.

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    DPUK win Social Impact Award 2008

    DPUK Press Release 7 October 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK, www.Deafparent.org.uk  the first ever charity to be run by Deaf parents for Deaf parents, has won TFPL’s first Social Impact Award –   an award for the most innovative use of knowledge and information management in the voluntary sector.

    The award, which was introduced by TFPL at their EBIC conference in Berlin October 1-3rd, was open to organisations in the charity and voluntary sectors who could demonstrate innovative use of knowledge and information management (KIM) which includes information, knowledge, records or technology management.

    Deaf Parenting UK, who won a €5,000 prize donated by Nokia, offers information, events, a website, email group, DVD, research and book to Deaf parents and professionals who work with them. They also encourage debate, showcase good practice and enable Deaf parents to have voices to Government.

    Deaf Parenting UK in particular impressed the judges with their winning mix of ideas and emphasis on inclusion; the judges were also intrigued by the opportunities provided by the use of visual and communications technologies.

    In a close vote Deaf Parenting UK were declared the winner, in the way their ideas brought their community together. Deaf Parents support groups and Family fun days, although patchy and dispersed across UK, form an important social element amongst Deaf community of Deaf Parents. With the Deaf Parenting UK website, email groups and newsletter, DPUK extends this vital service to more Deaf parents and professionals working with Deaf parents, who are otherwise isolated across UK.

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    WORLD LEADERS SUPPORTS DEAF PARENTING UK:NEW AMBASSADOR – MARKKU JOKINEN, PRESIDENT OF WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF (WFD) AND WORD OF SUPPORTS FROM BORIS JOHNSON, MAYOR OF LONDON

    DPUK Press Release 22nd September 2008

    We are delighted to welcome two key leaders, Markku Jokinen, who is President of World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), one of the world leaders in the Deaf World as Ambassador for Deaf Parenting UK. and one is Boris Johnson, who is Mayor of London – one of the major cities in the world, who gave his support to Deaf Parenting UK and our work.

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    DPUK Annual Report 2007 – now out

    DPUK Annual Report 2007

    Click here to download DPUK Annual Report 2007 (PDF) or check out our Annual Report page

    DPUK Conference 4 October 2008 – an excellent range of speakers…

    DPUK Press Release 27th August 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK is pleased to announce their excellent range of speakers for our upcoming conference in Birmingham.

    Speakers also include Shadow Minister, Government, Department of Health, DSCF, Equality & Human Right Commission, Nursing and Midwifery Council, NSPCC, Professor of International Sign Language and Deaf Studies as well as Lord Mayor and Cabinet Member of Birmingham City Council, and on local level as Early Year Senior Educator who researched on Every Parents Matters.

    Please see attached press release with quotes from our speakers.

    “Limited places, please book early to avoid disappointment”

    Crèche available, please book your child(s) places in advance to confirm numbers.

    To learn more, our programme, speakers and their profile and our Chair’s welcome are available as attached.

    To book your place, please email us on info@deafparent.org.uk

    Please see DPUK Press Release for more information.

    Deaf Parenting UK and BBC See Hear are working together to make a programme on Deaf Parents

    DPUK Press Release 19th August 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK and BBC See Hear are working together to make a programme on Deaf Parents and their experiences to highlight the issues they faces in accessing to services.

    Please see press release. Please submit your experience urgently to angela.spielsinger@bbc.co.uk  or info@deafparent.org.uk

    EMMERDALE ARE THRILLED TO LED SUPPORT TO DEAF PARENTING UK

    DPUK Press Release 18th August 2008

    Emmerdale, a popular ITV British Soap have joined Deaf Parenting UK’s list of celebrities to led their support of our work. Deaf Parenting UK are delighted to welcome Emmerdale. Other celebrities of supporters also include Her Majesty, The Queen, Niki Evan of X-Factor, Coronation Street and many more.

    Click below to download the press release and find out more: DPUK Press Release 18th Aug 2008 – Emmerdale (Word)

    DEAF PARENTING UK LAUNCHES WORKING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BABY SHOW ON 17 – 19 OCTOBER 2008, EARL COURT

    Deaf Parenting UK is proud to work in partnership with The Baby Show to ensure that Deaf Parents are fully inclusive.

    Deaf Parenting UK will provide BSL interpreters each day of the Show from Deaf Parenting UK stand, enabling Deaf parents to meet experts at various stands. This is a fantastic opportunity for Deaf parents to ask questions and learn about baby stuff during the three days show at Earls Court.

    Click on the links below to download and find out more:

    DPUK Press Release 13th Aug 2008 – the Baby Show (Word)

    The Baby Show leaflet (PDF)

    DPUK easyfundraising

    There’s now two easy ways for you to help raise funds for Deaf Parenting UK!

    Shop Online and Raise Funds

    easyfundraising is a shopping directory listing some of your favourite online stores including Amazon, NEXT, Debenhams, John Lewis, Toys R Us, HMV and over 500 others. Just use the links on the easyfundraising site whenever you shop online and, at no extra cost to you, we’ll receive a free donation of up to 15% from every purchase you make. It really is that simple!

    It’s completely FREE to register and you won’t pay a penny more for your shopping when you use the easyfundraising site. In fact you can even SAVE MONEY as many retailers offer discounts, special offers and even ‘e-vouchers’ exclusive to easyfundraising.

    If you shop online anyway then why not raise valuable extra funds for us by using this fantastic scheme. All you need to do is visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/dpu and when you register, select Deaf Parenting UK as the organisation you wish to support.

    Search the Web and Raise Funds

    You can also raise funds when you search the Web – with easysearch, a search engine with a difference!

    When you search the Web with easysearch, you’ll raise funds for us with every search you make! Just like easyfundraising it’s completely free to use and if you make just 10 searches a day, you could raise £20-£25 a year – or more – for us, just by switching to easysearch.

    What’s more, easysearch is a ‘super’ search engine that combines the strengths of several search providers together – Yahoo!, MSN Live Search, Ask.com and many more. easysearch tracks down the most relevant and accurate results from across the Web, which means you’ll find what you’re looking for quickly and easily every time – all in one ‘easy’ search.

    Check out our unique easysearch page at http://dpu.easysearch.org.uk and use it every time you search the Web.

    Click any of the resources links below to download:

    Easyfundraising DPUK flyer (Word)

    Beat the Credit Crunch (Word)

    Deaf Parenting UK Conference 2008: Empowering, Enabling and Supporting Deaf parents

    Deaf Parenting UK are delighted to host their Annual Deaf Parenting Conference 2008 on Saturday 4th October 2008 at Deaf Cultural Centre, Birmingham.

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK explained: “As 90% of Deaf children comes from hearing families and when they grow up into adults and become parents and yet very little resources and support is available to them in an accessible format. This is particularly noticeable as Deaf Adults have a 90% chance of having hearing children where access is a real issue.”

    The following is common in Deaf parents’ daily lives, as services offered to Deaf parents are sometimes non-existent, very limited or patchy as compared to those available to hearing parents:

    Deaf parents are unable to access mainstream information, including maternity, parenting skills classes, midwives or health visitors. Deaf parents find it difficult to access to childcare, nursery or participate in primary and secondary school life adequately due to staff inability to communicate in sign language or because of lack of Deaf awareness. This has in turn prevented Deaf parents of their human right to participate fully in their family lives.

    Sabina added: “The conference will have decision-makers from Government and that is a fantastic opportunity for all of us as Deaf parents and professionals to put forward questions, influence and raise issues on the needs of Deaf parents and what can Government do to ensure that Deaf parents/families have equal access to all services without barriers.”

    The conference provides an exciting programme of speakers and workshops as well as crèche with fun activities for children of Deaf parents. This is also an excellent opportunity for you all to meet with other Deaf parents, families and professionals, to work together of how we can move forward toward empowering, enabling and supporting Deaf parents.

    “Limited places, please book early to avoid disappointment”

    If you want to know more about the conference or to book your place, please contact us at Deaf Parenting UK on info@deafparent.org.uk

    Deaf Parenting Annual Conference 2008 flyer (PDF file)

    DPUK Press Release 30 June 2008 – welcoming Rosie Cooper MP to our board of Ambassadors

    Deaf Parenting UK are delighted to welcome Rosie Cooper MP to our board of Ambassadors.

    In addition to her MP background, Rosie is also well-known as CODA (child of Deaf adult) and delighted to share her experiences of growing up with her deaf parents and the struggles her deaf parents faces. For this reason, she is supporting Deaf Parenting UK work in campaigning for Deaf parents to have equal access to services without any barriers.

    We are also delighted to have support from Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled people, who recognised the uniqueness of our work at Deaf Parenting UK.

    Furthermore, we continue to receive support and recognition of our work from Makhosini P. Makhubu, Executive Director of Swaziland National Association of the Deaf in Africa and Dr Gary Morgan, co-director of DCAL – Deafness, Cognition and Language research centre in UK.

    Please see the press-release for their comments on Deaf Parenting UK and our work. We continue to work with our partners organisations in enabling confidence, empowering and supporting Deaf parents in UK and strive to be a model of good practice on international level.

    If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email.

    DPUK Press Release 30 June 2008 (PDF file)

    Deaf Parenting UK now on FACEBOOK

    Deaf Parenting UK has now launched their profile onto Facebook group which is free to join and enable us to increase our membership base. If you are on Facebook, please ensure you add Deaf Parenting UK as your group and invite all your friends to join too.

    Anne McGuire Minister for Disabled People

    We are very delighted to welcome support from Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People on our work at Deaf Parenting UK.

    “Deaf Parenting UK sounds like a very interesting and innovative charity, which fits closely with the principals set out in the ‘Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People’ report published by the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit in January 2005. As you will be aware, the Office for Disability Issues has a key role in helping Government take forward the report’s recommendations.

    I read with interest your annual report and am impressed with what you have achieved so far. Using well known people to raise awareness of the issues deaf parents face is a particularly effective idea. I hope you will accept this letter as a statement of my support for the work that you do. I hope Deaf Parenting UK continues to be successful in its work and I look forward to being kept informed of its progress.”

    Press Release on Her Majesty The Queen/ celebrities support & new ambassadors

    DPUK Press Release June 2008

    DPUK Press Release June 2008. Please click to view/download DPUK Press Release June 2008 (PDF file)

    Message from the Chair:
    Wow! Time flew so quickly that  we are now in June, middle of  2008. Since I last wrote at the beginning of 2008, announcing our excellent selection of Ambassadors, raising the profile of Deaf Parenting UK  and putting us on the map. I am delighted to inform you that since then, my life changes for the better, after giving birth to a baby boy on 19th  March 2008 and that my first daughter just celebrated her 2nd birthday. Dealing with newborn and a toddler is often a great challenge for many parents including tiredness, sleepless nights but nevertheless, both brought us lots of love, lights and joy to our lives.
     
    Although it is a very busy start to the year for many of us, I am delighted to inform you that Deaf Parenting UK have continued to sought more support from Her Majesty the Queen and well-known celebrities including, Niki Evans, X-Factor, Coronation Street and some MPs.
     
    We also welcome our new Ambassadors Mike Penning MP, Richard Howitt MEP and Cathie Craigie MSP and our national/ international supporters who have written their messages of support to Deaf Parenting UK. They were so pleased to see Deaf Parenting UK growing strength to strength, being the only one of its kind in UK and worldwide.
     
    May we reach out to as many Deaf parents across the UK countries in Scotland, Wales, North Ireland and England and make them aware of our small but unique national organisation, representing Deaf parents and professionals who work with Deaf parents. 
     
    To learn more about  Deaf Parenting UK  and to qualify for free membership for Deaf parents/ families, please go to www.deafparent.org.uk.
     
    Wishing you all a wonderful summer and may the year bring us strengths in reaching out and supporting to all our families and communities.
     
    With warmest wishes

    Sabina

    Sabina Iqbal, Chair/Founder of Deaf Parenting UK as first Deaf as one of the most powerful Muslim Women in Britain

    “More Muslim women than ever are in leading positions in society, a fact that is at worst misrepresented and at best under-reported. Britain’s first Muslim Women Power List aims to change all that and recognise the women who are making a difference.”

    The article can be found in ‘The Times Magazine’  inside The Times Newspaper out today (Saturday 21st March 2009)

    BSL Comedy Show – An Audience with John Smith

    DPUK is hosting a forthcoming BSL Comedy Show – ‘An Audience with John Smith’. Click link below to view poster for further details:

    DPUK BSL Comedy Show Poster (PDF file)

    Press Release and Ambassadors of DPUK profiles

    Please click on the link  to view / download the DPUK press release and DPUK ambassadors profiles: DPUK Ambassadors Profiles (PDF file)

    What a wonderful start to the New Year 2008.
     
    I’m delighted to announce an excellent selection of Ambassadors who will raise the profile of Deaf Parenting UK and putting us on the map.
     
    It is with thanks to Deaf Parenting UK who has sought high and low across the country to get a good representation of the communities who can carry out the roles of Ambassadors from variety of backgrounds. As you can see from the following profiles, it is an excellent mixture of Deaf & hearing parents, academic professor/ researchers, celebrities,  and politicians of whom all are parents or have been strongly involved in families issues. 
     
    All of our newly-appointed Ambassadors have written their messages of support to Deaf Parenting UK as follow with their profile. We hope that by working closely with them, they will assist us in raising Deaf Parenting UK’s profile, ensuring that deaf parenting issues remain on top of the agenda in influencing in policy-making on local, national and international levels.
     
    We also have had some celebrities, including, Cherie Booth QC,  The Duchess of Kent, Prince William, Prince Harry and the Prime Minister,  who have been invited to join Deaf Parenting UK and they were so pleased to see Deaf Parenting UK growing strength to strength, being the only one of its kind  in UK and gave us their support. (See comments of support from celebrities).  

     May we reach out to as many Deaf parents across the UK countries in Scotland, Wales, North Ireland and England and make them aware of  our small but unique national organisation, representing Deaf parents and professionals who work with Deaf parents.  Deaf Parenting UK  have been recognised on local, national and international level especially on recent World Federation for the Deaf’s conference where we realised the uniqueness of Deaf Parenting UK as a national organisation in UK. We checked with other  countries and there were none like Deaf Parenting UK apart from small projects here and there, but not a formal organisation of Deaf parents for Deaf parents. It shows on how important for Deaf Parenting UK to present itself as a good model for other countries across the  world on enabling confidence, supporting and empowering Deaf parents. 

    To learn more about Deaf Parenting UK  and to qualify for free membership for Deaf parents/ families, please go to www.deafparent.org.uk.
     
    Wishing you all a prosperous New Year and may the year bring us strengths in reaching out and supporting to all our families and communities.

    The DPUK Team

    DPUK Parenting Skills Courses

    DPUK Parenting Skills Courses

    Please click on the link below to view / download the latest DPUK Parenting Skills Courses Poster:

    DPUK PSC Poster (PDF file)

    The DPUK Team

    DPUK Christmas 2007 and New Year 2008

    Deaf Parenting UK will close from Friday 21st December 2007 and re-open on Monday 7th January 2008.

    We wish you all an enjoyable festive season and have a great New Year!

    From DPUK Team

    Deaf Access’s Deaf Parent and Toddler Group

    2nd and 4th Tuesdays every month

    Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm

    Address: Deaf Access, Community House, South Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1RH

    For more information about this group, contact Jonathan Nelson on:

    E-mail: advocate@deaf-access.co.uk
    SMS: 07751244853
    Voice: 020 8315 2550 
    Minicom: 020 8315 2552 
    Fax: 020 8315 2554

    New funding for Pre-Natal Courses for Deaf expectant parents

    DPUK is pleased to announce receipt of further funding from Southwark NRCC, which is controlled by the Capital Community Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to deliver Pre-Natal Deaf Parenting Course for Deaf expectant parents living in the Southwark Borough and surrounding.

    Planning and preparation will be underway and it is hoped the course will run from January/February 2008.

    To learn more, please contact DPUK Coordinator.

    WIN A DINNER DATE WITH AN EX BB HOUSEMATE!

    Bid to go on a dinner date with an ex housemate from Big Brother – check out the website on  www.myspace.com/bigbrotherallyearsparty & follow the links.

    The dinner dates and tickets are up for grabs in reverse auctions. If you’d like to win it’s not how high you go, its how LOW. The person with the LOWEST UNIQUE BID at the end of the competition is the winner!

    And not only do you have the chance to win a one-off Big Brother prize, you’ll be doing your bit for our charities as 78p from every text bid and £1 for every online transaction will be donated to 5 deserving beneficiaries, Terence Higgins, RNLI, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Kidney Research and Deaf Parenting UK.

    Check out the pictures of the contestant who you would like to go for dinner with, and get full instructions on how to play and how to win! Different housemates will then be up for grabs each week until Christmas, so make sure you add your profile and they will inform you when new auctions for dinner dates with other housemates go live.

    Good Luck!

    BSL –Signs for Sexual Health

    Deafax have produced a BSL-Signs for Sexual Health flip-book and DVD, which contain a comprehensive dictionary split into 9 topics clearly illustrating and describing signs for sexual health. It is aimed at supporting health care professionals (nurses, GPs, Midwives), schoolteachers and Community Youth Workers to communicate more effectively with the deaf community.

    Flip-book  £25 and DVD  £35.25 available from Forest bookshops or directly from Deafax plus postage.

    For more information, contact

    Deafax
    No 1 Earley Gate,
    University of Reading,
    PO Box 236,
    Reading,
    Berks RG6 6AT      
                                            
    Email: info@deafax.org

    DPUK Seminar, a great success – Friday 23rd November 2007

    The aim of this seminar was to show service professionals within the Health, Social Services, Mainstream parenting organisation and education on how well DPUK have achieved and highlighting the gaps in services for Deaf parents/deaf parents to be. 

    Around 30 service professionals from different sectors and 12 deaf parents attended the event. 

    A special guest of honour presented herself at the seminar and gave a positive word of support for DPUK – ‘Carole Vincent from BB8!’   Carole is currently involved in a Big Brother Charity Event – an online bid for “DINNER DATES with EX-HOUSEMATES” and Carole is raising monies for several charities, one of which is DPUK.

    DPUK gave presentation at the Lewisham Sign Language Community – Tuesday 13th November 2007

    Lewisham Sign Language Community Group is a Deaf Forum set up for the benefit of deaf people living in the Lewisham community.  The group provides a number of activities including healthy living, group meetings, social events etc

    Deaf Parenting UK gave a 2hour presentation about the service provision for deaf parents to a group of 20/25 deaf people.

    For more information about the group or to obtain details of future events – contact Jessica Wilde: queen79@yahoo.com

    DPUK gave presentation at UK Council on Deafness 2007 Annual Conference -Tuesday 6th November 2007

    The Fourth Annual Deafness Conference was an opportunity for all professionals working with deaf people to meet and network with colleagues and to gain a greater understanding of developments taking place across the country.

    Deaf Parenting UK gave a supporting presentation to over 90 different sectors that attended the event. An exhibition stall was also set up to provide information and access to DPUK Services.

    A great opportunity to network and chat with people from other sectors and a chance to get DPUK on the ‘map’

    ‘DPUK Disco Fever!’ – Saturday 1st December 2007

    DPUK will be hosting 2 separate Discos on Saturday 1st December for Hearing Children of Deaf parents and Deaf children of Hearing/Deaf parents.

    • Children’s from age from 2yrs –10yrs will be held from 3pm-5pm. 
    • Teenagers from age 11yrs-16yrs will be from 6pm-9pm.

    The Disco will be held at:

    Lewisham Irish Community Centre
    2a Davenport Road
    (off Rushey Green)
    Catford SE6 2AZ

    Tickets available FREE on requests.  For more details, contact DPUK Coordinator.

    DPUK Seminar – Friday 23rd November 2007

    A forthcoming seminar is planned on the following successes of DPUK delivering parenting skills courses for:

    • Deaf Parents with young children (0-8yrs)
    • Deaf Parents with Teenagers
    • One to one Parenting Skills Support

    The aim of this seminar is to show how well DPUK have achieved, highlighting the gaps in services for deaf parents and deaf parents to be across the UK.  This is an opportunity to inform service professionals about our service that is available.  Invitation is open to service professionals and deaf parents not just from London but also across the UK. 
    The seminar will be held at: Camden Town Hall, 12pm until 4pm.  Light refreshments/buffet will be provided.

    Contact DPUK Coordinator for more information

    Email: info@deafparent.org.uk

    RAD Deaf Cultural Mela – a great turnout! Saturday 20th October 2007

    Royal Association for Deaf People hosted a Cultural Mela at Eastbury Comprehensive School in Barking, Essex. 

    The daytime event consisted of various exhibition stands, workshops, taster sessions, and interactive activities that attracted people of all ages and from a variety of Black, Minority & Ethnic (BME) background.  A special guest of honour was attended by Carol Vincent from Channel 4’s ‘Big Brother. 

    Deaf Parenting UK set up their own exhibition stall and played a role in facilitating access to information and services.

    The evening event provided a vibrant display of various dance, mime and music – performances that took place on the stage.  The event was a success, which made a huge difference to the BME community.  Royal Association for Deaf People will be planning a better and bigger Mela event for next year!

    London Baby Show – Earls Court 19th-21st October 2007

    The Baby Shows three day events dedicated to pregnancy, birth, babies and toddlers – a great day out with the chance to try and buy all the essentials you need and get expert information and advice.

    From 19th – 21st October 2007

    Adult – £12.50
    Children – Free

    If you bring BSL signer with you – entry is free as ‘Carers’

    www.thebabyshow.co.uk/earls-court-london

    DPUK at Lewisham Sign Language Community Group – Tuesday 13th November 2007

    Nicole Campbell, DPUK Coordinator will be giving a presentation about DPUK at the Lewisham Sign Language Community Group meeting.  The meeting will be held at:

    St George’s Church Hall
    Vancouver Road/Woolstone Road
    Forest Hill
    London SE23

    From 7pm-9pm

    Free refreshment provided, for more information please contact Jessica Wilde

    Email: Queen79@yahoo.com

    UK Council On Deafness 2007 Annual Conference – Tuesday 6th November 2007

    UKCOD is holding their 4th Annual Deafness conference at UCU Conference Centre, in King’s Cross, London.

    DPUK will exhibit their 1st supporting presentation at the UKCOD Annual conference and look forward to the opportunity of meeting all professionals working with deaf people and networking to gain a greater understanding of developments taking place across the country.

    Check out the website on www.deafcouncil.org.uk for more information about UKCOD.

    Team HaDo – new BSL/English Translation Service

    Team HaDo, a new BSL/English translation service, are keen to explore whether our services could be of use to Deaf parents and carers in untangling the mountain of paperwork that kids bring home from school.  We are NOT an interpreting service, but can quickly translate letters/reports into BSL for you (onto DVD) and you can dictate your reply to us in BSL and we’ll write it up in English for you.

    This service is not free, but we feel that London Education Authorities should fund this sort of access through their equality budgets, and we would be happy to work with you to persuade them to do so.

    Email: team@teamhado.com

    SMS: 07890 148555

    Web: www.teamhado.com

    DPUK LNF Event: “CLOWNDERELLA” Krazy Kat Theatre Performance for Kids -27th October 2007

     

    DPUK have purchased tickets available FREE to hearing children of Deaf Parents and Deaf children of Hearing parents, living in Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark.

    ‘Clownderella’ is a clown who liked telling a certain fairy story. Join Krazy Kat in clowning silliness, with colourful costumes, puppetry, dances etc.


    A fully signed performance suitable for deaf children and hearing children of deaf parents age 3 -10yrs.

    11am, at:

    Warehouse Theatre
    Dingwall Road
    Croydon
    CR0 2NF

    Tickets are limited, First Come First Serve Basis.

    Deadline for ticket requests, subject to availability

    12 NOON on FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2007.

    For ticket availability – Contact DPUK Coordinator

    Deaf Ethnic Cultural Mela – Saturday 20th October 2007

    Deaf Parenting UK will have an exhibition information stall at the RAD Deaf Ethnic Cultural Mela.  The event is held at Eastbury Comprehensive School, Rosslyn Road, Barking IG11 9UH from 10am – 4pm.  The daytime event is free for anyone wishing to attend and there will be other exhibitions with information in BSL for deaf people and taster workshop giving people opportunities to try activities hands on.

    The evening event runs from 6pm to 10pm. This will include a two-hour show from a range of different performers, and delicious cultural foods will be provided.  Tickets sold in advance costs £10.00 for Adults and £6.00 for OAP/Children. Tickets £15 at door.

    For more information, please contact Mela Coordinator:

    Email: mela@royaldeaf.org.uk

    SMS: 07749 965742 / 07738 802688

    Frank Barnes School – 0-5 Early Years Centre

    If you are interested in BSL rich learning environment for your baby/young child, please contact us.

    Frank Barnes School
    Harley Road
    Camden
    NW3 3BN

    Telephone: 0207 586 4665
    Fax: 0207 722 4415

    Email: admin@fbarnes.camden.sch.uk

    28th July 2007- New website launched!

    Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) new website is now launched!

    Some areas of this website are still under construction and will be fully complete very soon. Please bear with us while we continually update and add new features to make the website as useful and enjoyable for you as possible.

    We hope you enjoy browsing the new website and please let us know what you think by contacting us or leaving a comment in our message board.

    The Deaf Parenting UK (DPUK) Team

    DPUK at WFD Conference 16-22nd July 2007

    Sabina, Chair of Deaf Parenting UK, attended the 15th World Congress of the WFD (World Federation for the Deaf) in Madrid, capital of Spain.

    The theme of the congress was ‘Sign Languages and Human Rights’, looking at various areas that affect Deaf people’s life ranging from Human rights, linguistic & culture; Sign Languages; Education; Technology; Mental Health; Women, CODA, Youth, Older people, Deafblind people, BME (Black & minorities ethnic) communities and many more.

    Sabina, Chair of Deaf Parenting UK and Markku Jokinen, WFD President

    Sabina, Chair of Deaf Parenting UK and Markku Jokinen, WFD President

    Sabina have been networking with so many people on local, national and international level and met Markku Jokinen,  President of the World Federation of the Deaf during the conference, highlighting the needs of Deaf parents and pressing for Deaf parents to be recognised as a key priority for WFD in the same way as CODA, Women, Youth, Education and Mental health.

    Sabina also recognised the uniqueness of Deaf Parenting UK as a national organisation in UK. She checked with other countries and there were none like DPUK apart from small projects here and there, but not a formal organisation of Deaf parents for Deaf parents. It shows on how important for Deaf Parenting UK to present itself as a good model for other countries across the world on enabling confidence, supporting and empowering Deaf parents.

    The next congress will take place in Durban, South Africa in 2011. Watch this space.

    What is WFD?

    The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international non-governmental organisation comprising national associations of Deaf people. It watches over the interests of more than 74 million Deaf people worldwide -more than 80% of them live in developing countries, where authorities are rarely familiar with their needs or desires.

    The WFD was founded in 1951, during the First World Congress of the WFD, held in Rome. Such an early date makes the WFD one of the oldest international disability organisations in the world.

    Currently, the WFD has a membership of 127 national associations from the five continents worldwide.

    Recognised by the United Nations (UN) as their spokes-organisation, WFD works closely with the UN and its various agencies in promoting the human rights of Deaf people in accordance with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other general acts and recommendations of the UN and its specialised agencies. When necessary, WFD uses special, legal or administrative measures to ensure that Deaf people in every country have the right to preserve their own sign languages, organisations, and cultural and other activities.

    WFD have national members from 127 countries, of which each representing their country. National members convene in a General Assembly every four years in conjunction with the World Congress.

    The General Assembly elects the Board and approves the WFD action plan for the following four years. The Board is the responsible body for implementing those policies approved by the General Assembly.

    WFD activities are conducted according to these principles:

    • To promote the status of national Sign Languages.
    • To improve Deaf education.
    • To improve access to information.
    • To claim for Deaf human rights in developing countries.
    • To promote the establishment of Deaf organisations where none currently exist.

    The importance of the WFD is vital since it allows cohesion among all entities of Deaf people in the world. Likewise, this organisation strives for solidarity towards millions of Deaf people from Countries whose political and economic situation deprives them from exercising their rights to sign language; and equal opportunity in all spheres of life, including access to education and information…

    For these reasons, all Deaf people must become acquainted with WFD work and support it, because it is through union and commitment that we will get a freer world.

    What does it means for Deaf Parents?

    The principle of Human Rights and sign language means that at local level, we need to work together to ensure that Deaf parents have access to education, parenting information and enjoy their human rights as Deaf person and as a parent where they are entitled to enjoy family lives and need to have access to information/services without any barriers and discrimination.

    LNF Project– Family Fun Day at Crystal Palace Park – 16th June 2007

    Rounders match for Deaf Adults & Entertainment for young children. The day turned out to be successful despite the occasional torrential rain, which did not hinder the children’s enjoyment and approximately 30 Deaf parents/adults and 20 children attended.

    The children were delighted with the Kid’s entertainment which took place inside a large gazebo, consisting of a ‘Clown’ who proved very popular in story telling, singing and dancing, balloon modelling, face painting, fun and games etc

    A Very Big Thank you to all of you that attended the fun day and making it such a great day!

    DPUK Annual Report 2005/6

    Please click on the link below to view / download the DPUK Annual Report 2005/6:

    DPUK Annual Report 2006 (PDF file)

    The DPUK Team

    DPUK Recieve Local Network Funding

    Deaf Parenting UK has received funding from the Local Network Fund (formerly SELCF – South East London Community Foundation) to run 12 ‘one monthly’ Family Day events for Deaf parents and children.

    This is an opportunity for children / teenagers to be entertained in a Deaf friendly environment and for Deaf parents to meet/socialise with other Deaf parents.

    The first event was planned on 16th June 2007, took place at the Crystal
    Palace Park.

    DPUK Training: Oct-Nov 2006

    Deaf Parenting UK is in working partnership with Parentline Plus, a national charity that works for and with parents.  Nine successful applicants from across the UK have recently attended 7 training days to become qualified Trainers of Deaf parenting skills.

    The Training is OCN accredited, which will be completed by April 2007. On completion of the training, the newly recruited trainers will then deliver Deaf parenting skills courses to Deaf parents within their local area.

    Deaf Health Promotions Information Day – Disability in Camden (DISC): 7th June 2006: 11am – 3pm

    The Co-ordinator attended the event to promote Deaf Parenting UK, which was held at the Resource Centre, Holloway Road.  An “Information Stall” was booked with DISC prior to the event in order to display information and resources available from Deaf Parenting UK.

    DPUK 5th Year Celebration: Re-Launch Event: 19th May 2006

    Deaf Parenting UK celebrated its 5th Anniversary with a re-launch party at Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children in London.

    Approximately 60 people – Deaf Parents, friends and families, Deaf organisations and Service Professionals attended the event.  The opening speech at the re-launch covered  how DPUK can undertake a role to fill the gap in services, how much DPUK has achieved in the last 5 years and also gave a vision of the future.  The success of the Deaf parenting Skills Courses was also declared together with the announcement of the New DPUK Logo and Newsletter.

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