Alexandra Shaw reports from the British Deaf Association (BDA) Members Forum held in York following the AGM on Saturday, January 28th 2017.
The Forum included sessions on education, leadership and Deaf Women’s Health Organisation.
Deaf Education in the 21st Century: With more and more Deaf children in mainstream schools, a poor standard of access to education and inspired by the BSL (Scotland) Act, members discussed different ways change could be made: evidence and research, partnerships, lobbying and legal options.
Where are the leaders of tomorrow? With Deaf Clubs closing, more deaf children in mainstream schools, lack of training opportunities and a changing society, there is growing concern about the lack of leaders for the future. Current Deaf leaders are getting older and knowledge needs to be passed on to youth before the gap gets too big.
BDA urges all their members to get involved, and for all to work together to make a change for the future.
Jorvik Deaf Connections also hosted “It’s a Knockout” social event on Friday evening (January 27th) which was well attended and enjoyed by all. Congratulations to the BDA Members Team on their victory!