Can primates learn signs and acquire language?
In August 1969, Allen and Beatrice Gardner of the University of Nevada published an article in the journal Science claiming to have communicated with a chimpanzee called Washoe.
She had been brought up since 1966 in the Gardner's trailer and could use 100 signs. She was intelligent enough to sign "water bird" when she saw a swan. By the time of her death in 2007, she used 250 signs.
‘Lost generation’ of deaf children falling behind by one grade at GCSE
New Government data, analysed by the NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society), shows that English deaf children are falling a whole grade behind their hearing peers at GCSE, despite deafness not being a learning disability
Deafness in Employment: To disclose or not disclose?
Finding employment can be challenging but when you have a hearing loss, it can become much harder. The theme: To disclose or not disclose, was sparked by an experience of mine and discusses whether deaf people should have to reveal their deafness to potential employers.
This Mother’s Day… Let’s Say Thank You!
This blog is dedicated to all the Mums of D/deaf children and adults, who have gone above and beyond to help make our world a better place.
Deafblind Technology
In 2008 Dr Arun Mehta, a disability rights activist, was making a speech in Bengalaru. He was talking about technology for disabled people when he felt someone touching his throat. It was Zamir Dhale, a Deafblind boy who was trying to understand him by feeling his Adam's apple vibrating.
Accessible Banking for Deaf People: My Experience (Part 1)
One of the most common problems that D/deaf people face on a daily basis is not being able to contact organisations easily. For D/deaf people who cannot use the telephone, this can cause frequent accessibility issues.
Celebrating deaf and hard and hearing women
To celebrate International Women’s Day, here are the achievements of 5 famous D/deaf and hard of hearing British women.
Guest Blog: Mother’s Day – Deafness and what it means to me
With Mother’s Day coming up, I figured, why not turn the tables and give my wonderful Mum the opportunity to share her story of deafness and what it means to her.
Deaf friendly doorbells
Conventional homes are designed for the hearing majority of the population. Doorbells, fire alarms, telephones and baby monitors are all auditory. Without visual or vibrating replacements, a Deaf person will live a much more dangerous life.
Having trouble finding work? – Spread the word of this scheme!
Whilst reading through a job description with a well-known deaf charity, I stumbled upon the phrase; 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme'. I hadn't come across it before so I looked into it, and I definitely think it’s something we should be spreading the word about…
