PDDCS News

BSL level 1 feedback
PDDCS News This week Signature have announced a review of their BSL Level 1 qualification to make sure it’s up to date and meeting the needs of BSL learners. They invite your feedback on the qualification; your views on the topics and vocabulary content and on the assessment methods and criteria used. The questionnaire link is open until Friday 23rd March 2012. ...
Fri, Feb 17 2012

Adult hearing services: NHS proposal to out source
PDDCS News The views of community members are currently being sought by the NHS Cambridgeshire and NHS Peterborough about external providers for 8 services including adult hearing services. The changes will be in place by September 2012. To give your views complete the questionnaire Click here (starts on page 5 of the document)Deadline is Monday 5 March 201...
Tue, Feb 14 2012

Fire Damaged Home of Deaf Child - Work Begins to Bring...
PDDCS News Lucy Turner, Richard Armitage and Dean Wash get to workVolunteers and friends of the family began to make some progress this weekend on returning a severely damaged home of a deaf child back to normal.We told you last week how the home of Louisa Stokes and her three children, including daughter Charlie who has hearing loss, was almost completely destroyed by...
Sun, Feb 12 2012

Deaf girl kept as a slave
PDDCS News This week brought to the headlines the shocking story of a deaf girl trafficked to the UK. Over the last decade the young orphaned child from Pakistan had been been kept in a cellar as a slave. Details of the story are available at BBC NewsVulnerable adults and children are the main victims of human trafficking. UNICEF estimate 1.2 million children are ...
Sat, Feb 11 2012

Signs for Facebook
PDDCS News A Fan of Facebook?If you want to learn of the variety in signs for 'Facebook' in the Asia Pacific check out the clip recently uploaded to Youtube.Which sign is like the one you use?
Fri, Feb 10 2012

Family of Deaf Child Call for Help Following House Fire -...
PDDCS News A PDDCS Member Family from New England in Peterborough are asking for help with repairs to their home following a devastating house fire this week which has gutted their home.Louisa Stokes was putting her three children to bed when she could smell burning and discovered the TV blazing. The fire was quickly extinguished but that didnt prevent massiv...
Wed, Feb 08 2012

Watch Deaf Teens - Hearing World
PDDCS News Click here to watch Deaf Teens - Hearing World. The BBC Three documentary that has taken the deaf world by storm this week about five deaf teenagers making their way into adulthood in the hearing world.Pictured: Asher Woodman-Worrell and Sara Kendall
Tue, Feb 07 2012

BBC News Article on Cochlear Implants
PDDCS News BBC News have an article today reporting on the decision of two young people not to have cochlear implants. It explores what thier reasons are for not going for implants while more and more young deaf people go down that route. The article also puts the positive effects of an implant on another young person.Asher Woodman-Worrell and Sara Kendall supported our par...
Mon, Feb 06 2012

The Hub
PDDCS News If you are not yet a fan of the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) you may not be aware of The Hub and its new series starting on Monday 6th February. 'The Hub' is a programme, presented by the BSL zone, covering news and views from the Deaf community in the UK and beyond. Further details can be accessed from www.bslbt.co.uk/programmes/the-hub
Sun, Feb 05 2012

Tanzania, Africa - gap year option
PDDCS News Request in today for a volunteer who is confident in BSL to support in a young deaf child in Africa. The volunteer role is to include work with the organisation, Forever Angels Baby Home, caring for orphaned and abandoned babies, supporting access in the Tanzania International School and further developing the family (British) signs in BSL. Further information is ava...
Fri, Feb 03 2012

Deaffest 2012
PDDCS News Deaffest is the UK’s only Deaf-led film and television festival, which celebrates the talents of Deaf filmmakers and media artists from all over the world. Why not go along?The 2012 festival will be held at Light House in Wolverhampton from Fri 25 – Sun 27 May.Young Deaffest will be taking place on Sat 26 MayIf you would like to submit your film to this dynamic an...
Thu, Feb 02 2012

January on PDDCS News
PDDCS News Record breaking month on PDDCS News in January as thousands from around the world clicked in for news and events from around the deaf community - and our local member families kept in touch with what was going on locally.6315 visits to 44 posts .. here is the top posts from the month..Sign Language Toddler VideoI'm Deaf - So What?Learn Sign Language OnlineSign2Sing 20...
Wed, Feb 01 2012

Deaf Teens: Hearing World BBC3 Monday 6th Feb
PDDCS News Deaf Teens: Hearing WorldThis documentary, by director Claire Braden, has been described as "insightful".It's about five deaf teenagers who they take their first steps into the hearing world. "It follows some extraordinary young people who have some extreme and surprising attitudes towards their deafness."Watch it!Form your opinions.Compare with your experiences.For f...
Wed, Feb 01 2012

BBC looking for new presenting talent
PDDCS News BBC Vision has launching a nationwide search for new disabled presenting talent to be offered a unique training opportunity with the BBC. ‘PresentAble’ will focus efforts on discovering and developing new disabled presenters. Online application process closes at the end of January.Selected applicants will then be invited to screen-tests held at six UK cities – G...
Fri, Jan 27 2012

Sign2sing 2012: Be part of a World Record Breaking Event
PDDCS News Have you heard of the SignHealth initiative- sign2sing?This initiative involves breaking the World record for the most people singing and signing at the same time. Last year SignHealth broke the record by a huge margin, with 94,489 children and adults singing and signing. This year they currently have 960 schools signed up across the board of mainstream, special schoo...
Tue, Jan 24 2012

BSL Fingerspelling App for Android Phones
PDDCS News Here is the one you have all been waiting for, a signlanguage app for your Android Smartphone!This App contains fingerspelling tests to help improve your receptive fingerspelling. It is designed for level two students but suitable for level one improvers and level three beginners. Each test has twenty words or phrases. The tests don't show the face so you won't be abl...
Thu, Jan 19 2012

Youth members to skydive for charity
PDDCS News PDDCS members Chyanne Golding, Katie Bocking and Tara Forkin have themselves decided to follow in the footsteps of volunteers Chris Majid and Charlene 'Shorty' Spires by jumping from a plane on the 5th May to raise important funds for PDDCS. To see what it involves check out these links [link] and [link] links will be available soonSkydive Sponsor
Sun, Jan 15 2012

Watch Sky TV? Tell them what you think about accessibility..
PDDCS News Many deaf people often complain about the absence of subtitles across Sky TV and on their catch-up 'Go' service where subtitles are completely absent.. Now its your chance to tell them what you think about it.. Click here, have a read and send an email to join in. I have. It only takes a minute. [link] a recent online chat with their automatic customer ser...
Sat, Jan 14 2012

Use Green Flag or AA? We have their secret text message...
PDDCS News Useful information for deaf people who are members of the Green Flag or AA Breakdown Services.The numbers below are to their text messages services for use when there is a breakdown and apparently these numbers are not advertised on their website.AA: 07900 444 999Green Flag: 07712 164 700Put it in your phone ... you never know.
Sat, Jan 14 2012

Books beyond words
PDDCS News Royal College of Psychiatrists has produced a series of picture books (Books beyond words) to enable discussion about difficult topics easier for people with learning and/or communication difficulties. The stories are told through colour pictures that include mime and body language, to communicate simple, explicit messages. These help 'readers' to cope with emotions a...
Fri, Jan 13 2012

Make Sure Home Fire Safety is Adequate for Deaf Children
PDDCS News News from March of a teenager with hearing loss being seriously injured through not hearing a smoke alarm highlighted the need for families of deaf children to ensure that they have adequate fire safety measures in the home.If you want more information about fire safety in the home or the equipment needed, contact your local social services team, or fire service ...
Thu, Jan 12 2012

Accessible cinema
PDDCS News [link] the link to check out access to cinemas for people with sensory impairments
Wed, Jan 11 2012

I'm deaf, so what .......
PDDCS News I’m deaf and proud!My name is Chyanne Golding and I am 17 years old. I was born profoundly deaf. The doctor didn’t know I was deaf until I was 2 years old, I was told this by my parents. Before the doctor found out, my parents discovered by making noises behind me but I never turned or looked since I was a newborn baby. A Few months later, I had my first hearing a...
Wed, Jan 11 2012

Mental health factsheets translated into BSL
PDDCS News Many of the Mental Health and Growing Up factsheets available from The Royal College of Psychiatrists have now been translated into BSL:Coping with stressDepression in young peoplePsychotic illnessUnderstanding autismWhen bad things happenDrugs and alcoholADHDStimulant medicationWorries and anxietiesGood parentingOther translations include: Arabic, Bengali, Brazilian ...
Tue, Jan 10 2012

Emel Feature Interview: Muslim Deaf Culture
PDDCS News Emel, a British lifestyle magazine that celebrates contemporary British Muslim culture, today featured an interview with Owais Murad, founder of the Muslim Deaf Group."Once a month a unique meeting takes place at the Regents Park Mosque in London. Despite attendees numbering over a hundred and the very lively discussion, the meeting is conducted in near silence. This ...
Wed, Jan 04 2012

The story of a Deaf Afghan refugee
PDDCS News This drama, made in the style of a documentary, tells the story of a Deaf Afghan refugee who, aided by a network of friends and refugee charity, fights for his right to stay in the UK. Director Rinkoo Barpaga creates a simple story that is reality for many individuals.'Life is a gift': [link]
Wed, Jan 04 2012

Wicked kids
PDDCS News Too old for Little Wicked?Prefer tv drama, animation, factual features, signed song!Check out BSLBT [link]
Wed, Jan 04 2012

Lots of laughs for little kids!
PDDCS News Little Wicked is big magic !BSLBT [link] invite all young viewers to come and have big fun with Deepa, Genie and friends.Have a look at what Simon's doing in his art studio and see him making stuff with children from Frank Barnes School in London.Watch Yours? - our 4-part story with Donna - it's all about the adventures of Ash and a giant yellow egg.
Wed, Jan 04 2012

Kinect computer game to use sign
PDDCS News uKinect Makaton signing recognition system Gamelab together with partners Hassell Inclusion have completed phase one of a proof of concept project which allows young people with learning disabilities to sign through to a computer game through Microsoft’s Kinect sensor.Visit the uKinect page for more detail.
Wed, Jan 04 2012

World deaf community
PDDCS News Check out the vlog snapshots of deaf people from all over the world, sharing a little about themselves, at [link]
Tue, Jan 03 2012

Sign Language Toddler Video
PDDCS News Check out this amazing 24-month-old using sign language at home at the dinner table...adorable..If you are interested in learning sign language - check out Signature or email us and we can see how we can assist.
Tue, Jan 03 2012

Lean Sign Language Online?
PDDCS News Check out this new online sign language dictionary! A message from a company called Actual Signs - check it out if you're interested in learning sign language online.Before the year comes to an end, Actual Signs has launched its very own e-learning service, now accessible through our website.If you or someone you know wants to learn basic British Sign Language, t...
Tue, Jan 03 2012

Signed Stories
PDDCS News ITVSignedStories has lots of great books to see in sign language with subtitles. Hearing family and friends can listen to the stories too. You can all watch together! The collection of books are regularly updated. Have a look at [link] to see what’s new. click … explore…and have FUN! Book reviews welcome .....
Wed, Dec 14 2011

William Palmer on the Cover of Action on Hearing Loss...
PDDCS News Member William Palmer features on the cover of Action on Hearing Loss Magazine this month with a story on the inside written by his Dad, Andy.See the article is below:
Thu, Dec 08 2011

Tara Forkin Wins National BSL Award
PDDCS News She did it! Youth Group Member Tara Forkin wins the Young Learner of the Year Award at a prestigious award ceremony in London tonight hosted by national sign language authourity, Signature.Tara became one of the youngest students, when aged only 15, to attain her Level 3 NQV in BSL.Well done to Tara on a well deserved award. We are all proud of you.Pictured: Tara with...
Fri, Nov 18 2011

Hackers make Xbox Understand Sign Language
PDDCS News Old News but MSNBC reported that hackers have found a way for Microsoft's Xbox to understand sign language.The Xbox's Kinect add-on, which allows people to use their body as a controller, was paired up with software that can recognise a small vocabulary of ASL (American Sign Language) signs with a 98% accuracy. Apparently they are working on it to make it understand m...
Fri, Nov 04 2011

Internet Safety for Deaf Children
PDDCS News Check out this video from CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) about internet safety for young deaf people. It's got sign and subtitles..Share this page if you know someone who would benefit..HT TQ
Fri, Nov 04 2011

PDDCS on BBC See Hear .. Watch Now
PDDCS News Check this out - see how many PDDCS Youth Group Members you can spot in this edition of BBC's See Hear Programme. The show went to Cambridge to report on the Moving On event which helps teenagers decide what to do once the school bell rings for the last time..Tara Forking talks at length (pictured second left) about getting information about going to Univers...
Wed, Nov 02 2011

Music and the Deaf Was Great!
PDDCS News By Teresa QuailMusic and the Deaf came to Peterborough for the first time on the 15th October. Within 2 hours deaf students learnt to play pieces on an array of musical instruments. Guided by Cambridgeshire Music tutors the Peterborough students in attendance had developed their musical skills. Hayley played the horn to everyone plus learnt how to play the ...
Mon, Oct 31 2011

William and Andy Palmer's Radio Interview with Subtitles
PDDCS News This is the audio and text from BBC's Radio Cambridgeshire's Peterborough Breakfast Show, featuring William and Andy Palmer on Jeans for Genes Day.
Fri, Oct 07 2011

William and Andrew Palmer on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on...
PDDCS News Fresh from being on TV last month and Yours Magazine this week, PDDCS member William Palmer and his Dad (also our Secretary) will be on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Friday talking to Paul Stainton about Jeans for Genes Day, genetic deafness and cochlear implants.They're due to be on sometime after 8am. You can tune in on your digital radio or on 95.7FM. Unfortunately, ...
Wed, Oct 05 2011

William and Catherine Palmer Feature in Yours Magazine
PDDCS News PDDCS Member William Palmer and his Nan, Catherine, feature in the latest edition of Yours Magazine where they talk about cochlear implants, sign language and Nan's fantastic cooking! It's out now in all good newsagents on page 18.William and Catherine are featured in the magazine to raise awareness of genetic conditions as part of Jeans for Genes day on Friday 7th Oc...
Wed, Oct 05 2011

Beware: DeafBlind UK's Facebook Page Cloned by 'Spammer'
PDDCS News Deafblind UK today warned Facebook users to be on the lookout for a fake DeafBlind UK site set up on Facebook.The charity, which is based in Peterborough and is the UK's largest promoting the interests of people who are deaf and blind, raised the alarm today via Facebook to warn people that a fake site had been created.So far, the fake site has 44 'friends' against th...
Mon, Oct 03 2011

September on PDDCS News
PDDCS News Thanks to our readers for a BME (Best Month Ever) on PDDCS News in September with:Over 3200 pageviews in 1500 visits to the site by 1000 unique visitors.4000 is the next target...Top stories in the month were:Watch The Wright Stuff Extra with William and Andy Palmer (with subtitles)Andy and William Palmer Live on TV on TuesdayWhy James Roberts is Runni...
Sat, Oct 01 2011

One Teacher of the Deaf for 95 Deaf Children..NDCS Slams...
PDDCS News Islington News reports today that NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society) have criticised Islington Council for their woeful provision of teaching support for deaf children.According to NDCS, Islington only provide one specialist Teacher of the Deaf for 95 deaf children in the borough. That's almost double the average workload and all going on right under th...
Wed, Sep 28 2011

New BBC Stephen Fry Documentary 'Planet Word' Focuses on...
PDDCS News The BBC's new documentry 'Planet Word' presented by Stephen Fry began last night on BBC 2 and focused on some themes of interest to PDDCS News. The series explores the development and diversity of language across the human species and in the first episode, Fry uncovers the origins of language. During the programme, Fry wonders if sign language is really a language at ...
Mon, Sep 26 2011

Gadget News: Ear Gear
PDDCS News Selection of Ear GearSometimes complex problems are solved with the simplest solutions. My son was William finding that his Med-El Opus 2 cochlear implant speech processor was would suddenly stop working when he was playing football. After a night in the drying machine, they would come back to life but with his first season in the Under 10's football (soccer) league, ...
Sat, Sep 24 2011

Gadget news: LightOn
PDDCS News The Black LightOnThis handy little device solves a common problem for deaf people - how do you know if your mobile goes off when it's not in your pocket? Well this solves that problem by brightly flashing when the mobile vibrates. And it keeps flashing..and flashing..and flashing until you press the button on the front to tell it to stop. There is no time li...
Fri, Sep 16 2011

Why James Roberts is running to raise money for deaf...
PDDCS News Running 13 miles is no mean feat. A half-marathon should not be attempted by the faint-hearted, should not be attempted without proper training and is only attempted by the brave.Well on the 9th October, James Roberts will be running the Great Easter Run to raise money for Peterborough's deaf children. We met him at his home in March, Cambridgeshire to ask him what dr...
Fri, Sep 09 2011

Battles rage against cuts to deaf kids services
PDDCS News A tale of two cities this week as the fightback against cuts in services for deaf children builds up steam.StokeNDCS campaigners in Stoke have forced the council to review their decision to cut services for deaf children after they forced a judicial review which halted any cuts anyway until the case could be heard in the High Court. Councillor Debra Gratton, cab...
Fri, Sep 09 2011