19 minute read
VIEW, Issue 59, 2021 www.viewdigital.org
from VIEW magazine
by brian pelan
CONTENTS
VIEW MAGAZINE – A social affairs publication with in-depth reporting and analysis
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Fighting for support
VIEW editor Brian Pelan talks to Allan and Wendy Newbronner from Glengormley about the challenges of finding support for their three deaf sons
Pages six and seven
Drawn to architecture
Richard Dougherty talks about how his love of football helped him to cope when he was the only deaf student on his course at Queen’s University
Pages 10 and 11
Sign Language Act
Majella McAteer, from the British Deaf Association, is confident that a Sign Language Act will be implemented in Northern Ireland
Pages 14 and 15
Interpreter Donna McGlinchey tells how her journey into sign language began when she met a deaf women in her first job at the age of 16
Pages 16 and 17
New vice president
Natasha Hirst, the new vice president of the National Union of Journalists, writes about the challenges of being a deaf photographer
Page 21
Film review
Jane O’Brien, who is deaf, takes a look at the Oscar-nominated
Sound Of Metal, starring actor
Riz Ahmed
Page 22
Making a complaint to VIEWdigital –https://viewdigital.org/social-affairs-magazineteam/
THE BIG PICTURE
Vilma Jackson, a deaf performance artist who has worked in film, stage, television drama, and music video, talks about her journey in The Big Interview on pages eight and nine
VIEW, Issue 59, 2021 Editorial
www.viewdigital.org Page 3
VIEW, an independent social affairs magazine
Iam going to open this editorial with a few reflective questions. When was the last time you met a deaf person? Were you able to communicate with them? Could you communicate with a deaf person in an emergency situation if you needed to? Do you know that we have two sign languages in Northern Ireland? And do you know that lips have accents?
Deaf people have always existed. However, we have also been silenced and have lived in silence. Contrary to what you might think, this has not been because we cannot hear in the same way as everyone else, but because communicating with deaf people has always been ‘someone else’s problem’. Deafness evokes a fear of the unknown for mainstream society. It has been easier to ignore, to be ‘too busy’, or perhaps to panic when it comes to interacting with those who communicate in different ways from the so-called norm. Yet one in seven of the population has some level of hearing loss – that is over 250,000 people in Northern Ireland.
Deaf people are very present in the community. They are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and colleagues. The majority (78 percent) of our deaf children and young people attend mainstream schools, and there are deaf people in many workplaces ranging from law, politics, healthcare, teaching, architecture, human resources, social work, engineering, construction, hospitality and finance to name a few. This presence belies the extent of barriers and discrimination that deaf people experience across the course of life and which most deaf people are required to overcome if they wish to succeed. These barriers and pressures also contribute to poorer mental health outcomes among deaf people when compared to hearing people. We might say that deaf people are good at pushing through adversity. This is nothing to be proud of. There does not need to be such adversity. The adversity we experience is not from a medical condition – it is man-made.
As deaf people, we cannot easily adjust our mode of communication to access a world that has, until now, been designed by and for hearing people.
Imagine if the tables were turned, that to be deaf and communicate via sign language was ‘normal’, and that to be hearing was to be different, and in the minority. In this instance the world would be inclusive for deaf people as the majority. Imagine schools, arts, information, television all in sign language and how this might impact on hearing people. Imagine trying to follow ministerial briefings during the last year of the pandemic if these were solely in sign language. There might be calls for spoken language interpreters and hearing people might struggle to achieve educational qualifications because teaching and resources are based on sign language. You get the point I’m making. The power lies with each of us to create an inclusive, respectful society of which we are all part.
Work to enhance the status of sign language has been under way in Northern Ireland for some time. In 2016, the Department of Culture, Arts and Languages launched a consultation on a Framework promoting sign language to ensure that BSL and ISL users have the “same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and quality of life as those in the hearing community by enshrining equality and social inclusion in legislation for the current and future generations of Deaf sign language users and their families”. Central to this Framework are the proposals for draft legislation to safeguard ISL/BSL users’ rights as a cultural and linguistic minority to be able to access services in their own language. The collapse of the power-sharing Executive in January 2017 meant that progress towards the legal recognition of BSL and ISL stalled. Commitment to drafting sign language legislation was included in the New Decade, New Approach, however a Sign Language Bill will, unfortunately, not form part of the current mandate.
The deaf community have many stories to share. When I first met VIEW editor Brian Pelan some years ago he –perhaps worn down by my incessant rambling on the barriers and challenges facing deaf people – proposed the idea of an issue of VIEW solely on deaf issues. I am so delighted that, thanks to Brian’s enthusiasm and commitment, this has come to fruition and that this special issue brings some of those silenced stories to the forefront. I am hopeful that this issue provides a snapshot of deaf people’s lives –the good, the not so good, and ways forward. The solutions are fairly clear: • Equality and recognition: through a Sign Language Act. • Communication: join a sign language class in your local area and let’s make sign language part of the school curriculum. • Ask – remember there is a spectrum of deafness and communication needs. Not everyone is a sign language user. If you aren’t sure how best to communicate with a deaf person, just ask. • Lips – lips are important! Make sure we can see your lips, be patient and try saying things a different way if we don’t get it the first time.
Let’s make these solutions a reality.
Guest editor Dr Bronagh Byrne, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast
• Footnote: The term deaf with a lowercase ‘d’ refers to anyone with a hearing loss irrespective of degree of hearing loss and mode of communication. Deaf with a capital ‘D’ refers to those who identify as part of a cultural and linguistic community.
oung and Y vocal
Alanis Millar tells VIEW editor Brian Pelan why the demands for a Sign Language Act must be implemented if deaf people are to fully achieve justice and equality
The voices of young deaf people will be essential as the campaign for a Sign Language Act gathers momentum in Northern Ireland.
On a balmy day in Botanic Gardens in Belfast, I had the pleasure of talking to a young, passionate deaf woman called Alanis Millar. She embodied, in many ways, the voice of youth who won’t take no for an answer.
In a recent article in the Belfast Telegraph, written by journalist Mark Bain, 18-year-old Alanis said: “Northern Ireland needs a Sign Language Act. It’s something that was promised as part of the New Decade New Approach Deal. It would improve self-esteem, build confidence and independence, help us feel less excluded from society, end disability discrimination, create equal opportunities and improve our health both mentally and physically. There are so many reasons why this needs to happen. But sign language is never seen as a priority. This is a language that can really make a difference to people’s lives.”
Alanis, from Antrim, is currently studying for three A-Levels. Two of the subjects are at Jordanstown School for the Deaf and Visually Impaired where she is studying Maths and Life and Health Science; and Health and Social Care at Belfast High School.
Her plan is to go to university after she finishes her A-levels. “I haven’t made my mind up yet where I want to go,” said Alanis. “I’m interested in taking a degree in Health and Social Care.”
Alanis was born deaf. “I was born deaf due to enlarged vestibular aqueducts known as ‘widen cochlea’ which is an overdeveloped part of the inner ear which prevents developing access to sounds,” she said.
Her early primary school experience was a “frustrating” one untill on the recommendation of a teacher, she transferred to Jordanstown School to join fellow pupils in a primary three class.
“It made a huge difference,” said Alanis. “I was also very determined to learn.”
When we got to talking about the necessity of a BSL/ISL Sign Language Act, Alanis was very specific in talking about why she thought it was vital that it happened.
“I want to see change. I want it to happen,” she said. “Everybody has a right to communicate. I was about 14 years of age when I got involved in the campaign for a Sign Language Act. Two guys who worked for the National Deaf Children’s Society came to Jordanstown School one day.
“They asked us to give examples of what sort of communication barriers we had experienced, and what changes we would like to see happen. I give my answers, and both of them thought I was quite articulate. They asked me to participate in a youth advisory board which would campaign for changes to help deaf people.
“Once I was accepted to be a part of it, I got to meet other deaf children from Wales, England and Scotland. My friend and I travelled to a number of events in the rest of the United Kingdom, including London and Birmingham.”
Alanis strongly believes that sign language should be taught as a subject in mainstream schools. “It should be taught at primary level, secondary level education, and universities. We also need more sign language interpreters in Northern Ireland.”
“A Sign Language Act would also improve our access to essential services, such as hospitals.
She gave an example of difficulties that deaf people can face when they fall ill. “A deaf man recently who was having a stroke had serious difficulty in communicating with ambulance staff because they were wearing masks,” said Alanis. “His life was at risk because they could not communicate with him.”
I’ve a feeling we are going to hear more from Alanis Millar as the demands for a Sign Language Act intensify.
It was a pleasure to meet her and experience the passion she feels and expresses for the needs of deaf people.
The Newbronner family: Front row, from left, Carter, Wendy and Allan. Back row, from left, Dean and Rhys Images: Kevin Cooper Photoline
We’ve had to fight for everything. It has been a constant uphill battle VIEW editor Brian Pelan talks to Allan and Wendy Newbronner about the challenges of finding support for their three deaf sons
Iwas first introduced to the Newbronner family from Glengormley, outside Belfast, when Wendy Newbronner wrote a few words to me in support of VIEW producing an issue about deaf people in Northern Ireland.
Wendy, the mother of three deaf boys; aged 19, 16, and 10, wrote: “I would be very much in support of a publication dedicated to raising awareness on issues faced within the deaf community. I would particularly like to see the following issues explored: career support for deaf young people and opportunities of work experience placements.”
After a series of email exchanges, Wendy put me in touch with her husband, Allan, who phoned me. And so I began to learn the story of the Newbronner family and the battles both parents have had to endure in order to get vital support for their sons, Rhys, Dean and Carter.
All three boys attend Jordanstown School for the Deaf and Visually Impaired.
Allan, who is orginally from South Africa, said: “We didn’t know that our firstborn son Rhys was deaf when he was born. There was no history of deafness in either Wendy’s family or mine. Rhys seemed to pass all the baby tests that were carried out on him. He wasn’t diagnosed as deaf until he was two-and-a-half-years of age. At that stage, Wendy was already pregnant with our second son Dean.
“The process of getting to the actual diagnosis was quite traumatic.”
Following more tests later on, Wendy discovered she had a rare gene which caused deafness.
Allan recalled the time when Rhys got his first hearing aids at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. “I remember we were going down in the elevator to the car park,” said Allan. “I was carrying Rhys and his eyes just lit up and he was looking all around him, because he had just heard cars coming up through to the car park and other noises in the area. Wendy and I both looked at his little face and I will never ever forget that until the day I die. It was an absolutely amazing feeling. He was hearing some sounds for the first time.
“Rhys is severely deaf. When he doesn’t have his hearing aids, he can barely make out noise. The hearing aids allow him
Brothers: Rhys and Dean
to decipher sounds a bit more. His speech is actually pretty good and is very intelligible. We have worked very hard with a speech language therapist. Wendy had to leave work to be with our boys and help them to learn how to listen and speak.
“Dean was screened through a newborn baby programme because of what we had went through with Rhys. We found out early on that he was also profoundly deaf. The hearing aids he wears only gives him a certain level of sound. Everybody is still a bit confounded at the way Dean talks and how he does it even with his hearing aids. He makes it his business to know what’s going on.
“It has had a toll on the family. There has been a lot of stress involved, including economically, especially when Wendy has had to come out of work.We have found it really difficult to get the help we needed. We’ve had to fight for everything. It has been a constant uphill battle.
“Wendy and I have both been on sign language courses. When we communicate with the boys, it’s total communication –sign language, speech, visual aids, writing things down – whatever works for us.
“Our children not only have deafness,” said Allan. “They have other issues such as autism and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I’m 52 years of age and I sometime envisage the fact that I could be retiring and my kids could still be living with me.
“We have learned to accept our situation many years ago. People often say: ‘How do you cope?’ We reply that we haven’t known anything different. We would get out together about once a year for an overnight if we’re lucky. I can count on my one hand the number of times Wendy and I have actually been out to dinner and this was pre-Covid when there were no issues.
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t have a Sign Language Act. They talk in school about languages such as English, French, German and Spanish, but what about the language of sign?
“I would love to see sign language being taught in mainstream schools. Deaf people shouldn’t be cut off because of issues around communicating.”
As our conversation came to an end, it was agreed that I could visit the family home to meet Wendy in person and her three sons.
When I arrived at the house with photographer Kevin Cooper, Rhys and Dean came to meet us at the door. They were friendly, inquisitive and full of chat.
Outside in the back garden, Wendy confirmed what Allan had told me earlier. about the challenges of caring for three deaf sons.
“It has been really difficult to get help for our children who are deaf and who also have additional needs. We found it a struggle to get help for Rhys, and when Carter came along, we had the same struggles. Nothing has changed,” said Wendy.
“Many times when we sought help, doors were closed and we were told that nothing was available.
“It wasn’t until we contacted Sense (a charity set up to assist the Deaf and Blind) that any real, ongoing help was made available to us.”
Rhys joined in our conversation to tell me that he has a desire to become a chef. Not to be outdone, Carter said that he wanted to become a classroom assistant.
The youngest boy, Carter, arrived home as the interview was coming to an end. He rushed into the back garden to give his mum a warm embrace.
The love between this tight of group of people was obvious to see and experience. We, as a society, can do a lot more to help them share the load of bringing up three deaf boys with a range of needs. They deserve no less.
the BIG interview
Vilma Jackson, a deaf performance artist who has worked in film, stage, television drama, and music video, talks to VIEW editor Brian Pelan about coping during the lockdown, why she set up her own company, and the urgent need for a Sign Language Act
Brian Pelan: How was life for you during the pandemic?
Vilma Jackson: When the pandemic hit there was very little access in terms of British Sign Language (BSL) which was really sad. We were really unaware of what was going on and we have been fighting for equality. For example, hearing audiences would be first to know the information about social distancing and lockdown requirements. It almost give a message from the government that the Deaf community isn’t important. This led to anxiety within the Deaf community.
Brian: What was the impact on you of people wearing masks?
Vilma: It was really difficult to communicate with people who couldn’t sign as lip reading and facial expression would normally assist the communication.
Brian: Has the easing of lockdown restrictions made a difference?
Vilma: To be honest, for me there wasn’t much difference during lockdown and after lockdown. There were, of course, some limitations but generally I have been fortunate to have been working throughout.
Brian: On a video you made, called Triple Oppression, you talk about being a woman being black, and being deaf. Can you tell me a little bit more about this?
Vilma: Racism is obviously something that I’ve experienced for many years. So, when lockdown first happened it gave me an opportunity to reflect and develop my writing skills. Which then prompted me to write this piece of work based on my experiences about being deaf, being a woman, and being black, and the barriers that I’ve experienced. I wanted to show those out there who have struggled and who continue to struggle, don’t give up.
Passionate: Vilma Jackson
Brian: How important was the campaign, Black Lives Matter, to you?
Vilma: The issues raised by Black Lives Matter (BLM) are not new to me. There has always been a movement in the USA and the UK. As a community we have been aware of these issues for a long time. I think it’s great to bring it more to light and to highlight issues that we really need to discuss more openly. BLM is a positive movement.
Brian: Can you tell me why you made the decision to set up your own company. Vilma Jackson Productions.
Vilma: I felt that there were not a lot of opportunities for Black and Asian Deaf people within the community. Representation was really at the forefront of my ethos. I wanted audiences to be able to look up and recognise people in the projects that I create. I also want to encourage the dreams of those who are
watching. I’ve also created The Vilma Jackson Show on my
Facebook page. In our first episode, we had an actor, an artist, and a musician. We talked about their experiences within the deaf community and what it was like for them. It was quite clear from our discussion that hearing people had more opportunities.
Brian: Have you witnessed any significant changes for deaf people in terms of access to wider society?
Vilma: The advancement of technology has undoubtedly changed things considerably. The use of mobile phones, FaceTime, and Zoom has allowed Deaf people to be more independent. I would also say, that in terms of access, I have been able to access interpreters more easily. However, in wider society, there is definitely room for improvement in regard to accessing information.
Brian: How important is it that a Sign Language Act with accompanying legislation
Vilma Jackson: ‘Focus on your own personal self, your own passion. Be creative and follow your dreams’
is introduced in the UK?
Vilma: It is really important to have that recognition. During the pandemic a deaf woman called Lynn Stewart-Taylor started a campaign insisting that BSL interpreters should be provided during government lockdown briefings. We wouldn’t need these sorts of campaigns if British Sign Language had the recognition it deserves.
Brian: What would you say to young, deaf people who are struggling, either with mental health issues or a lack of confidence?
Vilma: I would ask them not to give up and to keep going for their goals. Don’t think about what society thinks about you, focus on your own personal self, your own passion, and then others will follow. Be creative and follow your dreams. Keep the fire burning bright.
Brian: Did you have role models that you looked up to, or who inspired you, when you were growing up?
Vilma: That’s a very good question. I wouldn’t say I had a role model when I was growing up. Unfortunately, there was nobody who was black, deaf, or female for me to look up to, to be a role model for me. Who I would really look up to are my parents. They never said you can’t do this because of such and such. Whatever my dreams were, they really encouraged it and supported it. It was never mentioned that being deaf could be a reason for not achieving my goal. So it was a real blessing to have my parents, their positivity and their encouragement. They were definitely my role models.
Brian: I really appreciate you taking some time to speak to me today. Maybe sometime, I’ll get to meet you in person.
Vilma: Thank you so much, Brian.
• To find out more about Vilma Jackson go to her website at www.vilmajacksonproductions.com or her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VCRJ90
Richard Dougherty in Botanic Gardens, Belfast
