SL First (Winter 2012) by SL First

MAGAZINE

Dressing for Business

The Wardrobe Angel

Preparing for Winter

Lifestyle & Culture with Equality

Tips and Tricks

Winter Essentials

Seasonal Recipes Business Directory Local Interpreters Winter 2012

Priceless

BSL Version Now Available Online! Visit www.slfirst.co.uk

The Government’s ‘Best Kept Secret’ by Sarah Lawrence The Access to Work Programme The Government’s ‘Best Kept Secret’ – that is the way the Access to Work Programme has previously been described. Following recent announcements, we are delighted to hear that the Government is going to do more to market the programme, particularly to young people. Access to Work provides financial help towards the extra costs faced by disabled people at work; such as travel costs, specially adapted equipment and support workers. Disabled entrepreneurs and small businesses will benefit from more support to pay for specialised equipment and other costs faced by disabled people in work. It is also intended to widen the scope of those who can benefit from this support. In brief, the changes announced mean: •

Businesses with up to 49 employees will no longer pay a contribution towards the extra costs faced by disabled people in work, saving them up to £2,300 per employee who uses the fund;

•

Disabled jobseekers who want to set up their own business through the New Enterprise Allowance will now be eligible for Access to Work funding from day one of receiving Job Seekers Allowance; and

•

Access to Work advisers will be given more flexibility in deciding which equipment is funded through the scheme, offering more choice to disabled people in work.

The new package of measures include; funding the physical transfer of equipment, introducing a ‘fast-track’ application process where appropriate, and working with employers to find more imaginative solutions to support individuals. Last year, the programme helped 30,000 disabled people keep or get employment. Despite this good news, many disabled people either in, or seeking work, do not know about Access to Work. Anyone interested in applying for this support, can search ‘Access to Work’ at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/ to find out details of the contact centres.

Winter’12

Contents & Editors Letter Hello, Page

Clothes Maketh the Business . . . . . . . . 4-5 Interpreter Qualification and Registration . . . . 6-7 Interpreter Directory . . . 7 Sight Cymru Signposting Service . . 8-9 Business Directory . . . 10 BSL Doctor . . . . . . . 12 Winter recipe: Vegetarian Pumpkin Pie . . . . . . 13 Glamorgan Uni Conference Services . . . . . . 14-15 Carmarthenshire Council: Prepare for Winter . 16-17 Introducing the Deaf Friendly Blog . . . . 18-19

Welcome to this festive edition of the SLFirst magazine. We are getting excited about Christmas and we hope you are too. Christmas is a fantastic family time, and it’s a great time to think of others, offer help and be over the top you’re your generosity. Unless you’re Ebenezer Scrooge of course! We have been improving the magazine and in the new year will be increasing the readership through a new digital offering. The new raft of technology on the market has opened up a range of communication options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, and we think it’s only right that we keep pace with these digital advances. Through SLFirst and other activities, we have been able to engage a number of businesses about offering Deaf Friendly services, and we are delighted with the progress some businesses are making. We have also started a new Blog Site to highlight issues of concern and as a means of recognising good practice. We are very interested in your views, opinions and experiences, so please share them with us. May I also take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and prosperous New Year.

Sarah

SL First editor

Contact SL First

Contributors Stephanie Roper

Email: sarah@slfirst.co.uk

The Wardrobe Angel

Telephone: 02920 695185

Martin Griffiths Sight Cymru Linda Day & Tessa Padden

Mobile: 07786 704223

Signworld

Text (SMS): 077 8670 4223

Please remember to include your name and organisation in the text.

Address: Tredomen Business

Sarah Lawrence Editor SL First

& Technology Centre Tredomen Business Park Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, CF82 7FN

Gemma Savage

University of Glamorgan

Carmarthenshire Council Cover image mummy loves you Designed by Little Birdie Studio

Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Clothes maketh the Business! by Stephanie Roper

wardrobe looking at what they wear to work, what they wear when they greet clients, and what they wear to networking events. Then I say it again, “YOU are your business,” and they get it, the penny drops! If you run your own business YOU are the face, body, wardrobe and image of your business and your brand. Dressing appropriately is a must, not a maybe. A consistent image means that your clients and customers know what to expect each time they see you.

2. Set the standard...Business wear

doesn’t have to be boring! We only have one chance to make a first impression so make it right, each time, every time. How many times have you been to a networking event to be greeted by a sea of black, navy or grey business attire? Business wear doesn’t have to be boring!

I have a mission to help the women in the UK make the most of what they’ve got! Whether that’s about the clothes they own, the budget they have, or shaping their own innate sense of style. As well as sorting and styling wardrobes, I help businesses formulate Dress Code policies, styling whole firms and aligning them with their business goals through clothes. Clothes offer a unique way of communicating our personality, our power and our brand.

In Business - Why bother with a Dress Code?

1. Brand consistency. One of the first

things I say to business owners is, “YOU are your business”. While I am in their 4

SL First  Winter Edition

Both Deborah Meaden and Hilary Devey dress appropriately in the business arena whilst retaining their own unique sense of style. People are like magpies and will always gravitate towards bright colours and shiny objects. A knockout piece of jewellery or a stylishly coloured tie worn to a networking event can go a long way. Let clothing be one of your differentiators.

3. Prepare for growth. If you are ready

to take on employees, or are preparing to grow your teams, establishing a Dress Code means you already have a written document you can refer them to when you are completing staff induction training. It may seem like just another bit of paper to have lying around the office gathering dust, but a Dress Code can help to raise your business profile, helping to produce instantly recognisable staff.

4. Shopping with a purpose. In my

Dress Code; I state that I will never wear a trouser suit, so I shop for dresses and separates, not suits. This saves time

and money. With the rising cost of living people want more for their money – so give it to them. A Dress Code which is formulated with staff input will be a cost effective exercise for all involved. Your teams will spend less money on inappropriate clothing and you will spend less time worrying about your staff sending the wrong messages. Never again having to face the low riding, pant showing trousers or a skirt which is too short.

5. Always have something to wear. How many times have you opened the door, groaned and muttered the fateful words, “I have nothing to wear!” Perhaps your staff feel this way too, hence why they may have been turning up in some questionable outfits. When you know what to wear for work, and you have it written down as your company policy, you or your staff should never be stuck for appropriate things to wear again. by Stephanie Roper

Deborah Meaden and Hilary Devey dress appropriately in the business arena whilst retaining their own unique sense of style. Stephanie Roper Stephanie started The Wardrobe Angel in 2011 to give advice to business women about what they should wear to make a great impression. To find out more you can visit Stephanie’s website at www. wardrobeangel.co.uk

Stephanie Roper The Wardrobe Angel Mobile: 07542 825 740 Email: info@wardrobeangel.co.uk Website: www.wardrobeangel.co.uk Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Interpreter Qualifications and Registration Explained by Sarah Lawrence

On average, qualifying as an interpreter takes seven years. In addition to BSL training, interpreters study the theory and practice of interpreting. This includes taking information in one language and matching the meaning and aim of the speaker in another language. The BSL/ English Translator qualification is new. It is the option that Deaf people who are fluent in both BSL and English can take to become a qualified translator. A translator is used for presenting written information into BSL.

The Different Badges

Interpreter training and qualifications have changed over time. Until the 1980’s, people who held a Stage 3 certificate in BSL were accepted to work as interpreters. However, the systems have improved with the aim of ensuring that registered interpreters are safe to practise.

A purple badge indicates that an interpreter has achieved a recognised Level 6 BSL and is working toward the ‘safe to practice’ standards, they are called Trainee Interpreters. (T.I.’s) and can work in some areas, depending on their experience. The yellow badge is carried by interpreters and translators who have met the ‘safe to practise’ standards. Interpreters can then interpret in general

Phases

Qualification

Registration

Learning the language

Signature BSL Levels 1 ,2 ,3 IBSL Entry Level - BSL Level 4 NOCN Level 1, 2, 3* (these courses are slower paced and not equivalent Signature and IBSL levels)

None

Learning how to interpret / translate

Will be attending and completing one or more of the following qualifications: NVQ 4 BSL, NVQ Level 6 Diploma in BSL/English Interpreting or Translating PGDip or MA at University in BSL/English Translating

Trainee Interpreter Purple Badge

Completion of the above qualifying courses that award the minimum qualification for working as an Interpreter / Translator. On going training for specialist areas eg: law, mental health. Improving the profession eg: dilemmas business skills Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Qualified Interpreter Yellow Badge

Professional Interpreter / Translator

The table below shows the progression route.

SL First  Winter Edition

settings, e.g. meetings, education and hospitals. The official name for this ‘qualified’ interpreter is RSLI (Registered Sign Language Interpreter) or RSLT (Registered Sign Language Translator). The interpreter‘s badge is valid for one year and has to be renewed. The badges are issued by the ‘National Registers of Communication Professionals with Deaf People’ (NRCPD). To register, interpreters must have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) and must have an Enhanced Criminal Records

Bureau (ECRB) check. These are to protect themselves and the people with whom they work. You can ask to see the interpreters badge to check their identity and registration status. You can also check if an interpreter is registered by going online at: www.nrcpd.org.uk

In the next edition we will look into the further training that interpreters have to undertake, the rules they have to follow and how to make a complaint if you’re not happy.

Interpreters Mr Stephen Brattan-Wilson RSLI & MASLI Mobile: 07595 844133 Twitter: @stephenbw Email: stephen_bw@me.com

Ms Cathryn McShane RSLI & MASLI Mobile: 07806 771275 Email: cathryn@bslterp.co.uk www.bslterp.co.uk

Mrs Julie Doyle RSLI & MASLI

Mobile: 07787 126431 Twitter: @juliebsl E: juliedoyle.bslinterpreter@yahoo.co.uk Mr Karl Jenkins RSLI & MASLI Mobile: 07918 640914 Twitter: @karljinx Email: karl@karljenkins.co.uk

Mrs Tracey Pycroft RSLI & MASLI PG Dip NRCPD Registered Lipspeaker

Claire Anderson RSLI & MASLI

Mrs Sue Williams RSLI & MASLI

Rachel Jones (nee Young) RSLI & MASLI

M: 07889 065867 Twitter: @tpycroft Email: interpreter@pycroft.co.uk Mobile: 07931 103435 Facebook: Susan Williams Email: suesign@yahoo.co.uk Hafwen Parry RSLI & MASLI

Mobile: 07854 930809 Email: Interpreter@hafwen.co.uk www.hafwen.co.uk Laura Louise Smith TI

Mobile: 07775 693232 Twitter: @laurams0 Email: laura.m.s@live.co.uk

Mobile: 07725 581647 Twitter: @ClaireABSL Email: c.andersonbusiness@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile: 07758 228653 Facebook: Rachel Jones Email: rachels.young@ntlworld.com Laura Davies TI

Mobile: 07885 477866 Twitter: @lau_d23 Email: laura.d1@hotmail.co.uk Olivia Retter RSLI, MASLI, PGDip

Mobile: 07747 064449 Twitter: @ OliviaRetterBSL Email: olivia.retter@bsl-communication.com Web: www.bsl-communication.com

Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Sight Cymru Signposting Service by Martin Griffiths

I am deaf-blind – profoundly deaf and partially sighted. This is caused by a syndrome inherited from my father; my son is also affected. It is thought that a rogue gene is responsible; this is currently under investigation. In primary school, I was taught with other deaf children by Teachers of the Deaf in a Partial Hearing Unit (PHU). My first teacher, the late Mr Glyn Rees focussed on speech and reading which worked well for me; I developed good speech and literacy skills. In secondary school, I joined mainstream classes and did well academically with PHU support. My hearing and sight have deteriorated in recent years. I now wear two powerful hearing aids but only have limited hearing ability with them. I rely on text for information and communication is difficult. I am socially better one-to-one than in groups. At work, I require support from Speech-toText-Reporters who produce verbatim text on a screen so I can follow speech. It is an expensive service so I need Access to Work (A2W) funding for this.

Hi. I’m Martin Griffiths, aged 47. I am a Project Manager working for Sight Cymru – see www.sightcymru.org.uk. I am responsible for a Lottery funded project to set up a signposting service to engage visually impaired people with useful services and groups to help them remain as independent as possible. The project encourages the introduction of innovative technology in eye clinics to improve and speed up the referral process. 8

SL First  Winter Edition

One of the main disadvantages of being deaf is the lack of identity and belonging. I’m not a BSL user and do not fit easily into

It’s not all bad being deaf-blind. I’ve met many inspirational deaf and blind people who show great courage and determination to overcome barriers and live good lives. Also, I don’t get woken up by faulty car alarms or fireworks in the early hours.

Martin Griffiths

a Deaf community. Due to my deafness, I do not fit into the local hearing community either. This is common for deaf-blind and profoundly hard of hearing people.

me until they discover the extent of my deafness and sight loss. It is sad that in 2012 people still can’t see the person but see the disability. That’s their loss though!

Another issue is discrimination – despite the Equality Act, I still find that I can’t go to the cinema to see the films I want to see with subtitles at a time that suits me; same with theatre, etc. Access to information and communication is still relatively poor although the internet and social media is somewhere where I can get information and communicate with people as an equal.

At work, I have to make phone calls via Text-Relay. This service is unpopular with hearing people because it is slow. When I phone people they often ask me to email. I get very few calls incoming calls. I hope someone will devise a workable alternative to Text-Relay soon! Attitudinal and institutional barriers remain frustrating. Often organisations are inaccessible due to their policies and structures rather than intentional exclusion.

I am a qualified lip-reading tutor, experienced awareness trainer and have a lot of useful experience and knowledge of sensory loss. I actively campaign for change e.g. by writing to MP’s and Assembly Members to respond to consultations. I would like to see more deaf people becoming more active in campaigning. We are capable of achieving so much if we all work together!

Martin Grifftiths Sight Cymru Website: www.sightcymru.org.uk

Socially, I find people are interested in Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Directory PSYCHIC, CLAIRVOYANT & MEDIUM Private / Group Readings

Dave Winterfeld

I also write & conduct Weddings, Civil Ceremonies & Funeral Services

Phone/Text 07899878338 www.davewinterfeld.com

Philip Marshall

Complementary Health Practitioner

I specialise in making tailor made treatments to suit individuals’ needs and stress levels Call/Text: 07502 104 339 43 Charles St. CF10 2GB www.citymarshall.co.uk twitter: @citymarshall

Geraint Parry ARTEX AND PLASTERING SERVICE

Melanie Jones: Usborne children’s book organiser Email: meljayne72@gmail.com Text: 0781714686

Contact me if interested in an Usborne Party .... :-)

Want to advertise here?

Contact Sarah for more information:

Text: 07727836546 Email: geraintparry@live.co.uk

Email: sarah@slfirst.co.uk

Deaf Friendly is a consultancy and training provider based in the UK which focuses on Deaf Awareness and British Sign Language.

Deaf Friendly is able to provide excellent services in: • Training courses to suit your needs • Communication strategies • Registered translation services • Other specialist services

SL First  Winter Edition

Contact Sarah Lawrence 07786704223 sarah@deaf-friendly.co.uk www.deaf-friendly.co.uk

New Build, Renovations and Extensions for Residential, Industrial and Commercial. Planning and Building Regulation Submissions

For further details: Text Darren Upton on: Mobile (SMS): 07734 865284 Email: info@drudesign.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ Website: www.drudesign.co.uk

Twitter @slfirstltd â&#x2013;Ş www.slfirst.co.uk

BSL Doctor by Linda Day & Tessa Padden Deafland am byth (Deafland forever) – on the Internet? This is the very first edition of BSL Doctor, written specially for SL First by Linda Day and Tessa Padden of Signworld. As SL First is a pioneering magazine produced in Wales, we thought it would be interesting to start by saying a few things about the Welsh language. Although Welsh is the oldest language in Britain, for a long time Welsh people were discouraged from speaking and writing Welsh, and were sometimes even punished for doing so. For most of the twentieth century, the same happened to British Sign Language. But both Welsh and BSL are enjoying a revival. In 2004 a Welsh Language Board survey suggested that 21.7% of the population of Wales (611,000 people) were able to speak Welsh, compared with 20.8% in the 2001 Census. Likewise, thousands of people every year now learn BSL. Interestingly, 600,000 is probably around the same number who use BSL to some extent, if you include family, friends, colleagues, learners and people who work with Deaf BSL users all over the UK. Nowadays, knowing Welsh can be a big advantage for people living anywhere in Wales. Many jobs demand knowledge of Welsh. Even in English-speaking areas, the public sector is now committed to giving services in either language, as part of people’s rights. Welsh is an official language of the Welsh Assembly and it is probably no coincidence that the Welsh Assembly has been very progressive in making information accessible in BSL as well. 12

SL First  Winter Edition

There has never been a better time to learn Welsh. Even ten years ago, there was nothing like the variety of books and learning resources that are available today. And the Internet has made it far easier to be in touch with Wales and the Welsh language wherever you are in the world. The same applies to learning a sign language. Of course, probably the best way to learn Welsh is to come to Wales and talk to native Welsh speakers. Likewise, if you want to learn French you can go to France, or Germany to learn German. But if you want to learn BSL, there’s no Deafland where you can go and learn to sign! Deaf clubs and Deaf social events are not always easy to get to. So more and more people are looking to the Internet, where Signworld offers online learning resources for BSL. A lot of people start off believing that sign language is universal – but it isn’t. Many countries have their own sign languages, like American Sign Language (ASL), and French Sign Language (LSF). There are only a few countries whose sign language is even related to BSL, such as Australia, where Auslan has evolved from BSL. Even in Britain, there are considerable variations in dialect and ‘accent’ in BSL, including in Wales, where BSL has many strongly distinctive features. That’s why, on our Signworld website, we provide regional variations for fourteen different parts of the UK, including Wales – which is, of course, a nation, so you could say that Welsh variations of BSL are Welsh national variations.

Recipe

Pumpkin Pie by Ethical Chef I’ve had Pumpkin Pie on the Riverside Market Stall since day one and every time it has sold out so I must be doing something right! Preparation Time 1 Hour Cooking Time 40 Minutes Serves 6

Shopping List Roasted Pumpkin Flesh 450g Double Cream 250ml Eggs 2 + 1 yolk Light Brown Sugar 75g Cinnamon 1 tsp Nutmeg 1/2 tsp Allspice 1/2 tsp Cloves 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger 1/2 tsp

Method

Pu m p kin Pie

I would recommend getting yourself a good sweet / savoury pastry recipe. Both are available on www. ethicalchef.co.uk. Blind bake the pastry shell till nice and crispy. To compensate for shrinkage, overhang the pastry at the side of the tin. Prepare the pumpkin/hokkiado squash by peeling, scooping out the insides and chopping up into 2cm cubes. Coat in sunflower oil (Not olive oil as you don’t want to add that flavour to the end result). Roast in a preheated oven at 180 degrees celsius for 30 minutes, flipping after 20. The squash should be nice and soggy when it comes out of the oven. While the squash is in the oven scald the cream, sugar and spices and put to one side to infuse. Place the cooked squash into a bowl, crack in the eggs, add the cream and give a good whisk / blitz. I like a bit of texture in my pie so I just vigourously whist it instead of blitzing but this is a personal thing! Pour the finished mix into the pastry base and bake at 180 for about 40 minutes or until the middle of the pie bounces back when you poke it. Don’t cook it for too long as the edges will soufle up and crack. Don’t give up on this recipe, once you’ve mastered it people really do appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into making it!

Et hica l Ch e f

Tip If you dont fancy making the pastry, do a cheesecake version replacing the pastry with a crumbled up digestives and butter mix: much easier and so much quicker! Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Glamorgan University Conference Services by Gemma Savage Tips for planning a successful event

1. Check the diary, not just yours! Check any industry events in the local area or further afield that may clash with yours. Check for large events in the calendar such as Bank Holidays, sporting events or large concerts that may cause congestion and check for any planned disruptions to public transport or road works. 2. Cater for all! When choosing a menu be mindful of others! It’s very easy to go for a buffet with all your favourite items but not everybody likes seafood and you’ll be surprised how many are veggies! Go for something that will keep as many on side as possible (although it’s rare to get it 100% right!). The venue team & chef will be happy to help. 3. Ensure you ask about dietary requirements in advance. Most venues can produce a plate for a vegan, dairy free or coeliac at short notice, however, it looks far more professional to have it ready & waiting. 4. Check your venue. Ensure it has good accessibility, plenty of directional signs, parking nearby, free Wi-Fi and all the audiovisual equipment you need in situ. If all these elements are in place it will ensure a hassle free start to the day.

With 2013 almost upon us, now is the perfect time to start planning an event. Whether this is a training seminar to engage those with a ‘new year resolution’, or an informal get together with like-minded people as something to look forward to. Here are just a few of our tips for planning a successful event. 14

SL First  Winter Edition

5. Remember the team are just as important as the venue. Make sure you meet the team who will be responsible for looking after your event from the start of the enquiry right through to the day itself. It’s important to build up a rapport with those you’ll be dealing with, if they are good at their job they will make a point of getting to know you and your guests and will often answer your questions before they’ve even been asked! Having worked in the Conference & Events Team at the University of

We make it our priority to ensure you are taken care of, to deliver a successful hassle free event Glamorgan for 14 years, I am delighted to say I have a proactive, professional yet friendly team, and we go out of our way to ensure the above elements have been considered. We make it our priority to ensure you are taken care of, to deliver a successful hassle free event. With over 14,000 events managed over the past 10 years involving from 2 up to 850 guests, there isn’t much we haven’t experienced (good and bad!). If you would like to discuss the possibility of running a meeting, training seminar, conference or network event at our venues in Pontypridd or Cardiff please get in touch. We have 2 team members who have been trained to Level 2 - in British Sign Language (requiring practice!) and in the Pontypridd Conference Centre we have hearing loops in two of our main rooms. Text 07866 679438 for texts, gsavage@ glam.ac.uk email direct or call us on 01443 482002 to speak to the team or drop us an email at events@glam.ac.uk with any queries.

Gemma Savage and the Conference and Events Team In the meantime, to keep up to date with our developments & offers follow us on Twitter @GlamConferences or like our Facebook Page (Glamorgan Conference Services). We’ll be blogging with more tips for successful events in the New Year when we will also be launching our new website www. glamorganconferenceservices.co.uk We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

Contact Gemma: Text: 07866 679438 Email: gsavage@glam.ac.uk Contact the team: Call: 01443 482002 Email: events@glam.ac.uk

Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Preparing for Winter by Carmarthenshire County Council WINTER is upon us and very soon the weather will be at its worst. Carmarthenshire County Council has already started its preparations – before summer ended, the Streetscene department ordered in 16,500 tonnes of salt, double the amount it stocked three years ago. The salt is in storage, and will be ready to use when temperatures plummet when staff will be on 24-hour standby. Property Services staff have also been busy advising people of ways to keep their homes warm, safe and incident free during the winter months. “There are some simple ways of making sure winter passes by without incident, and that your home retains as much heat as possible,” said Head of Property Services, Phil Lumley. “It’s important to keep buildings heated during cold spells, even if just on a low setting, to keep things warm and dry. So, check your central heating system and bleed radiators if necessary. Then draught-proof windows and doors to prevent heat loss – but be careful not to block air vents as they are essential in letting condensation (warm moist air) escape. “If you can, clear gutters and drains of leaves and debris so they don’t overflow, and insulate unprotected pipework, tanks and cisterns to prevent pipes freezing or bursting in extreme temperatures.” As well as looking after your home, it’s 16

SL First  Winter Edition

also important to look after your health. Cllr Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for health and social care, said: “You may be nervous about leaving home during the winter – especially if there is ground frost – so stock up on essentials such as medication as well as nonperishable foods such as pasta, rice and tinned fruit and vegetables. “Keep the heating on if you can, and if you are trying to cut down your fuel bills make sure you layer your clothes to trap warm air close to the body and eat well - your body keeps warm by burning food you’ve eaten, so make sure you have regular hot meals.” If you use the Internet, keep an eye on the council’s website www. carmarthenshire.gov.uk for daily weather updates and disruptions. You can also get updates from the council’s Facebook page and Twitter page (@ CarmsCCPress)

Paratoi ar gyfer y gaeaf gan Gyngor Sir Gâr Mae gaeaf ar ein gwarthaf ac yn fuan iawn bydd y tywydd ar ei waethaf. Mae Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin eisoes wedi dechrau ar y paratoi - cyn diwedd yr haf, roedd yr adran Gwasanaethau Stryd wedi trefnu 16,500 tunnell o halen, dwbl y swm roedd y cyngor yn ei stocio tair blynedd yn ôl. Mae’r halen yn cael ei storio’n ddiogel ar hyn o bryd, a bydd yn barod i’w ddefnyddio pan fydd hi’n rhewi. Bydd ein staff hefyd yn barod i daenu’r halen ar draws y sir. Mae staff Gwasanaethau Eiddo hefyd wedi bod yn brysur yn cynghori pobl am wahanol ffyrdd i gadw eu cartrefi’n gynnes a diogel yn ystod misoedd y gaeaf. “Mae yna rai ffyrdd syml o wneud yn siŵr fod y gaeaf yn pasio heibio heb unrhyw ofid, a bod eich cartref yn cadw gwres cymaint ag y bo modd,” meddai Pennaeth y Gwasanaethau Eiddo, Phil Lumley. “Mae’n bwysig cadw adeiladau yn gynnes yn ystod cyfnodau oer, hyd yn oed os dim ond ar lefel isel, i gadw pethau’n gynnes ac yn sych. Felly, gwiriwch eich system gwres canolog a’r rheiddiaduron os oes angen. Yna gwnewch yn siŵr nad yw eich ffenestri a drysau yn colli gwres - ond byddwch yn ofalus i beidio â blocio fentiau aer gan eu bod yn hanfodol wrth i anwedd (aer cynnes llaith) dianc.

mewn tymheredd eithafol.” Yn ogystal ag edrych ar ôl eich cartref, mae hefyd yn bwysig i ofalu am eich iechyd. Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Jane Tremlett, Aelod o’r Bwrdd Gweithredol ar gyfer iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol,: “Efallai eich bod yn nerfus ynglŷn â gadael adref yn ystod y gaeaf - yn enwedig os oes rhew - felly, gwnewch yn siŵr fod gennych ddigon o bethau hanfodol fel meddyginiaeth yn ogystal â bwydydd sy’n cadw megis pasta, reis a thun ffrwythau a llysiau. “Cadwch y gwres ymlaen os gallwch, ac os ydych yn ceisio torri i lawr ar eich biliau tanwydd, gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod haenu eich dillad i ddal aer cynnes yn agos i’r corff a chofiwch fwyta’n iach - mae eich corff yn cadw’n gynnes drwy losgi’r bwyd rydych wedi bwyta, felly gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod yn cael prydau poeth yn rheolaidd. “ Os ydych yn defnyddio’r Rhyngrwyd, cadwch lygad ar wefan y cyngor www. sirgar.gov.uk ar gyfer diweddariadau tywydd yn ddyddiol. Gallwch hefyd gael yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf oddi wrth y cyngor ar dudalen Facebook a Twitter (@ CarmsCCPress)

“Os gallwch chi, cadwch y cwteri a draeniau yn glir o ddail fel nad ydynt yn gorlifo, ac insiwleiddiwch bibellau, tanciau a sestonau i atal pibellau rewi neu fyrstio Twitter @slfirstltd  www.slfirst.co.uk

Let’s get Blogging! by Sarah Lawrence Allow us to introduce our Deaf Friendly Blog There are some great Blogging Sites run by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Groups. Blogs are a great way to highlight an issue and to invite others to comment. After being contacted by so many friends and acquaintances about a wide range of ‘quality of life’ issues, we decided it was about time for the Deaf Friendly Business Solutions side of Sarah Lawrence, to start its own Deaf Friendly blog. Starting a blog would allow Sarah, her blogging partner Simon Deacy OBE and some guest bloggers, to begin writing about some of these experiences, highlighting issues of concern and sharing positive experiences. By doing this, we hope we can continue to challenge some of the appalling services afforded people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The initial business response has been impressive, and we have already been contacted by some huge British based businesses asking questions. You can read and subscribe (for free) to the blog at http://deafbiz.blogspot.co.uk/ We hope you find it a useful and interesting read. The blog was only started towards the end of October, but it has already 18

SL First  Winter Edition

developed a readership in 40 different countries around the world. Here’s a flavour of the topics we’ve blogged about so far:

The Hidden Disability An introductory blog about some of the broad issues people face. Turned out to be a really popular blog.

Type Talk/Text Relay By pure coincidence we wrote on this subject 2 days before the Ofcom announcement about forcing tech companies to have a look at what they are doing. An issue close to many people’s hearts, but at least some progress looks likely.

Ignorance or Enlightenment Is it really a choice – written to challenge businesses about the lack of awareness of their staff.

In Flight Entertainment Can it really be so difficult and costly that airlines can’t provide subtitles on their films.

Getting the Right Business Attitude Using an actual example, a blog written about the need for employee awareness, and adopting an attitude of wanting to help.

Service provision by people or processes Referring specifically to banks and insurance companies, this blog again draws on real examples and how staff are forced to stick rigidly to internal processes. Our needs as individuals simply doesn’t seem to matter.

Improving Customer Service through a Deaf Friendly approach We think businesses could learn a lot if they just used Deaf customers to test their standards of customer service.

Are manners a barrier to true equality A more general comment about how people’s attitudes affect the attempts of lobby groups and other for true equality.

Date Protection Service Prevention – drawing on the many examples of businesses who seem disinterested in allowing us to use the wide range of communication options now available to us.

Too big to care A short story about a particular insurance company who insist on inviting a deaf customer to ring, despite dealing with a customer they know is deaf.

The joys of ﬂying Returning to the issue of in-flight entertainment but from the recent experience of a flight to Jamaica. We hope you enjoy the blog and if you wish to contribute, please make comments on the blog site or contact us separately. If you want us to cover an experience you have had, please let us know the brief details. Check out our Deaf Friendly Blog: http://deafbiz.blogspot.co.uk/

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