Action Deafness and Leeds Local Optical Committee, as part of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, have been working in partnership to provide deaf awareness and British Sign Language training.
The four-hour course, aimed at dispensing opticians and optometrists, was run over four weeks in which delegates learned how the services eyecare practitioners provide, can be more accessible to the Deaf community’s needs, in order to champion the best patient care through the initiative.
Leeds LOC secretary and dispensing optician Maryna Hura said: “By learning BSL, opticians have been introduced to a whole new language, enhancing their communication skills.”
Following the completion of the course, Hanisha Sandhu, BSL tutor at Action Deafness said: “I am so impressed with the dispensing opticians and optometrists in Leeds for their desire to develop their skills to make their services accessible and equitable for Deaf people.
“When members of the Deaf community, including those who are hard of hearing, see optical professionals being Deaf aware, and trying to communicate in BSL, they will be delighted to see the barriers to communication being lifted.”
Action Deafness is hoping to work with other LOC’s to provide Deaf awareness and BSL training in other areas. If you feel your organisation would benefit from this training, please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected]
