She wanted to encourage minority communities to come, so I told her that I would make arrangements with Milan, Shapla, and Ebony Carer's Groups that would enable them to take advantage of this opportunity to fundraise, by selling traditional foods.

The day proved extremely successful. Farhana put together a wonderfully diverse Programme that began with teaching the audience how to ask for tea or coffee using sign language.

This was followed by role plays that demonstrated how to interact with a deaf person. We learned that the main problem is not the volume of speech, but its clarity. Simple but effective do's and don'ts to remember when speaking included:

DO    -Face the light, speak naturally and clearly, look directly at the person, be patient

Don't - Mumble, shout, smoke, cover mouth or wear dark glasses

GDA have an Equipment Room which is open every Thursday from 9.00a.m -12.00 p.m. 

Devices include aids that help amplify alarm clocks, television and doorbells, and even mobile phones.

After the information part of the day, therapists were available, offering head massage, reflexology, or henna painting.

Entertainment included performances from Bangladeshi and Hindu dancers, and a Tai-Chi demonstration. The food was equally diverse as Shapla's provided traditional South Asian food, and Ebony sold a range of cakes and pastries.

The day was an absolute success and it was wonderful to see so many communities and and cultures coming together to learn of the barriers the deaf community face.

Gloucestershire Deaf Association can be contacted at:

Colin Road
Barnwood
Gloucester
GL4 3JL

Telephone 01452 372999

Textphone 01452 327600