Deafblind Scotland

Deafblind Scotland

Header Right

A A A

Home >   Archives for Ruth Hart

Ruth Hart

Vacancy – Chief Executive

by

Deafblind Scotland Chief Executive

CE 1 Salary Scale point 55-62 £48,391-56,724

Deafblind Scotland is a national charity whose sole focus is to improve the lives of adults who have lost, or are losing, their sight and hearing. In 2019 we celebrate thirty years of supporting Deafblind people and two years since we moved into our new National Training and Development Centre, which is the only purpose-built building for Deafblind people in Scotland.  We are proud of what we have achieved so far but equally ambitious for our future as we look to change and innovate to ensure our services continue to meet the needs of the growing number of deafblind people across Scotland. We also seek to enable Deafblind people to influence policy in the organisation and at local and national government level.

We are looking for a new Chief Executive who will:

  • Be passionate about equality for all deafblind people
  • Be an experienced and effective leader
  • Be experienced in partnership working at all levels
  • Enable deafblind people to shape and lead the organisation
  • Have experience of representing an organisation at a senior level
  • Have a good understanding of the voluntary sector and the policy drivers influencing it.
  • Put deafblind people at the heart of everything we do.

Closing Date: Monday 28th January 2019 9am

Interview Date: Week Commencing 11th February 2019

For further information and an application pack please contact

Ruth Hart

Tel/Text: 0141 777 5834/6111 

pa@dbscotland.org.uk

Hear to Help Drop-In

by

Action on Hearing Loss and Deafblind Scotland Hear to Help Drop-In

We are launching a monthly Drop-in clinic for hearing-aid maintenance at DBS.  The sessions will offer advise on how to look after hearing aids, change batteries and tubing (these should be changed every 5-6 months).  They can also offer support on how to insert ear moulds correctly and signposting to other useful organisations.

Upcoming dates:

Monday 10th December from 11.30am – 2pm Deafblind Scotland, Board Room

Monday 14th January from 11.30am – 2pm Deafblind Scotland, Board Room

Monday 11th February from 11.30am – 2pm Deafblind Scotland, Board Room

Monday 11th March from 11.30am – 2pm Deafblind Scotland, Board Room

DbS Chairman wins the Unsung Hero 2018 award

by

Huge congratulations to Bob Nolan, Chairman of Deafblind Scotland, for winning the Unsung Hero 2018 award at the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2018. His award was sponsored by InterpreterNow.

Here is the text of his speech from the night…

Hi Everyone,
Just want to thank you for all your kind messages and support for last night’s Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award. Whilst it was focused on this year’s Three Peaks Tandem Challenge I know it had a lot to do with all four challenges over the years and my time with Deafblind Scotland and DBUK. It was wonderful to be back at the home of Lancashire Cricket Club where I spent many happy days watching cricket with a packed lunch from my mum. It was also great for Louise and I to share the evening with some dear friends who have supported us so often. I want to thank Jackie and Richard at DSPY for organising last night’s event and Andy and the InterpreterNow team for sponsoring my award.

People ask why I do these things and the glib answer is I enjoy them! I like setting targets and stretching myself to beat them. I also do them to raise awareness of Deafblindness and money for our Field of Dreams project at DbS. I was so proud when HRH Princess Anne opened the building in October last year. However, I also do these challenges because they inspire me to do more and I hope, inspire others Deafblind or not, to do challenges of their own. What you get out of life is largely down to what you put in and I’ve been so fortunate over the years with my family and friends and some amazing adventures.

Now if I may, I’d like to add a bit more to what I said last night when I received my award and thank a lot of people. Firstly Abbie and Martin for accompanying us on our first ‘LEJOG’ tandem challenge in 2008 and for nominating me for the DSPY award. I’d like to think it was because they thought I deserved it but I wonder if it was also a thank you for not bullying them into doing any more challenges! Drena and Hammy for their support, encouragement and great company on all our challenges. Between us, we also saw some amazing scenery. Our son Josh for giving up his leaving school parties to cycle the Scottish Islands in 2011 and my godson Michael for accompanying us on our 2013 Scottish Cities ride. For the Three Peaks a massive thanks to Jerry and Fred who did all the cycling and who also completed their own 3 Peaks between them. As for the Three Peaks themselves, Judith, David, Gillian, Iain and Alison all helped Louise Jerry and Fred get me up and down safely. As well as the 3 Peaks Jerry and Judith also accompanied us on parts of our previous challenges on their yellow peril tandem. I’d also like to thank all my friends at Deafblind Scotland, DBUK, Shell and elsewhere for your generous support and sponsorship over the years.

The real unsung hero of course is Louise. She has done all the Challenges with me on the tandem including 1000’s of miles of training and she climbed all 3 Peaks this year, mostly following my tortuous progress from behind to ensure I didn’t stray from the path. She supports me in everything I do and her cooking is not bad either!

Lastly I want to remember Richard and Jane who supported our challenges so enthusiastically and Jane in particular for her brilliant blogs. Sadly, Richard succumbed to MND shortly after we completed LEJOG in 2008 and it’s hard to believe we lost our dear friend ten years ago now. I really miss him and as yesterday was also his birthday, I thought it was fitting to dedicate my award to his memory. Anyone who can come up with the immortal lyric “the prat on the tandem left his phone behind” surely deserves it.

Thanks again everyone, you’ve been great … Kilimanjaro here we come!
Robert

Santa Dash 2018!

by

Santa Dash 2018

Taking place on Sunday 2nd December in Victoria Park, Glasgow!

2017 saw over 250 Santa’s and Reindeer take on the Santa Dash!
This year join us in Glasgow for more Christmas fun taking part in our family fun run.
You can choose between the 1k or 5k route with runs starting at 12.30pm.

You can sign up here!

Deafblind Awareness Week 2018 Blog

by

LIFE IS STILL AN ADVENTURE

Blog written by Jane, the daughter of Michael who is a board member of Deafblind Scotland.

I’m not a fan of the obvious. For many reasons, but really only one that applies to this post. When thinking about this title in relation to my 77 year old, deafblind father it would be too easy to talk about some of the many amazing things he has done. Like rowing the Union Canal, abseiling (more than once) walking Ben Nevis (aged 71), or completing a triathlon (aged 74…..he started easy with the Ben!) or trekking and wild camping across Scotland. But these things have been written and talked about lots and even has Dad asked me about writing this blog, that was the idea that came to his mind.

The trouble with going with the obvious is that it can limit our horizon and our own narrative; who we think we are and what we can offer. We focus on past triumphs/adventures and forget to incorporate the newer or less obvious stories.

Sometimes we don’t do this because we don’t see it; it takes someone else to point it out or see it for us. So I guess this is a little gift to Dad, and a reminder to myself (and you perhaps?) not to limit ourselves, venture out of our comfort zone, and explore our own “Undiscovered Country”.

The things I mentioned above were all things that Dad accomplished after the loss of my mother. And this was a big loss for Dad, huge in fact. Apart from having 35 years of companionship and family life, Mum was essentially Dad’s carer; she helped him navigate his life and interact with the world around him. I want to say to Dad that I know how hard that adaptation has been and that he still feels that loss acutely. I recognise that.

The thing is though, that sometimes adventures start from a sad place, or a scary place, or an unfamiliar, unexpected place. We say “hell no! I didn’t sign up for this!” And Dad really didn’t want this ‘adventure’. He wouldn’t even call it an adventure, but he has grown so much through this. Dad always said that Mum had done most of the parenting (and always downgraded his own parenting) but do you know who was there when I came out and said that I was gay? Yep, my evangelical, Presbyterian, deafblind dad! What’s the relevance of being deafblind in that story – well Dad wasn’t exposed to the growing media representation gay and lesbian folk and the gradual “normalising” of non-binary sexuality and identity. I mean, I’d been married and this came as a bit of shock to him, poor lamb. But he stepped up. Gave me a hug, parented and accepted me and broadened his experience and understanding of a life outwith his own. This came with a lot of challenges. There were (and still are) some heated exchanges!

Dad has also had to interact socially without the support of mum, and we all know how much easier having someone to “go with” makes social occasions. Well, when you add being deafblind into that equation, well wow! And I know it doesn’t touch the sides of his loneliness, but the determination and sheer will to engage in social activities is representative of a true adventurous and indomitable spirit. (Yes, Dad I’m talking about you). He’s begun teaching Braille at the new resource centre and I LOVE that he’s got a second kind of career at 75+. When he told me he’d signed up for the drama group at the same centre you could have knocked me down with a feather! ​MY FATHER​??? Drama???? Talk about the adventure of redefining yourself!

Dad may not think that he has made lemonade out of the lemons life handed him, but from my perspective he’s doing a pretty fine job. And I have learned to embrace challenges and not back down from things in my own indomitable and adventurous way. So I would encourage Dad and us all to keep on keeping on. It’s all we can do.

Sometimes the adventure is outside and tangible, sometimes it’s having the courage to face our inner demons and seek light for our shadows. Adventures aren’t always fun or easy or nice but they are worthwhile. And they can be funny too….remember that trek? Well, I’ve got three things to say; outdoor toileting, biodegradable (read thin!!!) loo roll and wind………….

Evelyn’s Adventures…

I have a visual impairment. I can’t see, I can hear a bit. But without hearing aids I can’t hear. When I put my hearing aids on, I can hear everything. My new adventure is I love coming out to Tollcross Park, or it could be any park.

Before I lost my sight I never bothered listening to the sound. Since I lost my sight I love listening to the sounds. I come to the park in Tollcross and I love to sit nearby the burn, hear the stream, the ripple of water running through. And every kind of bird, especially the woodpecker. I love hearing the woodpecker hammering the tree. I just love coming out here, it’s an adventure for me. It’s relaxing listening to all the different kinds of sounds.

I also like to come out with the help of a guide, they describe the flowers, and what’s growing in the area, it’s interesting. I have an image in my head, what they are like. But especially the sound, I never bothered before, but now I really appreciate the sound. I just love it.

So bring your picnic! Wear your hearing aids and get out!

Bob’s Adventures…

Hi, my name is Bob Nolan and I am the chairperson of Deafblind Scotland and I myself am deafblind. I’ve been deaf since birth, my blindness was something that became more and more a problem in my teens. I have also noticed recently is that as my sight has continued to deteriorate, so has my ability to ‘hear’ or follow conversation. That wasn’t something I was expecting. I rely very heavily on lipreading, but as my sight is worsening, particularly in low light, I’m really struggling to lipread. By not being able to lipread I am missing out on a lot of things that earlier in my life I was able to follow. That has been a surprise to me, and unexpected.

But, as with everything else, you find ways round it and you get over things. In terms of my life, I am someone who is outgoing, and likes to get out there and do things.

Over the years I have done tandem challenges with my wife and friends, for Deafblind Scotland. Raising money and also raising awareness that being deaf and blind does not mean that you cannot live an active and full life.

Helen Keller, who is probably the most famous deafblind person of all, famously said “Life is an adventure, or nothing at all” I love that. That’s how I like to live my life.

I am a member of a hill walking group, I walk with Guides, and I get out there regularly. I go swimming in our local pool, which is an open air pool, even in winter.

I love that I can walk to my local station and get anywhere in the UK on my own. Part of that is down to a red and white cane. The red and white cane tells people that the carrier is both blind, as in the white, and also deaf, that’s what the red stripe signifies. It’s important people know that. If you want to offer help, which I’m sure most people do, it’s possible that the person won’t hear you offer of help. Bear that in mind. Interestingly, I’ve travelled all over the world for Shell, and this red and white cane has opened so many doors If nothing else, people have seen me have stopped and hesitated, come over and said “Can I help you”, that’s been in India, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, America, Norway, Holland, it doesn’t matter, that’s what I love. It’s given me the ability to travel independently for years, otherwise people might have expected me to have either a guide or a guide dog.

Coming back to my favourite quote from Helen Keller “Life is an adventure, or nothing at all” That’s how I like to live my life. I hope that by doing the different things like riding tandems long distances, or climbing mountains, that I will inspire other deafblind people to go out and do things themselves.

Get out there and enjoy what the world has to offer.

I’m going to do the 3 Peaks challenge soon. We will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in a week. Inbetween cycle on a tandem, hopefully with a lot of support from deafblind friends and community.

My advice to everyone else? Life is an adventure, make the most of it, get out there and enjoy it.

Deafblind Awareness Week 2018

by

Sight and hearing loss charities host Deafblind Awareness Week.

2018 Theme – ‘Life is Still an Adventure!’

Deafblind Awareness Week runs from 25th June to 1st July 2018. During this time, Deafblind Scotland, Deafblind UK, and other organisations will host a series of events and activities to raise awareness of dual sensory loss.

Do you know someone who has the TV turned up far to high, who often asks you to repeat yourself or who doesn’t recognise you if you pass in the street?

Combined sight and hearing loss, particularly milder forms, is more common than we think. With an estimated 394,000 people now considered to be affected by dual sensory loss, it is likely that we know someone affected by this. During Deafblind Awareness Week we encourage you to think about friends and relatives who might be affected by sight and hearing loss and talk to them about it; try to understand what they are going through and learn what you can do to help.

Visit our Deafblind Awareness Week Page for all the activities going on this week!

Bob’s Three Peaks Challenge 2018

by

Could you climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales and cycle the 483 mile route in-between?

Could you do this if you were also Deafblind?

Bob Nolan, current Chair of Deafblind Scotland (DbS), has decided that his first project as Deafblind UK’s (DbUK) new Chair, is to take on a challenge that we believe has never been done before by a deafblind person. A challenge which supports raising awareness of these sister charities and spans 3 countries.

Guided by his wife Louise, who is also Deaf, Bob will climb Ben Nevis on 18th June, Scafell Pike on the 22nd and finish his challenge climbing Snowdon on the 25th whilst good friends Jerry and Fred will guide Bob as front riders on his tandem on the two cycling legs to complete his epic journey.

So why is Bob taking on such a daunting challenge?

“Sadly the incidence of deafblindness is growing in the UK with over 400,000 people now struggling with the everyday challenges of normal life.  I want to raise awareness and let people understand that whilst dual sensory loss is so isolating for so many, it doesn’t have to be.  With the right support deafblind people can lead full and active lives and still fulfil their dreams. I hope that by completing this challenge, I can inspire others to come forward and with the help and support of DBUK and DbS achieve their own ambitions whatever they may be.”

Bob was born deaf with a progressive sight loss which started to impact on his life in his childhood years and now has less than 3% left. This has never held Bob back and as well as recently retiring from a successful and fulfilling career with Shell, he has chaired Deafblind Scotland for over 17 years, backpacked solo around the world, crossed England on foot, run numerous marathons, cycled 1000’s of miles for charity, loves open water sea swimming and even started his first deaf pop band at the age of 16. Bob’s cup half full approach to life and extra-ordinary belief in making the most of what he has, inspires us all and like Helen Keller once said, he believes “Life is either a great adventure, or nothing.”

We asked Bob what he was looking forward to most about the challenge and what he was dreading.

“I am looking forward to climbing Ben Nevis as that will mean the training is over. The thing I am least looking forward to, is cycling the hills, not the uphill climbs as you might expect, but the fast descents.  I struggle to anticipate corners and changes in light anyway, but at speeds in excess of 40mph, I have to put all my trust in my guides and as the world rushes by, it’s terrifying!”

Bob is taking part in the challenge as a lead up to Deafblind Awareness Week which starts on Monday 25th June 2018.  There are a number of activities planned as Deafblind UK celebrates 90 years of helping the deafblind community.

If you would like to wish Bob well, please do feel free to place a message on our facebook or twitter pages, or maybe you would like to join Bob on part of this adventure?  He would welcome anyone to join him on the 3 climbs or cycling en-route, or even just to wave him on his way as he cycles the 100 miles each day.  You can also make a donation to further support deafblind people by visiting Bob’s fundraising page on:

Of all the things we know about Bob, he will make this fun from beginning to end.

If you would like to donate to Bob’s JustGiving page, please click here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bobs3pc1 

Open Event at Scottish Parliament for BSL users

by

BSL users The Scottish Parliament want your views on their British Sign Language Plans:
They’re holding an open event for BSL users at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh
Friday 18 May – 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Saturday 19 May – 10.00am – 1.00pm
 
• Find out about the BSL Plans
• Give your views
• Find out more about the Scottish Parliament and the independent officeholders
 
BSL interpreting will be provided.
BSL tours of the Parliament will be arranged on both days. Please let them know in advance if you are interested so they can book you a place.
Refreshments will be provided.
Email: info@parliament.scot
Tel: 0800 092 7500

Free Will Service

by

Free Will Service

 

Do you have a Will? Writing a Will is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference to people and charities which are close to your heart.

Our partners, McClure Solicitors, offer a Free Will Writing Service and Will Review Service. All they ask is that you consider making a donation for a charity of your choice. We hope you take advantage of this vital service and consider a donation for Deafblind Scotland.

Many deafblind people are lonely and isolated. Deafblind Scotland are experts in enabling deafblind people to keep healthy, happy and well. We reconnect deafblind people to their communities and beyond, returning a sense of belonging.

Your gift will open closed doors for deafblind people both now and in the future.

 

For further information:

Free Will – www.mcclure-solicitors.co.uk/dbs-will

Free Will Review – www.mcclure-solicitors.co.uk/dbs-review

 

Call 0800 852 1999 to make your appointment today!

 

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close

test