Deafblind Scotland
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CONSULTATION East Dunbartonshire Council Draft BSL Local Plan
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CONSULTATION East Dunbartonshire Council Draft BSL Local Plan
Please email completed forms to edc.bsl@dbscotland.org.uk
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………….
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!
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.
Sight and hearing loss charities host Deafblind Awareness Week.
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!
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
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!
The Donate 2 Win lottery is a fun way for the Clutha Trust and Spirit Aid to raise funds while giving you the chance to win incredible prizes.
Deafblind Scotland have partnered with the Clutha Trust to become a beneficiary of Donate to Win.
Each month it costs just £1 to play and you have the chance to win prizes such as concert tickets, a holiday for two, signed football shirts, signed guitars and many more.
Sign up today and feel good that you’re making a difference to Deafblind people throughout Scotland!
Following the success of our Pop- cinema events in December, Deafblind Scotland are delighted to announce we are hosting a Dirty Dancing Afternoon tea.
Taking place on Sunday 25th March at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow the exciting event will be hosted by Clyde 2’s Gina McKie.
Tickets are priced at £40 and tables of 8 available for £280.
Each ticket includes afternoon tea with a glass of fizz, subtitled showing of Dirty Dancing, a live band, great auction lots, various stalls and more.
Click here for tickets or contact Annemarie.feechan@dbscotland.org.uk for tables.
19 October 2017
HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL OPENS ‘FIELD OF DREAMS’ CENTRE FOR SCOTLAND’S DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY
HRH The Princess Royal visited Lenzie in East Dunbartonshire today (19 October 2017) to open a new centre designed to improve the lives of Scottish adults living with deafblindness
Deafblind Scotland’s Learning and Development Centre ‘Field of Dreams’ – a first of its kind in Scotland – has opened its doors after a decade of planning, campaigning and fundraising.
Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the £2million state-of-the-art facility which will become a place where the charity’s 800 plus members can socialise and find support.
With advanced technology designed to help people who have lost both sight and hearing, the centre is acoustically neutral with sound and light absorbing surfaces. The space includes an arts facility, IT high-tech room and a recording studio which allows Deafblind Scotland members to keep in touch with the rest of the world.
Bob Nolan, Chair of Deafblind Scotland, said: “After 10 years of hard work, fundraising and public support, we were so proud to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and our members here today to mark this special occasion.
“As the only charity in Scotland to support adults who acquire deafblindness at some stage in their life, we wanted to create a centre where members could meet and interact. In 2007, we identified the perfect location in Lenzie which became our ‘Field of Dreams’ – a vacant space where we could turn our idea into a reality.”
Ruth Dorman, CEO at Deafblind Scotland, added: “Having supported Deafblind adults in Scotland for over 25 years, we aim to have a society in which deafblind people have the permanent support and recognition necessary to be equal citizens.
“With an increasing prevalence of deafblindness being identified in Scotland, accessibility features and assistance for someone with a single sensory impairment are often not suitable for those with severe dual sensory loss. This can mean that deafblind people can become isolated from the community in which they live. We hope our centre will provide everything our members could need to make them feel at home in the community.”
Deafblind Scotland is keen for its ‘Field of Dreams’ to lead by example, demonstrating the necessary adaptions that builders, architects and local authorities should take into consideration to support the lives of those who are severely dual sensory impaired.
The charity’s funding for the centre was significantly boosted by a generous £600,000 donation from Glaswegian philanthropist Gordon Neasham, who made Deafblind Scotland a major beneficiary of his estate in his will. Finding out about the donation months after his passing, it’s the largest donation the charity has received to date. In memory of Mr Neasham’s kindness, Deafblind Scotland approached East Dunbartonshire Council to have the road leading into the centre named as ‘Neasham Drive’.
Mrs Dorman continued: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity shown from organisations and been encouraged by creative efforts from many individuals on how they’ve managed to raise funds, the ideas have been plentiful and they have all worked terrifically well.
“We would like to extend a huge thanks to everyone involved in this project that have helped make our dreams come true. We hope our Learning and Development Centre ‘Field of Dreams’ will encourage communication between deafblind people and sighted hearing people, helping them to live as rightful members of their local communities.”
Mrs Drena O’Malley MBE, former CEO of Deafblind Scotland, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see our hopes and wishes turned into a reality 10 years after we first discussed it. Having HRH open the centre is just the biggest thrill for all of us.”
Deafblind Scotland offers a variety of services such as communication and linguistic access advice, navigating self-directed support, information and formatting services, welfare rights support, accredited training and a specialist guide/communicator service.
To find out more about Deafblind Scotland, including fundraising or volunteering opportunities, please visit https://dbscotland.org.uk, call 0141 777 6111 or email info@dbscotland.org.uk.
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