The importance of accessible Advocacy in the community
07/11/2023
Highlighting the need for accessible advocacy, Independent Deaf Advocate Kim has written an inciteful blog about her journey and the barriers deaf and hard-of-hearing people face. Kim works for RAD (Royal Association for Deaf People) in partnership with Cloverleaf Advocacy to support people with their advocacy needs in the Calderdale area.
My name is Kim, and I am one of the Independent Deaf Advocates at the Royal Association for Deaf People. I am currently working towards my Level 4 qualification in Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Independent Care Act Advocacy and Community Advocacy. I am also a profoundly deaf BSL user. Our advocacy team provides independent advocacy to deaf and hard-of-hearing people all over the UK, and my role focuses on providing advocacy support to deaf people in Calderdale.
There are lots of reasons why deaf people might need a deaf advocate; a key reason is that it removes the need for a BSL interpreter and allows for much smoother, easier communication.
It also means that the advocacy partners can build a direct connection and the support is centred around when the advocacy partner is available, rather than having to book a BSL interpreter first. Therefore, the support is accessible for deaf people.
A deaf advocate will have more knowledge of 'deaf issues' as they are deaf aware and understand deaf culture. For example, being given a phone number to contact a hospital department and no other accessible contact method.
Deaf people might need extra time and support to have information and options explained to them. Deaf people might also need extra support to understand written English for any letters received.
Another reason for a deaf advocate to support a deaf person is that deaf people often want another deaf person to be present with them in a room full of hearing professionals, to feel they have someone who is there for them and will ensure the meeting is accessible, and to fully break down and explain any information with them.
RAD and Cloverleaf Advocacy have partnered together to ensure deaf people in Calderdale have access to a deaf advocate for statutory advocacy cases. We support all deaf people in their preferred communication method.
RAD and Cloverleaf are also working together to provide a series of BSL-accessible videos to explain what advocacy is and how we can support deaf people. Referrals and enquiries can be made to advocacy@royaldeaf.org.uk or referrals@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk
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