From: Gordon Chapman [Gordon@deafconnections.co.uk]
Sent: 14 February 2011 12:20
To: DWP Consultation DLAReform
Subject: Deaf Connections

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Having read the executive summary, our organisation would like to raise 2 specific points1. 

1.     Assessment: We appreciate the need to review all cases to ascertain their needs to any financial support but are concerned that, when dealing with profoundly Deaf people who need access to British Sign Language, you will have sufficient resources available to undertake such assessments in an objective manner

2.     New Technologies: We note that you are keen to develop new ways to support disabled people. We ask if consideration has been given to the use of online interpreting to enable Deaf people greater flexibility with their daily needs. You will recognise that, for most profoundly Deaf people, communication and language issues are the biggest factors that affect their lives. However, to date, interpreters are in short supply and are expensive to use due to the current charging policies. However, by using online interpreting facilities, it is now possible to enable a deaf person to access an interpreter virtually “on demand” and the new charging mechanisms mean that the user is only charged for the actual time the interpreting was actually interpreting. There are no minimum charges or travel costs.

We would be happy to elaborate on any of these points if required

Gordon Chapman

 

 

 

 

Gordon Chapman

Chief Executive

Deaf Connections

100 Norfolk Street

Glasgow G5 9EJ

Scotland

 

Direct Telephone:  ++44 (0) 141 420 2802

Main Office:           ++44 (0) 141 420 1759

Fax:                         ++44 (0) 141 429 6860

Web: www.deafconnections.co.uk

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Deaf Connections (Formally known as The Glasgow & West of Scotland Society for the Deaf) is a registered Scottish Charity (Charity Number: SC003493) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (Company Number: 133325).

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