Our Aim: A society in which deafblind people have the permanent support and recognition necessary to be equal citizens.
Scottish Charity No. SC 031167
Company Reg. No. 216974
Best viewed in 800x600.
Thousands of children across Scotland are benefiting from our free schools training. We offer exciting and interesting lesson plans based around hearing and sight and what happens when these senses don’t work properly. Both primary and secondary pupils are given an insight into deafblindness by deafblind people themselves. As well as developing an awareness and appreciation of the difficulties faced, they also find out how these obstacles can be overcome.
Youngsters can learn Deafblind Manual, the tactile and simple language through which deafblind people communicate. During a literally a ‘hands-on’ experience we can teach them how to have a conversation with a dual sensory impaired person. During 2004-5 more than 5000 schoolchildren made the grade when it came to learning Deafblind Manual. From the largest secondary school in Europe with nearly 2000 pupils, to the smallest in Scotland with only four children, the response of students and teachers alike has been fantastic.
Click here to view the Deafblind Manual Alphabet
Our awareness training also helps schools work towards the Scottish Executive’s aim of teaching our young people about citizenship. Through meeting deafblind people children learn about the importance of valuing people from other cultures. The sessions help to break down stereotypes and build a positive approach and attitude towards disabilities. They also encourage youngsters to think more deeply about the meaning of community.
It goes without saying that there are costs involved in encouraging the next generation to develop very necessary skills. We are grateful if schools can raise a little money to support our work.
For instance, a class of children can take home a Small Change Big Difference Box to collect their small change. There are also a number of interesting fundraising events schools can link into, such as Red & White Day, which takes place during Deafblind Awareness Week. Contact us for more information.
That said, learning about deafblindness is the most important aim of our work with schoolchildren. For more information, email school@deafblindscotland.org.uk.
