'Deaf People can Travel'

Durham, 19 May 2012, Jim Edwards ,Chair of UKCoD attended National Association of Deafened People AGM and Conference held at the prestigious Mount Oswald Manor & Golf Course.

The theme was “Deaf People can Travel !” with excellent line up of speakers.

Brian Seaman

Brian Seaman from Tourism for All presented with an open mind, learning about deafness issues but at the same time brought different dimension to other disabilities as well.

Brian spoke about a survey that had been undertaken in New Zealand in 2011with travellers who had a hearing loss. Details of the survey’s findings can be found at: http://www.nztri.org/research-travelling-with-hearing-loss.

An excellent website helping to choose right accommodation and travel plans can be found at http://www.openbritain.net/openbritain/ worth checking!

Personally I can vouch for Scandic Hotels chain as one of the best disability friendly hotels. At the Scandic in Copenhagen, I was provided with dual fire alarm/ alarm clock which works in any room not just disabled room. This provision should be available in all hotels as part of Equality Act and the duty of care placed on service providers.The Disability Ambassador of Scandic Hotels, Magnus Berglund works for the chain and is partially blind, he trains staff constantly on disability awareness. I must say the results are impressive! For more information look at Scandic hotels website http://www.scandichotels.com/settings/Common-hotel-links/Special-needs/

If you are looking to provide training why not check one of Deaf Awareness Providers in your area? http://www.getdeafaware.org.uk/why_get_deaf_aware.

Two more speakers Paul Hanmer and Caroline Sayers were entertaining attendees with personal accounts of their travels bringing a chuckle to all.

This year NADP Conference saw a very worthy winner receiving Heather Jackson Award. Ruth Myers Chairman of TAG http://www.deaftag.org.uk/ , tireless campaigner and advocate for quality of telecommunication access was humbled by it and her speech reminded as all about Heather Jackson and her work for all deafened people. As always Ruth was very modest about her own work!

Ruth Myers

Congratulations from us all Ruth!

Lidia Best
NADP Vice- Chair