Hard of hearing awareness training is available to organisations, groups and individuals. Customers may opt to take a course leading to a recognised CACDP qualification, for example CACDP Deaf Awareness or CACDP Communication Tactics with Deaf and Deafblind People. Alternatively, customers may wish to tailor training to their own specific requirements

A typical course could include the following modules:

• Definitions - defining deafness and hearing loss.
• Facts and figures - statistics relating to deaf and hard of hearing people.
• The Anatomy of the Ear - a look at the ear and how we hear sound.
• Types and causes of deafness - including available medical interventions.
• Impact of deafness and hearing loss - effects on individual, family & others.
• Deaf v hard of hearing - Including big 'D' and little 'd' and a look at culture.
• Aids to hearing - hearing aids, bone anchored aids and cochlear implants.
• Lipreading - the role of lipreading in communication.
• Equipment solutions - technology and assistive devices to improve communication.
• Communication Tactics and Tips - guidance for hard of hearing and hearing people.
• Language service professionals - skilled professionals and how to book them.
• Organisations & groups - private, public and voluntary organisations, and community groups that can provide information, advice and support services.
• Tinnitus & Menieres Disease.
• Legislation - Disability Discrimination Act and the Human Rights Acts in context.
• Benefits & services - Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and others.

General awareness courses may be delivered in as little as two hours or up to two full days depending on customer requirements. Shorter courses may benefit those who want to increase their awareness but have little contact with deaf people. Those working with or for deaf people would benefit from more in depth courses.

Courses delivered by qualified deaf and hard of hearing tutors at Deaf Connections or at customer's own premises (subject to suitability). Communications support available for deaf and hard of hearing participants. Other support needs will be accommodated were possible - please tell us your needs at the time of booking.

We can provide tailored courses to help you understand your responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act and how to ensure that you comply with it.