We have provided below a collection of what we hope will be found to be useful resources for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or for those who care for or support them. If there is something you would like us to provide which is not here, please get in touch.
1) Let your face be seen
Make sure you are facing the light and no more than 6 feet away from someone.
2) Don't cover your mouth
Avoid smoking, eating or putting your hand in front of your mouth/face.
3) Speak slowly and clearly
Speak a little slower or louder but don't shout or exaggerate your speech - this makes lip reading much more difficult.
4) Rephrase or write things down
Some words and phrases may be harder to lip-read than others, so try using different words or write down the main points.
5) Be patient
Check you are being understood as you go along and don't be rushed. The more relaxed you are, the better you will be understood, and understand.
6) Avoid background noise
Background noise can interfere with the effectiveness or a hearing aid.
Download a one page leaflet which explains these tips in more detail.
The alphabet shown below is produced by Deaf Direct.
Download a larger version of the image above
Download an alternative document showing the Finger Spelling Alphabet (document produced by Action on Hearing Loss)
A loop system consists of one or more microphones and a small amplifier which acts as a transmitter to an 'aerial' or loop of wire which is placed around the outside of the area to be covered (e.g. fastened to the wall of the nave and chancel). The signal which is transmitted by this loop is picked up by each person's hearing aid when switched to the 'T' position, and the hearer then hears the sound exactly as it is heard at source, without any extraneous noises from elsewhere.
You can download a brief guide to loop systems here which explains the process for installation, helpful tips, things to consider and details of some firms who may be able to undertake the work for you.
You may find these statistics interesting:
1 in 6 people have hearing impairment.
1 in 3 over 60 have significant hearing loss.
2 in 3 over 70 have significant hearing loss.
1 in 1000 are born deaf or become deaf in their first 18 months of life.
1 in 500 are deafened and therefore have lost all useful hearing.
Although in recent years cochlea implants have been used for most deaf people from an early age, the “sound” produced is not the same as that for hearing people and requires considerable adaption. About 1 in 200 people will not benefit from a cochlea implant at all.
Oxfordshire Deaf Children's Society
Handy Voices - a mixed group of deaf and hearing signers in a singing choir.
Our LINK Magazine is published twice a year and sent out via email (and hard copy when requested). If you would like to receive a copy of LINK Magazine, please email the Pastoral, Finance and Administrative Secretary on odcdpastoralsecretary@outlook.com. The Magazine Editor, Susan Costar can be contacted by email: susancostar@btinternet.com. Some recent issues of the magazine are provided below for you to download.
ODCD works with deaf and hard of hearing people across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. //Find a church
Our Chaplaincy team are actively involved in supporting the deaf and hard of hearing in a variety of ways. //Meet the team
There are services and events taking place across the Diocese that you can get involved in. Our calendar provides details. //Find a service