In today’s world, technology offers numerous advantages, constantly evolving to benefit users.  However, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of human notetakers amidst this technological advancement.   Options for Notetaking: In Person Notetakers: Direct interaction: Students can ask questions and refer to notes in real-time, whether handwritten or on a screen. Remote Notetakers: Modern convenience: Lecture recordings are sent to notetakers who produce notes tailored to individual students within a specified time frame. Technology-Based Notetaking: Automated transcription: Tra ..read more

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address the unique challenges faced by deaf individuals in accessing government services and resources. The government has announced the ambition for the UK to be the most accessible place in the work.  The Disability Action Plan, through its various initiatives and commitments, aims to improve the lives of all disabled individuals, including those who are deaf or have a hearing loss. Let’s delve into some of the key outcomes of the Disability Action Plan specifically related to the deaf community. 1. Improved and Ac ..read more

As part of our series introducing you to our team members, we sat down for a chat with Mirapher, who is our Executive Assistant. Mirapher Ungnon Where are you from? I am from the Philippines. I was born and raised on the vibrant island of Mindanao. However, driven by my desire to pursue higher education, I relocated to Cebu, where I completed my college studies, embarked on my career path, and built my own family.   What have you done in your career until now? Throughout my career, I’ve gained extensive experience in the Customer Service industry, spanning a period of 15 years ..read more

Access to Work has been an extremely useful employment support initiative. Created by the UK government, it was established to bridge the gap between disabilities and the workplace. It has helped individuals with disabilities or health conditions, offering practical and financial assistance that ensures that everyone gets a fair chance to enter and thrive in their chosen profession. In this article, we’d like to dive into the recent changes in the AtW process. We’ll be discussing how things have improved, and how these new features will help you throughout your Access to Work experience! Be ..read more

As part of our series introducing you to our team members, we sat down to chat with Danielle, who works as Finance Officer. Danielle Graham Where are you from? My life has mostly been based in North Essex. However, I did spend a lot of time during my teen years in Newbury/Reading in Berkshire for my education.   What have you done in your career until now? All sorts! I’ve been an actress, workshop facilitator, bar staff, Senior Support Worker, Housing Officer, events coordinator, post-woman and bookkeeper… I have probably missed a few out! I love to learn anything and everythi ..read more

This article explores deaf identity and how deaf people perceive the label ‘disabled’. The Contrast Between “deaf” and “Deaf” The difference between “deaf” (lowercase) and “Deaf” (uppercase) is something that should be brought awareness to! It isn’t just a difference in spelling but a difference in identity, self-perception, and engagement with society. People who are “deaf” (lowercase ‘d’) use both spoken and written language, and many use British Sign Language (BSL). These individuals comfortably navigate both the deaf community and the hearing world. On the other hand, “Deaf” individual ..read more

Whether a customer is deaf or hearing, their experience with a business will undoubtedly impact both their loyalty to the business and the likelihood of recommending the business to others. If they have a good experience with your business then they are also more likely to return, and choose your business over a competitor. Business is competitive. We believe that one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is through a truly exceptional customer experience. When we consider that 1 in 5 individuals in the UK has a hearing loss, we can appreciate the significant size of the ..read more

Last night, a brand-new report was launched by the Lending Standards Board (LSB), Access for d/Deaf customers in banking & credit, aimed at guiding financial services on how to create accessible services for d/Deaf customers. The LSB is the primary self-regulatory body for the banking industry, and their Codes compliment the statutory regulation. Nationwide Building Society hosted the event with over 100 people in attendance from across the financial services sector and the d/Deaf community. Where did this all begin? Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Nationwide Building ..read more

There are lots of types of Communication Professionals, but in this piece we want to delve more into what it is like being a notetaker. Did you know that our very own Bookings Co-Ordinator, Caroline is a qualified notetaker for deaf students?  We are super excited to share an informative Q&A with Caroline, so you can learn more about what the role involves – and learn a little more about one of the members of our bookings team! Why did you choose this profession exactly? Why are you passionate about it? I love the idea of supporting our students throughout the whole of their de ..read more

As part of our series introducing you to our team members, we sat down to chat with Aneta, who works as Deaf Consultant. Aneta Falkiewicz Where are you from? I was born in Poland and have lived in the UK since 2007, and double citizenship makes England feel like home.   What have you done in your career until now? Many things! I was an insurance agent, student activist, journalist about Polish deaf issues, national events organiser and coordinator in Poland, factory worker, support & care worker, caseworker, and deaf advocate. I was also a Polish blogger and recently publi ..read more