Cash boost for Tayside deaf services

SERVICES for deaf and hearing-impaired people in Tayside have been further supported with a funding increase from Perth and Kinross Council.

It is the second rise in funding for Tayside Association of the Deaf.

Under a service level agreement with the association, the council’s contribution was increased from £29,282 in 2007-08 to £46,603 in 2008-09, and this year to £47,765. The association provides information, support and advice to deaf and hearing-impaired people across Tayside.

It works with the council to provide social work support and to provide a sign language and interpreting service.

Housing and health convener councillor Peter Barrett said the association’s work is “essential” in the delivery of council services.

He said: “Tayside Association for the Deaf employs professional social workers who are trained to communicate with deaf and hearing-impaired people.

“This work is essential in making sure that deaf people have equal access to services and it’s only right that this is recognised in our funding arrangement. We hope to continue to work closely in partnership with the association in future to ensure effective services are developed for deaf and hearing-impaired people.”

Liz Watson, association manager, said the group is the only voluntary organisation working with deaf people in Tayside.

She said: “It has been in existence for 115 years, working to enable deaf people to access services available in the wider community, and to promote the interests of deaf and hard of hearing people.

“As a registered charity, the association has provided added value to residents by providing free lip-reading classes for people who are hard of hearing and wish to improve their communication skills.”