Update from Alison
We’re looking for stories
August means many things: the spectacular sight of sunflowers turning their heads in unison towards the rays; the scent of lavender in the wind, and seabirds nesting on rocks and islands like this one, the Bass Rock off the coast of East Lothian.
What does August mean to you? Do particular months bring particular challenges? How do you approach back to school and meeting your kids’ new teachers when you have hearing loss? What do you need to overcome to get to your holiday destination? We’re looking for stories!
Everyone has a story. Every person in these photos has their own story.
As humans we relate to each other’s stories. Through our personal stories, we create connections; we understand that others have the same hopes and fears as we do and most powerfully, through stories others can gain some understanding and empathy of something they have not personally experienced.
As Hearing Link Services volunteers you will have listened to many people’s stories. These stories can help us to share the understanding of hearing loss and what that means which, in turn, creates a better understanding of what we do and why we do it.
Can you help us by thinking about stories you have been told and sharing them with us? They can of course be anonymous, but it would be wonderful if you were able to get permission to share someone’s story.
Little stories, long stories, in-between anecdotes, it doesn’t matter, we want to hear them.
Please get in touch. You can email me or – and I’d love this – you can meet with me over Teams to have a chat about it.
Google Recognises a Pioneering Figure in the Deaf Community
Did you spot the Google Doodle on Monday (19 August) honouring BSL poet Dorothy (Dot) Miles? Dot became deaf after contracting meningitis at the age of 8.
She became a passionate advocate for inclusion and equality and in April 2024 a Purple Plaque (celebrating Remarkable Women in Wales) was unveiled outside her childhood home, 27 Westbourne Avenue, Rhyl by her niece, Liz Deverill
Her poetry is evocative and mesmerising. Some of you have told me you are interested in British Sign Language. Whether you want to learn it or not, it’s well worth having a look at the expressive and fascinating art form of BSL poetry.
Language for the Eye by Dorothy Miles
Hold a tree in the palm of your hand,
or topple it with a crash.
Sail a boat on finger waves,
or sink it with a splash.
From your fingertips see a frog leap,
at a passing butterfly.
The word becomes the picture
in the language for the eye.
Follow the sun from rise to set,
or bounce it like a ball.
Catch a fish in a fishing net,
or swallow it bones and all.
Make traffic scurry,
or airplanes fly,
and people meet and part.
The word becomes the action in this language of the heart