COVID-19 holds changes and challenges for everyone but what about those who face challenges of a sensory nature? Throughout this pandemic the ‘vulnerable’ the shielders and the elderly have been acknowledged through specific programming and support measures. Does this include those with sight loss, hearing impairments and other communication problems?
What about those who lip read? This group need considerable support and aid. Do they have what they need? Are they now facing increased stress and anxiety about going out and how will this affect their confidence and mental health? Could this lead to isolation? Sadly, this group are not ‘exempt’ from other Long Term Health conditions or disabilities such as Pituitary Illnesses, Addison’s disease or neurological disorders, making the world an extremely challenging environment to navigate. This is clearly something that requires immediate attention.
Let’s explore………..
Last week we looked at ‘At one With Nature’ and how to embrace the calm and tranquility of our natural world has to offer, to benefit our mental health and physical well being. It seems to lead seamlessly into a world which those with sensory impairments would benefit from. But have they been recognised through the pandemic? Or has the world passed them by? Do they really want it quiet and how do the restrictions and safety measures in place affect their ability to function on a day to day basis? So this blog focuses on those with sight loss, hearing impairments and those for whom sensory input affects their ability to function and communicate with others in both home and social settings.
The reason we make this connection between sensory and nature is down to a much loved late Grandad and our first experience of someone with sight loss. A great anecdote to get us going and why we feel as we do. One of us aged just 6/7 was fascinated by the talking clock and during our visits he would regularly ask ‘what’s the time?’ so the button on top could be pressed! He was surrounded with ‘cassettes’ with talking books that he loved and borrowed from a local blind shop. He wouldn’t venture far but his garden was his sanctuary and we always had to have a ‘tour’ as he showed off his mass of fruit and veg! It brought him so much pleasure and joy.
Our connections and thoughts of those with hearing impairments and with deaf people stem mainly from Para-swimming, the lights on blocks, a young deaf girl taught at a Primary School where we used special radios with an attached piece on her hearing aid. We had to be so careful to remove this after lessons or she would get a running commentary of the staff room banter played out as she ran around the playground! So again the quiet was needed and it was crucial to ensure we talked to her face on even when directing the whole class. However, now with Time To Heal we do now have personal experience as well so this will be a helpful learning curve for us as we hope it will be for you.
A lot has changed since then, and this blog with technology and awareness being raised, we look to explore how things have progressed but first that ever looming dark cloud above us needs to be investigated and then we can move into support available right now and then how exercise and sport can be accessible to all who face this fearsome challenge. Plus some help for coaches and instructors to better engage and support this group into your activity as best as possible.
It’s a fascinating topic and don’t forget these participants could also be suffering with other long term medical conditions, other disabilities or already established mental health conditions.
These issues and observations are crucial to discuss, question and acknowledge before selecting our pathways and tackling the real problems at the heart of keeping this group involved in society and able to engage in activities at home and outside that support their mental health and their physical well being. A few things that we have noticed to start with and then a more detailed look at what help is available, warning signs of difficulty and ways to approach and support those in need with practical, helpful, empathetic but non patronising guidance and care.
Nicola Sturgeon holds her daily press conference with someone signing in the background and yet only once have we seen that on anything that Boris Johnson or his Cabinet members have delivered over the course of the pandemic. So why are they so far behind? Subtitles are obviously deemed to be enough.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is introducing and producing masks that are clear to support those who are hard of hearing and rely on lip reading but imagine how this must feel and is this really enough? Is it going to spread wide enough? By observation when out the screens are clear but masks are a choice and with fashion, comfort and personal choice can we expect everyone to wear clear ones to support this group? Many fashion stores are selling masks so will consumers gravitate to those? After all we cannot dictate to people what they wear, they must be comfortable in their own shoes so a difficult balance to hit.
Communication is going to be a key topic that needs exploring within the groups that this blog is focused upon. How the individual or group wish to be helped, do they even know what help is available to them or where to turn? Could you make a difference to someones life?
Could there be Advantages for some?
This may seem like a strange question. In some ways there is an advantage to social distancing. For those with mental health problems the distance from others can be beneficial as we battle with voices and wonder what is true and what is not. What about travel? With less people using public transport is it easier for those with conditions affected by noise volumes? Are there more people walking and cycling, adding in additional difficulties for all sensory groups.
Or have what could be potentially supportive measures being over turned by the fear of going out, getting too close to people, navigating the one way trips around supermarkets. What about us as a nation? Are we prepared to approach someone to ask if they need help or will that cause offence? Will we startle them and make matters worse? Are they avoiding going out altogether?
Blind & Partially Sighted Support and Guidance
Over the last few weeks you may like us have seen a poignant advert with a little girl being helped by the Guide Dogs Society to practice finding her new classroom with simple strips of tape, counting, feel of objects and her white stick. Did you have any idea that they worked with children like this? Long before they have a guide dog. You can read her inspiring story at the link below as she prepares to start school.
This encouraged some research digging and made us really think about small things that can make a massive difference, including enabling blind and partially sighted people to have the confidence to actually accept packages delivered to them at home. Something so simple to most, but how do they know who is at the door and what they may be offering? Some steps such as having a password, ringing ahead and keeping a safe distance are all simple recommendations by the RNIB. (Royal National Institute For The Blind)
They also state that;
‘If you know anyone with a guide dog did you realise that you should’t ever take that dog for a walk? ‘So If you are asked by a guide dog owner to take their dog for a walk, explain to them that you are unable to do this. Advise them to contact us for advice on 0345 143 0229’
They continue with;
‘If a guide dog owner tells you they are concerned about the health or well-being of their dog, advise them to call us or you can call us yourself'.(https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/covid19/assisting-people-with-sight-loss#guide-dog-owners)
So some key signs to look for and then the help that they need and if you know someone living with sight loss or has a guide dog, then these are helpful pointers and alarm bell indicators.
RNIB & Guide Dogs Charity
At Time to Heal we sponsor a guide dog and when the latest ‘Pup update’ arrived we were transfixed by this group that may have been forgotten. Guide Dogs are incredible but how on earth do they learn the skills they need to navigate this new world? What has lockdown done to those who have guide dogs. In a September update letter from the Guide Dogs Charity Terry’s story really will tug at your heart strings. Not only did he loose his sight only a few years ago he was just starting his training with guide dog to be Spencer when lockdown occurred and so did the training. This was so important to him since prior to this he tried to use a cane but on occasions he recalls this hideous and senseless acts of ignorance and lack of awareness
‘I once accidentally touched someones car with my cane, and a guy jumped out and started pushing me and swearing at me. Another time a lady honked her horn at me while I was walking along the pavement, and I was terrified because I thought I must have ended up on the road somehow - but it turns out she’d wanted to park on the pavement’.(guide dogs.org.uk September 2020)
Are those with sight loss staying home more? Are they now also reliant on the public to support and give them guidance without coming across as overly invasive of the person’s privacy? Will they stay home and does it mean that their daily walks and travel are lessened and then the downfall of exercise levels and mental health problems kicking in? That’s a lot of questions and we don’t have all the answers but it’s something that really needs attention.
This is an extremely helpful selection of supportive measures that includes;
Helpline
Increased online and phone support
Hospital Eye Centres
Online store
Borrowing Books Programme
Click the link below for greater detail.
As we have seen Guide dogs for the blind work with a wide range of people who are born with sight loss or those who loose their site as they age or suffer a trauma or injury. If you are inspired to support then the link below has many options, including advocacy, volunteering from home and bringing in speakers to better inform groups of the challenges people are facing.
You may also have seen the advert with a blind lady using Alexa to help her know if there is rain or not, so she can dress appropriately before leaving the house. An extension of the technology we use everyday. So simple, so important and an update on Grandad’s talking clock! Something that many of us take for granted for playing our music or remembering when to do things but something that must help blind and partially sighted people immensely and could potentially be brought into exercise and sporting environments.
Deaf and Hearing loss Impairments
Since lockdown we have experienced phone call appointments, video call conference and now two actual at hospital appointments and there are definite differences and changes that some may find difficult. Layouts are strange, chairs are spread, less people around in the waiting rooms.
But one significant thing for us was the fact that we didn’t see anyone with a ‘clear mask / PPE’. All had normal masks and used sanitiser or gloves on examinations. That goes right from the reception staff, to the Doctors, support staff and the cafes. Something that was quite poignant. Would they on request change this for the deaf and hearing impaired? We would hope so if they are reliant on lip reading. Do they have the technology at home to access these appointments? Perhaps the older and more vulnerable could struggle here. So who do we now turn to?
We’ll begin with a quote from Hearing Dogs For The Deaf who say that (we’ll discover a lot more about this charity later on) ‘Isolation, stress and loneliness’ can occur frequently as they explain;
‘Deaf people can often feel isolated or lonely. This is because they can have difficulty interacting with people on a day-to-day basis, so they feel disconnected from friends, family, their community and the world around them. They want to express themselves, be independent, live life to the full, and do all the things that others may take for granted'.(https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/helping-deaf-people/)
Given the additional issues of lockdown it makes it even harder to comprehend the fear and connection with others that is so important.
British Deaf Foundation
The British Deaf Association seems like an ideal place to head to next. They provide COVID19 Support. In the link you will find information about COV-ID, including signs, myths and ways to stay safe and well.
British Deaf News is a great resource that is recommended by the British Deaf Association.
They are quoted as saying that;
‘Deafness is one of the most common disabilities, and is so much more than a loss of hearing; it affects each D/deaf person in many ways, from, language, cognition, barriers in their daily life, lack of access and most importantly; communication. There are ways to communicate with D/deaf people and to make conversation accessible’.
They have some top tips on this awareness page.
These include;
Finding out how they communicate
Learning some sign language
Being Yourself
Checking your surrounding
Never giving up!
Following on from the above is a great article that goes into Communication Tips in a lot more detail and a fantastic way to help deaf people to overcome some of that isolation.
The 20th September saw International Sign Language Day and the content of this is still available to view as is a great video called Sign Language For Everyone.
Government Support
Face masks for helping hard of hearing / deaf are certainly a great start as we mentioned above.
You can read the full document from Matt Hancock (Health Secretary) here. A simple measure to communicate with a neighbour, colleague or friend who does rely on the lip reading aspect of communication and can also face so many challenges to pull them through.
Hearing Dogs For The Deaf
There are numerous inspiring stories that you can read on the Hearing Dogs Website. However, they have six main areas of specialism that clearly demonstrate their role in supporting those around us who hard deaf and hard of hearing. They are;
Training clever dogs
Helping deaf people to reconnect with life
Saving lives
Aiming to help as many people as possible
Ensuring the match of person and dog is the best it can be
Having passionate staff and fantastic volunteers to help them meet their goals.
We love this link below on how Hearing Dogs For The Deaf are supporting Deaf people and their dogs through the corona Virus. It includes some great images of the dogs perfecting their skills of smoke alert indication and practicing basic skills with the use of envelopes and tennis balls while experimenting and investigating new equipment to improve their sensory training. Use this link to see for yourself what can be achieved at home.
Click here for some more in depth knowledge about how a hearing dog can help and support a deaf person and completely transform their lives.
With Christmas fast approaching this link to the Hearing Shop would be a great place to visit and support anyone you know with hearing problems. These include Clear masks and ones to alert others that the wearer needs to lip read. Imagine what a difference this could make to enable someone to participate or for yourself to inform people but also make them aware, without having to try and communicate what they mean. Many masks have writing on so hopefully this could lead to better understanding and encourage people to think about switching masks or where safe to remove their mask for a conversation.
Sport & Exercise Accessibility
Now let’s focus on what we can do to engage these groups in specific sport and exercise activities and venues. Key to their mental health just like everyone else. Remember to look for the right level and do what you can safely and comfortably achieve both as a coach or instructor or as an athlete or participant. Hopefully, some helpful links and tips here will get you started.
Our sporting connections with Blind, Partially Sighted and Deaf people has been through para-swimming at training, participation and of course watching the Paralympics. The simplicity of lights on the blocks to indicate to deaf swimmers when to dive but it is more complex than that!
Then the ‘doppers’ the coaches use to warn swimmers they are close to the wall or the amazing ability to count strokes at different paces to get to the wall at the correct time and allowing themselves not to constantly head butt the wall but tumble turn just right whilst maintaining a straight line and in warm ups at major events where there are so many in a lane warming up they still manage to adapt and avoid other swimmers. Something very complex to achieve and takes a lot of trust and hard work to establish effectively.
We have watched and marvelled at the ability of athletes to put so much trust in their guide runners across the athletics timetable. The support, communication, determination and talent combined to make that partnership so special. Giving your all to allow another to succeed at the highest level of sport is something quite remarkable.
Sadly, we don’t see the deaf competing in the Paralympics (Although they do have their own event) but the trust they have to place in their coaches and team mates and the need for acceptance with small changes that don’t make them ‘stand out’ but feel supported and welcomed are going to be essential and yet again the communication between athlete and coach required for them and participants of exercise classes to actually achieve the best technique, understand the team techniques or know what safety measures need to be adhered to in order to attain maximum potential and thrive in a sporting environment.
Plus in sports such as swimming once those hearing aids are out the world goes ‘silent’ and they enter a whole new world yet again.
Therefore, we are searching beyond our normal channels in order to support you in finding something that you can enjoy at your own level. Hopefully, some helpful links and tips here will get you started.
Activity Alliance are a leading organisation in Inclusive Sport. They have numerous documents on how to integrate deaf and blind people into your sport and exercise sessions and generally a good place to start. They also post events and actively promote activities for all disabilities and levels. They also have a great newsletter that you can subscribe to. A full range of activities can be found for all types of disabilities so great for coaches and potential participants.
British Blind Sport is a great place to start if blind and Partially Sighted is your aim!
This organisation aims to; ’Pride itself on making a visible difference through sport as we know that taking the first step into participating in a sporting or recreational activity can change lives for the better’( https://britishblindsport.org.uk/about/)
They have produced some great ideas and support specifically aimed the response to the pandemic and supporting those blind and partially sighted back into activity.
Search for activities in your area with this handy Activity Finder
If you aren’t up to exercising outside of the home right now then you are not alone and there are also some great ideas to get you going here, including yoga, pilates, boxercise and activities for children.
First Steps is a great programme for children designed for 3-11 year olds to ‘provide children with all the tools they need to take their first steps to leading a more active life. Our aim is that the First Steps pack will help give children the confidence to join a local, accessible sports club by learning the basics in a fun, supportive environment’ (https://britishblindsport.org.uk/firststeps/).
Theres also a great video that you can watch.If you know a child who has sight loss or you work with someone that does they can get this pack once signed up here. Then you can take-up an invitation to a family day where you can meet others and then try out some different exercise and sporting activities. The long term goal is to integrate them into something they enjoy whilst still young. A truly innovative and potentially life changing activity, not just for the child but for the whole family. You never know you could end up with a potential Paralympian on your hands!
UK Deaf Sport
The key organisation supporting Deaf People’s participation in sport and exercise is UK Deaf Sport.
Their Vision is to have;
‘Every Deaf Person Active & Inspired By Sport and Physical Activity’.
With their mission continuing and committing to;
‘Leading Opportunities For More Deaf People To Participate In Sport Throughout Their Lives & More Deaf Athletes To Perform On The World Stage’. (https://ukdeafsport.org.uk/about-ukds/)
They have all the information you need for performance sport and the Deaflympics (clearly affected by the corona-virus at the moment). There’s a newsletter to sign up to to learn all about the opportunities to participate and also to learn about athletes selected for top events, how they get their accreditation and all the support anyone with a hearing impairment could possibly need.
You can see how important that is through this Making Sport Accessible Sheet which gives you some background knowledge on top sports participated in, methods of communication, barriers and the amount of people who are actually participating already.
Another resource for coaches around deaf sport and for participants is the Inclusive Sport Initiative launched back in 2011 and still very much at the heart of building provision and inclusivity. You can keep up to date with the latest news on their Facebook Page.
Supporting Deaf People To Particiapte in Sport is a comprehensive document that can help us as it’s produced by experts at Activity Alliance who are supporting those with hearing difficulties to become more active. Of course it’s reaching out to them first before anything else occurs, but this guidance could really help and it works both ways. Participants need to make it clear to others especially the instructors and coaches of their needs.
Whilst this will still leave some questions and observations unanswered we feel these links and thoughts can only lead to better understanding, compassion and the unlocking of resources and contacts that could easily be adapted to support a wide range of medical, physical and mental well being challenges that are faced by those with a sensory impairment. Unlocking opportunities for this group is so important to avoid the isolation and anxiety that they already feel. However, staying within your comfort zone is important.
Alongside this, remember that exercise doesn’t need to be an organised activity. As last weeks blog on At One With Nature showed just getting outdoors in the garden or a local green space for a few minutes can make a huge difference.
Whatever journey you decide to take then we hope it is successful, fulfilling and enjoyable. That you can find something you love and cherish that supports both your mental and physical well being. So for now as always, please be safe, adhere to COVID guidance but either reach out to someone, welcome someone or approach someone and get active together!
Coming up next week;
Mental health Awareness For Sports Clubs
This blog gives coaches and participants some crucial but simple ways to understand and make accessible sport and exercise sessions in a way that looks after everyone. In the first instance we will discuss how it is vital that the coach, instructor or volunteer has the strength themselves to be in control of their mental health before we look to consider how they can approach those with mental health problems within the group.
It is inspired around a fantastic course that comes highly recognised by the Time To Heal Team.The online course offered and delivered by 1st4Sport which we have completed shares a huge amount of information and resources that are practical and easy to implement. It requires an open mind and the desire to actually want to help those with Mental Health Conditions.
Don’t worry we won’t give all the secrets away BUT we will start to get you on your journey and then hopefully you will see the importance and value of the course and complete it yourself!
Comments