'Look at me'

Deaf Awareness Week logo

This week, (28 June - 4 July 2010) is Deaf Awareness Week when organisations working with deaf people across the country are inviting everyone to 'Look At Me'. The theme aims to improve understanding of the different types of deafness by highlighting the many different methods of communication used by deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people, such as sign language and lip reading.

Supported by over one hundred deaf charities and organisations under the umbrella of the UK Council on Deafness, Deaf Awareness Week involves a UK wide series of national and local events. "The UK Council on Deafness are delighted to coordinate the all-inclusive Deaf Awareness Week campaign, promoting the positive aspects of deafness, social inclusion and raising awareness of the huge range of local and national organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are raising awareness of special smoke alarm systems, which could save the life of a person with hearing loss in the event of a fire. Deaf Awareness Week is an ideal opportunity for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing, or knows someone who is, to make sure they have alarms that meet their needs.

Working with various partners, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are providing and fitting additional smoke alarm equipment for those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment and are at significant risk of fire. Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the vital early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape. People who are deaf or hard of hearing obviously need alternative ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated, this may include vibrating pads and flashing strobe lights.

Deputy County Fire Officer Jim Owen said: “Our job is to protect every member of our community and we must cater our service to meet their needs. This is just one of many examples of how we are working with partners to do this. I believe that this initiative will go a long way to improving the safety of people in Greater Manchester who have some form of hearing impairment”.