THE Welsh Ambulance Service has joined forces with the British Sign Language Project to make sure that deaf people know how to access its services.
Rhyl paramedic Tony Stephens, along with British Sign Language Interpreter Joanne Williams, paid a visit to Rhyl Deaf Club, at Hafan Deg Day Centre, Grange Road to give a presentation to members about the work of the ambulance service.
The paramedic
also took a frontline emergency vehicle to the centre for the group to have a look around.
The Welsh Ambulance Service's presentation to the club was made possible due to the support of BSL.
Apprentice Sign Language Interpreters Stephen Bostock and Lisa Kennealy, are based at the Welsh Ambulance Service Abergele Training Centre under the BSL Futures Project which is designed to increase access to interpreters across Wales.
An estimated 3,000 people use BSL in Wales as their first or preferred language. It is also recognised by the Welsh Assembly Government as a language in its own right.
Tony's presentation was communicated in British Sign Language and feedback from the Deaf Community members was translated into English by Joanne.
He said: "Thanks to the support of Joanne, the British Sign Language Interpreter, we were able to give the Rhyl Deaf Club an understanding of the work that we carry out in their local community. The event also gave us a good idea of what problems deaf people may encounter when using the ambulance service and what we can do to improve our service for them in the future."
Apprentice BSL/English Interpreter Lisa Kennealy, of Wrexham, explained the presentation was welcomed by the Deaf Community as an opportunity to share information with the Ambulance Service and raise awareness on both sides.
"People who are using BSL could face delays in trying to communicate their needs to people. They may have to call on the assistance of a friend to interpret, use lip-reading or cope with a pen or paper. All of which takes time.
"Thanks to the support for BSL by the Welsh Ambulance Service, staff in North Wales will be able to extend a bigger helping hand to the region's deaf community."
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