More than a tick box approach needed for those with disabilities

Internationally renowned poet Raymond Antrobus has written a fascinating book on living with deafness. The Quiet Ear chronicles Antrobus's life growing up as a mixed race male with deafness in 1990s Hackney. The struggle was, at first, be accepted - this led to confusion and isolation. Things improved when he went to a school for deaf children, Blanche Nevile in Hackney. Several teachers made a real difference to Antrobus's life. He continued with his writing. In the end, Antrobus came to recognise deafness as almost a way of life, rather than a condition to be endured. Something, even, to celebrate. What the book brings home is how antiquated British society is when it comes to dealing with conditions like deafness. At best you get the there, there pat on the head type approach. More usual, though, is to totally ignore those with the condition. A real tick box mentality pervades the culture. Yet, so many have hearing issues, from those like Antrobus born with deafness to the many who lose hearing along the way. A more inclusive society would recognise hearing issues. If people speak directly, clearly and visibly then many people will be able to hear better. There is assistance. Hearing aids, hearing loops signing all help. The NHS tries but the approach is often token. Dish out the hearing aids and then the person can get on with it. Come back again in four years. A lack of care. monitoring and support. The lack of resourcing is reflected in the fact that there are now more people with hearing difficulties, yet fewer schools and other support institutions than 20 years ago. It has not been easy being a councillor on Redbridge council with hearing difficulties over the past few years. A fellow councillor, with a number of disabilities is Rosa Gomez of Churchfields ward. Rosa lost most of her sight and use of her hands, after being shot 11 years ago in Columbia. Yet, this did not stop Rosa becoming a powerful advocate for the community. Her popularity resulted in an increased majority at the last election. Life has not been easy for Rosa trying to fulfil her role as a councillor. She has cncountered many obstacles along the way. There is much to be learnt to make things easier and more inclusive for future councillors with disabilities. The likes of Rosa Gomez and Raymond Antrobus are champions for those with disabilities. They show what can be done. However, much more needs to be done if the UK is to become a genuinely, inclusive caring society for everyone living here.