Deaf community members met up with representatives of Rotherham Federation of Tenants and Resident (RotherFed) and 2010 Rotherham recently at Rotherham Library to outline some of the barriers they face in getting involved in community activity and housing services.

Communication was the key barrier – attendees said that clear messages without jargon and good visual aids were required.

Text and email communication were championed by those present. Everyone who attended said that British Sign Language Interpreters were essential at all meetings they were invited too. One person suggested setting up a tenants and residents association(TARA) for hearing impaired members in Rotherham.

Steve Ruffle, Development Manager of RotherFed, said: “I have learnt so much from sitting down listening to the views of people today. Now I know that having an interpreter at our meetings is not simply tokenism or political correctness gone mad but a real essential requirement for involvement”.

Christine Staniforth, representing 2010 Rotherham, said “Deaf and hearing impaired customers of 2010 Rotherham are, like everyone, entitled to good quality housing services and need the same opportunities to be involved in decisions on the future of their homes and services as all council tenants.

Also attending the meeting were volunteer Board Members of RotherFed, Mary Jacques from Blackburn TARA and Derek Corkell from Windy Ridge TARA.

RotherFed’s next Delegates meeting is at 6pm on Tuesday 29th June 2010 at Springwell Gardens Community Centre on Eastwood View. This meeting is open to everyone and a British Sign Language interpreter will be in attendance .

To book your place contact RotherFed email info@rotherfed.org or by text on 07969 426707. A buffet will be served at 5.30pm.