a few words from the immediate past chair

It is always exciting to serve the deaf communities and to enhance public awareness of the issues that face Deaf and hard of hearing people, whatever their culture and creed, in their daily lives.

Our philosophy continues to be one of focussing on ability and not on disability, and to offer opportunities for deaf people to develop abilities and skills. Our services and projects complement statutory services, with whom we continue to work closely with as well as with other voluntary organisations.

The challenge for deafPLUS, in its 38th year, is to maintain a level of funding that enables us to provide quality services to meet identified needs and the demand for funding is ever increasing. Deafness does not have the universal appeal or visibility to attract funding, yet it affects 14.5% (or 9 million) people in the UK. Our priority is to ensure that that there is integration and equality of opportunity for deaf and hearing people.

Your interest and support is important, valuable and appreciated. Please assist us where you can.

Peter Howes, 2008

and from the chief executive

deafPLUS is entering into an exciting new phase in its 38 year history, moving forward to meet the demands of today’s world. Central services have been rationalised; plans are on-going for the development of our services which are delivered out of 6 centres: East London, West London, Aldershot, Farnborough, Somerset and Birmingham.

The opportunity to head in new directions, focusing on the continued development of our various centres is an exciting challenge. For example the move towards one-to-one advocacy and information services, as evidenced in the establishment of our Benefits Advice Service in Hampshire, the continued expansion of our Birmingham services and the drop–in centres in London is proving a welcome approach that works in today’s world .

Within these new incentives deafPLUS intends never to lose sight of the original aim of providing services designed to integrate deaf and hard of hearing people into the wider community, i.e. our sports and leisure services in London.

To help deafPLUS thrive and grow we require resources to support our innovative services. If, after viewing this website, and perhaps making use of our services, you feel you could consider supporting us in some way, please contact us, or click on the Donate Now button at the top of this page.

Paul Bartlett, 2008