Today has been labelled as ‘Super Thursday’ given the number of elections that are taking place.

Across the EU today is the European Elections, in addition for the UK is also the Local Elections and the London Mayoral Elections.

Unfortunately, these elections seem to have been a missed opportunity for deaf organisations. For a start, both on European and local council level, BSL recognition could have been targeted. Whilst BSL recognition has received a declaration by the UK government and a token amount contributed to this, there is still a long way to go. Targeting politicians at election stage allows constituents to hold candidates to their pledges once elected.
Read the rest of this entry »

Deafblindness is now a distinct disability, recognised by the European Union. A written declaration has been signed by 323 members, ensuring that the declaration was adapted on the 1 April 2004.

This has to be a significant move for Deafblind people across the EU, who may not necessary enjoy distinct recognition of their needs in their respective countries, and may too frequently get clumped with Deaf or blind people.

The declaration calls for access plus the right for Communicator-Guides.

From a legal perspective, one would hope this is the first step in exercising EU legal instruments, and a directive is eventually issued.

However, it is recognised as a positive step and it can be utilised by deafblind people across the EU, to push for enhanced provision in their own countries. For it to be simply forgotten about, as what happened with sign languages, would be simply shooting opportunity in the foot.