RNID opens the door for deaf and hard of hearing people in Aylesbury

From: Aylesbury Today Bucks Herald - Aylesbury,England,UK - May 10, 2007

TO mark this year's Deaf Awareness Week (7 - 13 May), RNID Trustee Caroline Cousin and RNID Chief Executive John Low will open the new Community Services office in Aylesbury at 12 noon on Friday 11 May.

RNID, the national charity representing the 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, will use the new premises as a base to carry out home assessments and where necessary provide free equipment loans for people in Buckinghamshire who are deaf or hard of hearing. The office will also house the Community Support Officer - who provides information and advice about coming to terms with a hearing loss and using hearing aids effectively. This service is provided at drop-in sessions for hearing aid users across Buckinghamshire and in client's homes.

Both these services are funded by Buckinghamshire County Council, with additional funds for smoke alarms from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. Representatives from both agencies and other local partners will be at the opening ceremony.

RNID Chief Executive John Low says: "I'm delighted that our new Aylesbury office is now officially open and would encourage people in Buckinghamshire to take advantage of the free specialist products, support and advice provided by RNID Community Services. Deaf and hard of hearing people can live independently, safely and securely in their own homes, and this office is a great base from which to reach out to the local community."

To find out more or to make a referral for either service, please contact the RNID Community Services

office on telephone: 01296 479970 or textphone: 01296 485154 or e-mail: bucks@rnid.org.uk or post: RNID Community Services, Riverside House, 44 Wedgewood Street, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury HP19 7HL.

For Deaf Awareness Week this year, RNID is asking everyone to take one simple step a day to help change the world for deaf and hard of hearing people. The steps include learning to fingerspell, improving your communication skills or taking part in RNID's big sound check.

For more information, please visit the website at www.rnid.org.uk or call the information line on 0808 808 0123 or textphone 0808 808 9000 or email information@rnid.org.uk

© 2007 Johnston Press Digital Publishing