Healthier Lives book group helps deaf adults get the reading habit

Genevieve Clarke (back row, left) from the Reading Agency, visits the Healthier Lives Book Group

For many deaf sign language users, English is a second language. As the structure of English is different to sign language, some deaf people can find reading challenging.

The book group, which was set up in September 2011 in Belfast, is offered as part of the Big Lottery funded Healthier Lives for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People Project, led by Action on Hearing Loss and EGSA .  The book group is led by Roisin McGonagle; Guidance Adviser for the project, and currently has ten members. Roisin wanted to start the book group to support deaf people who are not confident readers and who would like to develop their literacy skills.

The group decided to begin with Quick Reads and chose My Dad’s a Policeman by Cathy Glass.  Each page is displayed on a projector screen, while group leader Adam, who is deaf, signs the story. The group is also encouraged to discuss any words they find challenging. These words are written onto a flip chart and Adam explains the meaning of each word in sign language.

Roisin says;

The book group is a unique opportunity for deaf people to feel more confident about reading. To have a deaf person translate written words into sign language is brilliant as it breaks down communication barriers. It has really helped the essential skills students and encouraged others to join a literacy class. It is also a fun social occasion and a good opportunity for members to meet other deaf people.

Group member Yvonne thinks that the book group;

is a great opportunity and it helps to build my confidence

and Julie adds;

It’s the first time we have been at anything like this. We see words we don’t understand and we can ask questions… It’s fantastic!

The group was recently pleased to welcome Genevieve Clarke from The Reading Agency, who called in during a visit to Northern Ireland.  Genevieve was very impressed by their enthusiasm and by the innovative ways used to get the most out of their reading experience.  She commented;

It’s fabulous to see the Quick Reads being used in this way by a group of deaf readers.  We’re featuring it on our Reading Groups for Everyone website so that others can pick up on the idea.