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Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page! My name is Jennifer Smith. I am hearing. I recently started learning British Sign Language as part of my Deaf Studies degree course at Bristol University. (You can find me on Twitter: @word_in_hand).

On Sunday 8th July I ran the British 10k in London to raise money for SignHealth (http://www.signhealth.org.uk/). Thank you to everyone who sponsored me! Without your support I doubt I would have finished the run, particularly as it rained so heavily that day!

It is not too late to donate to SignHealth! My page will remain active until 31st December 2012. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. I would love to reach my £300 fundraising target!

Why have I chosen to support SignHealth?

There is very little health information available online in BSL as it is generally assumed that written English is accessible to everyone. This important information should be available to Deaf BSL users in their first language. SignHealth work to improve access to health information. SignHealth's website includes BSL videos giving information about a range of health issues.

In GP surgeries and hospitals, Deaf patients are often expected to rely on lip-reading or written English (particularly in emergency situations). Clear communication between patients and medical staff is crucial to avoid potentially life-threatening misunderstandings. Difficulties in accessing BSL/English Interpreters can lead to Deaf people having no choice but to use a hearing relative to 'act as interpreter' in what should be a private conversation between a patient and their doctor. SignHealth's online interpreting service (http://www.signtranslate.com/) enables clear communication between Deaf patients and medical staff, preventing misunderstandings, without comprimising privacy.

Sign Health also offer one-to-one psychological therapy, conducted in BSL, with a therapist who has an understanding of Deaf culture.

Within the British Deaf community, tales of bad experiences with GPs and in hospitals are worryingly common. Unfortunately, these shocking stories seem to be accepted as 'the norm'. This situation is unacceptable! This needs to change!

SignHealth carry out research into Deaf health.

SignHealth campaign to improve access to health information, and healthcare, for Deaf people.

SignHealth provide vital services and support to the UK Deaf community.

How can you help?

£5 will pay for a week worth of meals for a Ugandan child to attend SignHealth's specialist Deaf School.

£10 will buy a webcam to help a health professional and Deaf patient to communicate.

£20 pays for an hour of outreach support for a Deaf person with mental health issues.

£50 could cover the cost of overnight essentials for a Deaf woman and child escaping abuse.

I am aiming to raise £300 for SignHealth. I would greatly appreciate your donation, of any amount - it all adds up!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and secure. All donations are sent directly to the charity.

If you are a UK taxpayer, ticking the Gift Aid box will allow SignHealth to reclaim Gift Aid on your donation, at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for your support! :-)

Jennifer

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BSL Videos:

Click on the thumbnail in the gallery below to see my (attempt at a) BSL video about fundraising for SignHealth.

Video clip of SignHealth on See Hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1Xna3eObXI

Jennifer's Page

Jennifer's Page

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