Case studies "RNID Northern Ireland: Deaf and Hard of Hearing People's Access to Democracy "

RNID Northern Ireland: Deaf and Hard of Hearing People's Access to Democracy

Summary of activity

RNID delivered programme of training, panel sessions with Elected representatives and DVD explaining the voting process.

Aims and objectives of the activity

1. Increase knowledge of the systems of local government, devolved government, national government and Europe, among deaf and hard of hearing people from across Northern Ireland. 2. To build their confidence in participating in those processes. 3. To provide an opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing people to interact directly with their elected representatives.

Description of activity

RNID delivered assertiveness training, discussion forums, an opportunity to meet with politicians directly and produced a signed and subtitled DVD.  4 sessions of assertiveness training followed by a meet your politicians panel debate a few weeks later, were held in 4 locations (Belfast, Omagh, Ballymena and Armagh).

What went well?

1. The panel debates empowered deaf and hard of hearing people to become more confident in communicating their issues and engaging directly with politicians, the politicians in turn gained evidence to support their activities in their local areas . 2. A holistic approach including working with government, political parties and service providers ensures the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people are recognised and met.

What didnt go so well?

1. Timelines need to be realistic and flexible, to take into account the amount of preparation and promotion required prior to each event. 2. Any DVD should be scripted to ensure longevity, not referring to current events to ensure an extended shelf life.

How was the activity evaluated?

Participants completed a questionnaire at the beginning of the project to establish the baseline data. Participants were also asked to complete brief evaluation forms at the end of each project activity to assess their learning and feedback on the events.

To what extent were the aims and objectives achieved?

Feedback from deaf and hard of hearing people indicated that the DVD and panel debates  achieved the overall objectives and increased knowledge of the systems of government amongst deaf and hard of hearing people across Northern Ireland.

Timeline

The project ran for one year.

Overall budget

The budget was £ 37,000 much of this related to the production of the DVD, other costs related to staff time, BSL and ISL  interpretation, events, travel and evaluation.

Number of people working on the activity

1staff member devoting 1.25 days pw to the project.