Deaf children from Longwill School visit the Deaf Cultural Centre

On Thursday 29th April, 12 deaf children from Longwill School for the Deaf in Birmingham, visited the Deaf Cultural Centre. The different age groups from Years 4, 5 and 6 were visiting as part of their coursework for Deaf Studies.

The purpose of the visit was to find out more about BID Services, the development of the Deaf Cultural Centre and how they can benefit from the on-site facilities. 

The day started with an initial introduction by Robin Ash, Community Development Manager. He gave a brief on the different services from BID and also a potted history of the local Deaf community and how the centre for community memebers eventually evolved into the present building.

Brenda Jones then spoke to the group about her role as a Senior Social  Worker and the duties that are undertaken by the Social Work team. Jettender Ajimal then gave an enthralling and interactive presentation about his work as a tutor for Deaf Awareness and BSL courses. The schoolchildren had the opportunity to try a range of equipment, which can be applied for or purchased at BID Services, and were able to discuss what was on offer with the Technical Officer, Debra Berbezier.

They were then given a guided tour of the facilities on the ground floor before going upstairs to visit the upper floors where BID Services is based. They were able to chat to former Longwill pupils. The morning finished with a 'questions and answers' session before they returned to Longwill School.

Robin Ash said, "We were delighted to welcome the younger members of the Deaf community to the centre, to introduce them to what we have to offer here and encourage them to find out groups and events are available. When they left here, they now have an increased awareness of what they can benefit from BID Services and the Deaf Cultural Centre. It felt particularly rewarding for me to support their Deaf Studies curriculum, as in my previous post I was a member of the development group for the Deaf Studies course, so it was great to see end product of that process in action."