Scotland – New health service launched for deaf people

DEAF and deafblind people across Dumfries and Galloway are to be helped by a new development project which was launched this week.

DeafVision Dumfries and Galloway includes the appointment of a new development worker, Claire Unwin.

Her role will be to provide services across the region for those with hearing problems or who are deafblind.

There are almost 21,000 deafened or hard of hearing people in the region and up to 75 use British Sign Language.

Statistics from the Department of Health also suggest that there may be as many as 150 deafblind people.

And there are around 500 new referrals to social work sensory support services each year – which will increase with the growing elderly population each year.