A NEW course in Kendal is hoping to equip people with the skills to tackle the isolation experienced by many deaf people.

The ten-week deaf awareness course will teach students about the barriers that can limit opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing and about how to overcome those obstacles using communication skills, legislation and technical aids.

It will also explain which communication tactics are appropriate for the different needs of the deaf.

South Cumbria's deaf awareness coordinator Catherine Goddard said the classes opened people's eyes to the many issues faced by those with hearing problems.

"For example, how do deaf people wake up in the morning if they can't hear the alarm? What about their door bell or hearing their baby crying?"

Mrs Goddard said that while the blind were well catered for with official documents available in Braille or on audio tape, the demands of the deaf were often forgotten.

"For people who are profoundly deaf who use sign language, English is their second language.

They really struggle with English so forms need to be simple."

The training is aimed at those working with the public, college students, sign language students, those working with deaf people or anyone wishing to have a better understanding of deaf people and deaf issues.

The course leads to a half-hour exam and a qualification from the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People.

Places can be booked with Mrs Goddard on 01229-894646 and classes begin on Monday, May 13, from 7pm, at the Kendal Deaf Centre, 5 Castle Street, Kendal.