Read My Lips ...

We have had a busy Summer – with a great coffee morning with Helen Hollings in Kenilworth – she is going to continue to hold these periodically next ‘teaching ‘year – it’s a great way for people to meet up, to come and find out all about lipreading, or just to chat to others and enjoy the delicious homemade cakes! 

Our tutors manned a stand at the Lion’s charity event, again in Kenilworth!  We were very pleased to be out there talking to people and letting them know where we are. It was a very windy day and our pop-up banner couldn’t take the strain and broke! But we made the most of it and will have a bigger and better one next year.  We were very pleased to have a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress of Kenilworth! 

‘SHARE YOUR STORY’
In our last edition we asked if anyone would like let us know how you are getting on and we had a wonderful response from Leah Booker one of our students.

Finding My Voice Through Lip Reading: A Journey with CELST

At the age of 40, I was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and dyslexia—conditions I now realize I’ve lived with since childhood. APD is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sound. It doesn’t cause hearing loss, but it can make understanding spoken language—especially in noisy environments—feel like trying to tune into a radio station underwater. It’s more common than many realize, affecting up to 20% of adults and a significant number of children, particularly those with learning differences.

For me, lip reading has always been a lifeline. It’s how I’ve made sense of the world around me. So, when I discovered the CELST Online Lip-Reading course, I saw an opportunity—not just to refine a skill I’ve relied on all my life, but to connect with others and explore what more I could learn.

From the very first session, I felt welcomed and supported. The tutors were outstanding—patient, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to helping each of us succeed. They didn’t just teach us how to lip read; they empowered us with the tools and confidence to navigate communication challenges in our daily lives. They even helped us get comfortable with the technology needed to attend classes from home, making the course accessible and inclusive for everyone.

What made the experience even more enriching was the community. I met people of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom were learning to lip read later in life. We shared stories, challenges, and victories. It was a reminder that learning is lifelong, and that support and understanding can make all the difference.

Since completing the course, I’ve become a more confident lip reader—and a stronger advocate for myself. I no longer hesitate to ask for what I need in conversations or public settings. Attending the CELST course was more than just an educational experience; it was an act of self-care and empowerment.

To anyone considering it: if you’re unsure or nervous, I understand—I was too. But taking that first step was one of the best decisions I’ve made. CELST has created something truly special, and I’m deeply grateful for the impact it’s had on my life.

If you would like to learn more about APD, please check out https://apdsupportuk.wixsite.com/apd-support-uk

Sensory Services works with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or deafened in areas such as social work, information and advice, specialist equipment provision, and service development. Those interested in being assessed for eligibility for specialist equipment, available on long-term loan, should contact us using the details provided to request an application form. Prior to assessment for equipment needs, individuals must have undergone hearing loss testing by the NHS or a private clinic.

Below are examples of specialist equipment that may be offered to support daily living. Additional options may be available depending on individual needs following assessment.

EchoChime300TM Doorbell
This wireless alert system uses sound and visual signals, including bright flashing lights, when activated. It includes a bell push and features four visual indicators allowing connectivity with additional accessories, such as a telephone ringer, intercom sensor, or carer alert, making it suitable for various alert requirements at home. The weather-resistant bell push can be installed indoors or outdoors, while the portable, battery-operated chime unit has a range of up to 300 meters in open spaces.

Telephone Amplifier
An in-line amplifier with volume and tone controls designed for corded telephones. It attaches between the handset and base of most telephones and is intended to increase the volume and clarity of incoming calls. This amplifier does not work with cordless or mobile phones.

EchoLinkTM Infra-Red TV Listening System/Personal Listener
The EchoLinkTM transmits audio from a television or radio via infra-red signals, offering sound quality without wires. It includes a transmitter and a handheld receiver, which provides audio through a headset or neckloop. The receiver operates on a rechargeable battery and charges in its cradle. The device can also be used as a personal listener using a switch to alternate between the TV and its internal microphone.

Megaloop Domestic Loop System
This induction loop system converts audio from TVs or other sources into a signal transmitted through a wire loop around a room. Compatible hearing aids set to ‘loop’ mode can receive this signal, allowing users to adjust tone and volume independently from the TV speaker.

Personal Listener – MiniTech & Amplifier
The Echo MiniTech is a portable device designed to enhance sound for communication. It features digital volume control with adjustable tone settings and can be used with a headset, headphones, or neckloop (with hearing aids in ‘loop’ mode). An LED indicates power and battery status.

Alarm Clock with Vibrating Pad
This alarm clock has a large LED display, with adjustable alarm volume and brightness. It includes a vibrating pad that can be placed under a pillow to provide a tactile wake-up alert. The vibration can be used with or without the audible alarm. There is also a USB charging port for additional device charging needs.

Telephones

Warwickshire County Council does not provide telephones, but some models equipped with amplifiers and induction loops are available for purchase through retailers and specialist suppliers to assist with hearing needs.

Physical Disability and Sensory Service, Warwickshire County Council, Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4RL
Phone: 01926 410410 Email: ascbusinesssupportnorthadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk

Disabled ID – the DID card – a Nationally recognised Disabled Identification Card

The aim of the National DID Card is to remove the need for individuals to carry their paper documentation with them at all times. The card will have a photograph of the cardholder and will only be issued to disabled people who are in receipt of some form of disability allowance or medical evidence to support your application.

Have a look on their website for more information:  https://www.did-card.co.uk/

Great TV!
Have you watched ‘Code of Silence’ with Rose Ayling-Ellis – a thriller well worth watching!