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New British Sign Language course starting in November
Doncaster Deaf Trust is launching a new British Sign Language course next month at its Leger Way base. The level one course starts on Thursday, November 7 and runs for 32 weeks (term time only), with each weekly lesson lasting two hours. Open to the public, the lessons are from 5.00pm-7.00pm each Thursday, with spaces limited. The cost is £450, which also covers three assessments, with payment plans available. The Trust introduced a new series of level one and level two courses in August this
Doncaster Deaf Trust expands therapy services to empower D/deaf and SEND pupils and students
This week, to mark Allied Health Professionals Day (October 15), Doncaster Deaf Trust is celebrating expanding its on-site therapy services. The comprehensive team of specialists dedicated to supporting the communication, physical, and sensory needs of its pupils and students, is set to grow even more with current vacancies to boost the offer. Led by recently promoted therapy manager Lauren Woodcock, the multidisciplinary team includes Carl Dalton, a speech and language therapist and qualified
Specialist employability service opens its doors to local businesses
An innovative employability service in Doncaster is asking businesses from across South Yorkshire to attend its first open morning to learn more about its provision. Aspire to Be, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust, is for adults aged 19-60 from across South Yorkshire who are Deaf/hard of hearing, neuro diverse or those who have any other communication difficulty, helping to make a valuable difference to their lives by developing skills and supporting them into work. The service works closely
Doncaster School for the Deaf Celebrates 195 Years with exhibition and gala dinner
Doncaster School for the Deaf, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, is set to kick off its 195th anniversary celebrations this October with a free public exhibition and a gala dinner event. The anniversary exhibition will be held on Saturday, 12th October 2024, from 12pm to 4pm in the school's sports hall. Open to the public with no booking required, the exhibition will showcase a rich display of historical photographs and artifacts, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the school's long-standing heritage
Thomas and Logan Secure Jobs with Support from Aspire to Be
Two young Doncaster men with autism disorders have landed jobs at a leading warehouse company thanks to specialist employment service Aspire to Be. Thomas Brown, 18, who has ADHD and is autistic, and Logan Coulthread, 20, who has Asperger’s, recently started work with Doncaster-based GXO. Thomas, from Scawsby, and Logan, from Doncaster, are both registered with Aspire to Be (ATB), the employability service of Doncaster Deaf Trust. ATB offers tailored, sector-specific training for those aged
Redemption Target as Friends Tackle Ultramarathon to Raise Funds for Specialist College
Two friends will tackle an ultramarathon in the Peak District to raise vital funds for a specialist college that educates and cares for students with communication needs. Alex Jamison, from Doncaster and Bastiaan Buijtenhuijs, from Manchester, will take on the Ultra X 50 England event on Sunday, September 15, with all money raised going to Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD). The X 50 will see runners race 50 kilometres across some of the best trail running locations in the country,
Fundraising drive launched for Doncaster employability service
Doncaster Deaf Trust has launched a fundraising drive to help support the growth of its pioneering specialist employability service. Aspire to Be is for adults aged 19-60 from across South Yorkshire who are Deaf/hard of hearing, neuro diverse or those who have any other communication difficulty helping to make a valuable difference to their lives by developing their skills and supporting them into work. As part of its approach, the service, on Leger Way, boasts five ‘simulated work’ areas - a
Scarborough Boy Who Is Deaf Shines at Doncaster Specialist School
A 10-year-old Scarbrough boy who has been deaf since birth is reaching his full academic potential by attending a specialist Deaf school in South Yorkshire. Dariens Upesjuris attends Doncaster School for the Deaf during the week and also lives in its residential home, Dickson House, returning to his family in Scarborough every weekend and on school holidays. The Year 5 pupil was born fully deaf in both ears and had two hearing aids fitted at about nine months old. His mum, dad, brother and grandma
Adele Gets Dream Job Thanks To Aspire To Be
A Doncaster woman who is deaf and has cerebral palsy is celebrating after teaming up with a local specialist employment service to land her dream job. For nearly two years, Adele Johnson (23) from Armthorpe in Doncaster had been looking for employment that fit with the hours she required and, after recovering from having surgery, was eager to start looking. However, she was very anxious as she knew her disabilities could be seen as a huge barrier and she didn’t know where to start. So, she linked up
Specialist Employability Service in Doncaster Now Accredited to the Matrix Standard
Aspire to Be, a specialist employability service here in Doncaster, has been accredited to the matrix Standard. In a nutshell, this means that the team has demonstrated the high quality of information, advice and guidance that they provide to their clients. The innovative service, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust, offers tailored, sector-specific training for those aged 16-60 with SEND. The project aims to build on personal skills and provide opportunities to increase confidence, self-esteem,
New Trustee Joins Doncaster Deaf Trust
Sian Webster, Director of Development at Yorkshire Housing, has joined the board of trustees for Doncaster Deaf Trust; an organisation which itself oversees Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Dickson House Children’s Home, Communication Specialist College Doncaster and Aspire to Be employability services. Reflecting on her appointment to the board, Sian said: “I am thrilled to join the board of Doncaster Deaf Trust. This is a wonderful organisation with a real vision for the
Christmas ‘Tree of Trust’ Set To Raise Funds for Charity
A special ‘Tree of Trust’ has been set up in Doncaster for people to write their hopes and wishes in a bauble and raise funds for Doncaster Deaf Trust. The Christmas ‘Tree of Trust’ is in pride of place in the city centre branch of HSBC UK Bank, who are supporting the charity again this year. Becca Lynch, fundraiser at Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “This is the second year we have had a ‘Tree of Trust’ in place and anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting the branch. Public donations during the
Doncaster Deaf Trust Appoints New Director of Quality and Support Services
A new role has been developed at Doncaster Deaf Trust, focusing on quality and support services. Natalie Firth, aged 38, from Doncaster, has taken up the new position in senior leadership and will be working to deliver strategic priorities set out in the Trust’s five-year plan. Natalie said: “I am thrilled to be in this new position for the Trust. I’ve worked for the Trust, as Deputy Manager and then Manager at the award-winning Little Learners Day Nursery for 17 years and have spent my career in
New British Sign Language Manager for Doncaster Deaf Trust
A British Sign Language (BSL) manager is now in post at Doncaster Deaf Trust, as the Trust develops its new BSL strategy. Natalie Pollard, from North Yorkshire, has been named as the BSL Manager for the Trust and will lead the way in creating a BSL hub at the Leger Way organisation. Natalie said, “I am thrilled to be taking on this new role at Doncaster Deaf Trust. I’ve worked at the Trust for 14 years teaching BSL to students and staff. “The role is part of a new strategy that we’ve been
Students With Communication Difficulties Gain Work Experience at Asda
Six students with special educational needs (SEND) from Communication Specialist College Doncaster have gained valuable work experience at ASDA. The group have been undertaking a variety of roles at ASDA’s Gliwice Way store. A group from the college attended an industry visit where students had the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the popular supermarket and learn about different job roles. Annette Price from Communication Specialist College Doncaster, said: “We want to say a huge thank you
New Principal Set To Widen the Menu at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
Communication Specialist College Doncaster has appointed a new principal to lead the organisation. Laurent Berges joins the college, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, with 27 years’ experience of working in the post 16 Further Education sector. His previous roles included Group Executive Director of Curriculum at DN College Group (which consists of Doncaster College and North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe), Group Director of Teaching Leaning and Assessment, also at DN Colleges Group, preceded by 15 years as
International Visitors Head to Doncaster for Final Meeting of Sign Language Project
Visitors from Turkey, Germany and Portugal are heading to Doncaster to meet with the UK team from Doncaster Deaf Trust for the final meeting of an international sign language project focusing on tourism. The group, who have worked on the Vocational Sign Language on Tourism project, co-funded by Erasmus and the European Union, will meet in Doncaster on April 20 and 21 to discuss the transition of the project. Alexis Johnson, Chief Executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are very much looking
Businesses Set To Mark Deaf Awareness Week in Doncaster
A celebrity chef and a legal executive are on the menu for a special business breakfast to mark Deaf Awareness Week in Doncaster in May (May 3). Deaf celebrity Punk Chef, Scott Garthwaite, an ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust will be putting on a demonstration for guests at the business breakfast and Carrie Clewes, an associate chartered legal executive in discrimination from Ringrose Law will share details of what the BSL Act will mean for businesses. Throughout the week children, pupils,
Employers Across the Country Support Students at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
A team who are dedicated to work experience, skills and employment at a specialist college are celebrating 18 months of success. In that time, the careers team from Communication Specialist College Doncaster — an established education provider in the city for post 16 students with additional communication needs —have flourished and worked with almost 60 businesses. Suzie Beaumont, Careers and Work Experience Manager at Communication Specialist College Doncaster, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust said:
New Head and Leadership Team Announced at Doncaster School for the Deaf
Doncaster School for the Deaf has named Jane Goodman as its new Headteacher, as part of a restructure at Doncaster Deaf Trust. Jane becomes Head of the school after working with the organisation for some 30 years,15 of which were as Deputy Head. Alexis Johnson, Chief Executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are thrilled to announce Jane’s new role as Head of Doncaster School for the Deaf. “Jane has been a fabulous ambassador for the School and the Trust for three decades. She becomes the
Doncaster Employment Service Enhanced With Mock Work Zones
A specialist employability service in Doncaster has created a range of simulated work environments to give people hoping to get into work hands-on, practical job experience. Aspire to Be, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust and helps adults with learning disabilities and other difficulties gain life skills and employment, has enhanced its unique provision with the addition of four new ‘mock’ areas - a warehouse, retail shop, café and soon-to-be completed catering section. The service, which
Specialist Team That Helps Children and Young People Communicate Is Set To Grow
A specialist therapy team at Doncaster Deaf Trust, that helps children and young people to communicate, is set to grow. The Trust, a specialist education charity, is set to grow its therapy service with three new posts to help pupils and students develop. Alexis Johnson, Chief Executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to be expanding our vital therapy service for our children and young people. Along with our onsite audiologist, the therapy team are a real part and parcel of
Little Learners Day Awarded By National Day Nurseries Association
Little Learners Day Nursery, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, has been awarded Millie’s Mark by National Day Nurseries Association in collaboration with Department for Education and Millie’s Trust. The nursery, based at the Leger Way site, has been once again awarded ‘Millie’s Mark’, a Quality Mark for nurseries where employees working directly with children are trained in paediatric first aid. Natalie Firth, head of nursery said: “This is such an important quality mark for nurseries to achieve and we
New Partnership With CAST Is Fostering Drama Talent at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
Students at Communication Specialist College Doncaster are benefitting from a new partnership with CAST. Weekly drama sessions, led by experts from the local theatre, are being held for students who are Deaf, hard of hearing or who have communication difficulties. Emma Lucy, Tutor from Communication Specialist College Doncaster, said: “We are thrilled to be working with CAST to help our students to gain new skills. “All the students are really enjoying their drama sessions each Friday and I am
Little Learners Named Favourite Day Nursery in Doncaster for the Fourth Year
A Doncaster nursery has been named the Favourite Day Nursery in the town, for the fourth year running at the recent Doncaster Mumbler Awards. Little Learners Day Nursery has won this award every year since the awards began in 2019 and staff, parents and children are celebrating this fourth accolade. The nursery, based at Doncaster Deaf Trust, is for both hearing and deaf children. The annual awards are voted by parents from across the city Natalie Firth, nursery manager said: “We were speechless
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New Partnership Is Set To Enhance Opportunities for Deaf Children and Young People
Doncaster Deaf Trust is working with the National Deaf Children's Societyin a partnership that will enhance the opportunities and aspirations of young people in the region. The new partnership has nine key areas of work that will help deaf children and young people to develop confidence and learn new skills. Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the National Deaf Children’s Society to benefit our children and young
Jamie Gets His Dream Job Thanks to Support From Aspire To Be
A young man from Intake is singing the praises of a local specialist employability service that has helped him into work. Jamie Bates Blanford (22) has a learning disability and had been struggling to get employment for many years. This was starting to affect his confidence and self esteem, so he turned to Aspire to Be (which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust). The service helps adults with learning disabilities and other difficulties gain life skills and employment. Aspire to Be works with
New bespoke wellbeing facility opens at Doncaster Deaf Trust
A specialist wellbeing room, to support the mental health and enrichment of young people with communication difficulties, has officially been opened at Doncaster Deaf Trust. The space, which supports students at the Trust’s Communication Specialist College Doncaster, was funded by a number of key partners including: the Hospital Saturday Fund; VCSF Fund; Co-op Local Community Fund; Arnold Clark Community Fund; and the South Yorkshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Meanwhile, contributions
‘Outstanding’ Residential Provision for Students at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
Residential provision for students studying at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD) has been graded ‘outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted report. The residential lodge, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, has retained its outstanding status that was previously given in an inspection in 2012 and then again in 2017. CSCD provides individualised programmes of study to young people who are deaf, hearing impaired, have autistic spectrum condition or a communication difficulty. Young people access
Car Restoration Project Is a Real Award Winning Triumph!
Students on the motor vehicle course at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD) are celebrating a real triumph of a restoration project. The group have been working on an old Triumph Gloria saloon car from 1936, since before the covid pandemic, and have finally completed their work. Andy Boothroyd, course tutor said: “We are all so proud of the work that has gone into making this car look amazing again. “It was a true barn find and together we’ve stripped it down and prepped the
Doncaster Pathway Learning Mentor Celebrates New British Sign Language 999 Service
A Pathway Learning Mentor at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD) is celebrating the launch of the new British Sign Language (BSL) 999 emergency service app ,and the fact that her grandson features in its promotional video. A new app allows users to make free calls to UK emergency services through a BSL interpreter. Karen Holdsworth, who has worked at CSCD for 15 years, is thrilled that the new service has been created. She said: “If anything was to happen to anyone, or if I was to
Celebrity Deaf Chef Is Named As Bsl Ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust
Punk Chef, Scott Garthwaite has been named as the second British Sign Language (BSL) ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust. Scott, who is passionate about championing BSL and food together, joins deaf actress Charlotte Arrowsmith in this role and will help the charity promote the use of sign language as a communication tool. The Trust, who have been providing Deaf education from the Doncaster site since 1829, manage Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Dickson House care home,
Doncaster Children’s Home for Deaf Children Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
Described as a "home away from home" for deaf children and young people, Dickson House is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. For the past two decades, this residential care home (part of Doncaster Deaf Trust) has been providing 52-weeks-a-year care for students of Doncaster School for the Deaf. Kate Warner, manager at Dickson House said: “I was here when we opened our doors in 2002, along with Maria Dixon, our deputy manager, and am so proud to be leading this superb facility 20 years
Doncaster Deaf Trust Students and Tutors Celebrate BSL Act Success
Deaf students and tutors in Doncaster are celebrating the recent success of the BSL Bill. Once it passes into law, the act will recognise BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland in its own right. Natalie Pollard, a member of the sign language team at Communication Specialist College Doncaster, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “This is really good news for Deaf people. "The Act will not only recognise British Sign Language as a language but also means that the secretary of state for the