Barclays Wealth and Investment Management employees received an insight into the worklife experiences of people with hearing impairments from Isle of Man Deaf Champion Gareth Foulkes.
Gareth, who visited Barclays with his hearing dog Derfel, presented a report commissioned by the Manx Deaf Society and Deafway to employees. The report is based on the experiences of 25 people aged 18 to 86 living in the Isle of Man and 14 of their hearing relatives. It provides recommendations on improving the access to sign language interpreters and lip speakers for people who are deaf and highlighted real life experiences.
Gareth said: “It is great to have the opportunity to present to large companies, such as Barclays Wealth and Investment Management to highlight some issues that deaf people face in their day to day lives.”
“I was thrilled to hear that Barclays is considering some of the recommendations from the Deafway report which will help improve communication with deaf clients and within the workplace.”
Simon Scott, Managing Director of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in the Isle of Man said: “I would like to thank Gareth for visiting our office and presenting to the team. It was very enlightening and highlighted challenges that many of us may not have previously considered.”
“Barclays Wealth and Investment Management will also look into the recommendations provided by Gareth and Deafway on how to improve the work environment for deaf people.”
Ian Smith, Assistant Vice President of Operations and Disability Champion for Barclays in the Isle of Man, added: “As an organisation, we believe it is important to be aware of disability issues which may affect colleagues and clients.”
“We regularly have presentations on disability issues which are of interest and benefit to employees, and I’m very grateful Gareth was able to come along to present the findings of the report, and outline some of the workplace challenges and solutions organisations like ours need to be considering.”
Deafway was established in 1894 as an organisation to improve Deaf culture and sign language. Services include residential care services, sign language theatre shows, youth services, training and awareness for hearing individuals and organisations and intensive care services. Deafway have expanded their services to Nepal and Uganda.
Photo - (from left) Nikkie Leslie, Terryanne Woodbridge, Barclays, Gareth Foulkes, Isle of Man Deaf Champion with his hearing dog Derfel, Ian Smith, Barclays Disability Awareness Champion, Fiona Beynon, Barclays and Simon Scott, Managing Director of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, Isle of Man.
