Hands That Talk have formed a new drama department called Rolling Vision Theatre.  This unique project will see many deaf and hard of hearing people get involved in Deaf Drama for the first time. 

Denise Mc Connell, Client Services Manager commented “We were fortunate to have The Playhouse’s support last year to run a drama course here at Hands That Talk.  We are a deaf led organisation and as such we noted the request for more Arts and Drama within Hands That Talk.  Lina Kankeviaute, a deaf drama teacher, came along to our centre and facilitated a drama course.  The great responses and more interest from our clients has prompted us to develop the new drama department within Hands That Talk.  We have employed Lina to work on Rolling Vision Theatre; in fact it was Lina who named the department and group.”

Rolling Vision will work within Hands That Talk and also tour about. 

A Christmas Show in Derry, Belfast and Dublin are planned for this year.  So everyone is welcome to come along.

Lina Kankeviaute had this to say “Hands That Talk have recognised the potential in art and drama and offering the service to the deaf and hearing community will not only empower deaf people but also offer a chance for integration and inclusion.  It is a fun activity that will build confidence and friendships.  We start the mini tour in The Playhouse on December the 2^nd.  Please come along and experience something new and different.”

This is the start of many interesting projects for Hands That Talk, with the ten years anniversary in February there has been many developments and positive steps and what Hands That Talk have found is that communication is one of the main barriers for deaf and hard of hearing people. The introduction of other mechanisms to communicate seems an obvious choice. The communication mechanism provided through Deaf Drama is a great and previously unused tool, especially here in Northern Ireland

Katherine Kirk, Development Officer with Hands That Talk “This project is unique in Northern Ireland with only one other drama group that we are aware of, Lime pie.   We fully support Limepie and are pleased to see all the great advancements in this field.  If we all work together we can achieve so much more.  If you love drama and want to get involved with a unique group then please come along.  This is not a drama department exclusively for deaf people but a great way for all sectors of community to learn something new.”

For any more information please email Lina Kankeviaute at Hands That Talk – info@handsthattalk.co.uk

The National Deaf Children’s Society “Listening Bus” will be visiting Hands That Talk in Dungiven on the 24th June 2009. The bus will be open from 11am to 3pm. The purpose built information roadshows features a wide range of information on childhood deafness. Come and have a look at the examples of the latest equipment designed to assist in communication and learning. Try alarm clocks, flashing doorbells, amplified phones, listening aids and learn more about the National Deaf Childrens Society and the services they offer. If you would like to book a time slot to visit the bus with your child or a group of children please e-mail info@handsthattalk.co.uk, telephone 02877742776 or text phone 07912210803.

If you are interested in any of the classes above, please e-mail info@handsthattalk.co.uk , telephone 02877742776 or text phone 07912210803

Hands That Talk is running an NVQ Level 3 in British Sign Language starting in September 2010. If you are interested in taking part in this course, please e-mail info@handsthattalk.co.uk, telephone 028 777 42776 or text phone 07912210803