Prefer Jewish News on Google
Jewish charity provides 2,000 transparent masks to help those with hearing loss
Jewish Deaf Association gives face-coverings amid 'huge challenges' of communication during lockdown, after £12,000 donation from The Locker Foundation
The Jewish Deaf Association (JDA) is distributing 2,000 transparent masks within the community to enable lip-readers to communicate during COVID-19.
The initiative has come about thanks to a £12,000 donation from The Locker Foundation, allowing JDA to supply a variety of clear masks to people with hearing loss and the organisations working with them.
JDA Chief Executive Sue Cipin said: “The use of face masks in COVID-19 has presented people with hearing loss with huge challenges, as it impossible for someone who can’t hear to see that you are speaking to them or to understand what you are saying.
“When one of our clients had it explained to her by handwritten note that she has cancer, I knew we had to find a way to break down this barrier.
“Now, thanks to the fantastic generosity of The Locker Foundation, anyone who has a hearing loss can carry clear masks with them and ask the person they need to chat with to wear one… and our client can understand what is being said to her at her chemo sessions.”
In addition to being given to JDA clients, masks have also already been distributed to the Hatzola Jewish paramedic service, JFS Special Educational Needs (SEN) class, Jewish Day Schools with deaf pupils and care workers looking after people with hearing loss in their own homes.
Malcolm Carter and Susie Segal, Trustees of The Locker Foundation, added: “We are delighted to be able to support such an innovative and important project for the people within our community who have hearing loss.”
- If you would like transparent masks for your organisation, please contact Olimpia at JDA on olimpia@jdeaf.org.uk or 020 8446 0502.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
