Jewish charity provides 2,000 transparent masks to help those with hearing loss

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.