Speaking at the Headquarters of the RNID at the presentation of certificates to the students, the Minister said: “The specialist module on Deaf Communication and Awareness provided by the Medical School at Queen’s University and RNID to medical students is a shining example of what can be achieved through effective partnerships.
“This module provides future medical professionals with an excellent insight to the communication needs of deaf people and continues Northern Ireland’s proud record of innovation and leadership in meeting the needs of patients,” added the Minister.
The module has been developed by the Medical School at Queens’s University in partnership with RNID and provides 60 hours of training in British Sign Language and 40 hours of training in issues such as deaf awareness, deaf culture and communication tactics.
Over the four years the course has been running, the students have also worked to develop a Health Related British Sign Language Directory, with each class developing a chapter in an a specific medial area.
Notes to Editors:
RNID is the UK’s largest charity representing members of the Deaf Community. (It was formerly known as the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.)
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