https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/ Support, stories and accessibility in Leeds en Sun, 08 Nov 2026 10:18:38 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/leeds-deafblind-meetups-venue-guide/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/leeds-deafblind-meetups-venue-guide/ A coffee morning can be welcoming in spirit and unusable in practice. This venue guide sets out the decisions that matter when organising a meetup for deafblind people in Leeds: lighting, acoustics, tactile wayfinding, interpreter booking, a genuine quiet space and clear joining instructions. It ends with a short checklist organisers can take to any café, community hall or charity room. Leeds Deafblind Hub Community and Social Sun, 08 Nov 2026 08:23:56 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/leeds-health-appointments-accessible-formats-default/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/leeds-health-appointments-accessible-formats-default/ A standard-print letter or an automated phone reminder can quietly erase an appointment for a deafblind patient in Leeds. This article explains what the Accessible Information Standard requires, where the routine breaks down between GP practices and hospitals, and the low-cost fixes that make accessible formats the default rather than a favour. It closes with a checklist patients can use when registering an access need. Leeds Deafblind Hub Health Access Sun, 08 Nov 2026 08:23:56 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/after-quiet-hour-deafblind-shoppers-leeds-stores/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/after-quiet-hour-deafblind-shoppers-leeds-stores/ Quiet hours reduce some sensory pressure, but they do not make a supermarket accessible. This practical audit looks at lighting, layout, tactile signage and staff communication in Leeds stores, with a checklist shoppers can use and clear steps for managers. Leeds Deafblind Hub Retail Accessibility Sun, 08 Nov 2026 04:26:22 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/ramps-not-whole-story-deafblind-accessibility-pledge-leeds/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/ramps-not-whole-story-deafblind-accessibility-pledge-leeds/ Leeds accessibility debates often stop at step-free access, leaving deafblind residents without the information, wayfinding and communication they need. This manifesto sets out five commitments for venues, businesses and the council, and invites readers to support a local pledge. Leeds Deafblind Hub Transport and Accessibility Sun, 08 Nov 2026 04:26:22 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/beyond-the-sticker-deafblind-friendly-leeds/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/beyond-the-sticker-deafblind-friendly-leeds/ An editorial assessment of venues in Leeds that claim to be accessible, testing those claims against real deafblind needs such as tactile menus, guiding assistance and trained staff. It proposes a simple Leeds Deafblind Hub checklist and invites readers to nominate businesses for praise or a polite rethink. Leeds Deafblind Hub Transport and Accessibility Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:25:56 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/calm-route-through-hospital-deafblind-access-leeds-general-infirmary-st-james/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/calm-route-through-hospital-deafblind-access-leeds-general-infirmary-st-james/ A practical guide for deafblind patients attending Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital, from requesting tactile BSL interpreting to finding departments and raising concerns. It sets out realistic workarounds where hospital accessibility still falls short. Leeds Deafblind Hub Health Access Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:25:56 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/assistive-technology-leeds-deafblind-six-pieces-of-kit/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/assistive-technology-leeds-deafblind-six-pieces-of-kit/ Not a catalogue and not a sponsored round-up: this is the technology that people with combined sight and hearing loss in Leeds tell us they actually use, including the price tags, the repair headaches and the workarounds. Each entry is anchored in a local experience, and we finish with where to get a trial, advice and funding in the city. Leeds Deafblind Hub Assistive Technology Sat, 07 Nov 2026 20:26:11 GMT https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/west-yorkshire-bus-franchise-deafblind-passengers/ https://leedsdeafandblind.org.uk/west-yorkshire-bus-franchise-deafblind-passengers/ West Yorkshire's move to a franchised bus network is the biggest change to local public transport in a generation — and the detail of the contracts will decide whether deafblind passengers gain or lose. We examine the accessibility commitments so far, explain how franchising differs from the present system, and set out what we are asking of the Mayor's office and operators. Leeds Deafblind Hub Transport and Accessibility Sat, 07 Nov 2026 20:26:11 GMT