As of the 15th January 2010, RNID produced a consultation document that will in effect witness a large strategic re-structure. One aspect of this re-structure, is the proposal to close the Casework service, this will in effect remove a whole legal support service for deaf and hard of hearing people. The Casework team clearly disagree with this proposal and will be producing a challenge to it. Therefore it would be interesting to know what the views are of other Caseworkers, Welfare Rights Advisers etc in relation to this proposal ?

Whilst I have not had any dealings with the team myself (and therefore only assume that it deals, at least partly, with welfare benefits work), I would be reluctant to see the service go.

As a recognised national charity many deaf people will turn to RNID first for such help. It may well be the case that RNID could refer out benefits work to organisations local to the client, but I would have doubts about the quality of the work undertaken by others. This is reflected in my own experience as I find that not having ever suffered from hearing loss, I find out profoundly difficult to understand what such disability means. In the case of disability claims, my lack of knowledge can be a hindrance. I do use the RNID's publications to assist and also the Newcastle WR deaf pack, but I don't think these can bring my skills in the area up to the level that deaf specialists would have.

On what basis is the removal of the service predicated? I realise that you may have to be careful what you say here, but we would signpost any deaf clients to RNID from our single parent helpline or other services, so I'm wondering what alternative provision is around to pick up the slack as it were?

The basis for the potential removal of the service is that "it does not meet the strategic future of the organisation". There are no plans to provide any alternative in relation to an advocacy service for deaf and hard of hearing people. It has not been made clear what people seeking specialist advice will do.

I posted/dead fished without seeing Paul's question and your response, but what exactly do the RNID powers that be, see as the 'strategic future of the organisation'?

This 'consultation document' is it available to the public? It would be really helpful for us all to see the 'strategic re-structurers' proposed reasons for ditching the RNID's casework service and how exactly this will benefit deaf and hard of hearing people or what services the authors think can fill the gap, especially in this era of ever diminishing advocacy services..

The document has only been made available internally to date, the consultation period ends on the 15th February, so its anyones geuss what might happen after that date.
The strategic re-structure is viewed as lacking transparency or forethought, it fails to explain fully the reasoning behind its proposals and has failed in its entirity to undertake any type of risk assessment with regard to where deaf and hard oh hearing people will now go to access expert legal advice.

Interesting and I wonder what Deaf people think? In my experience Deaf and partially hearing people get a pretty raw deal in the benefits system and in so many other spheres too, such as training and employment. It would seem a very odd proposal indeed.

If RNID are saying such casework is available through other agencies I would like to know just how many of these agencies provide BSL support as part of their core provision and also have an understanding of deaf cultural issues..