Breach Of My Rights

[jennyjoan]

Everybody out there talks about their breach of rights - well right now I’m finding having to try and understand masked people absolutely makes me sad, mad and frustrated and so I think a breach of my rights is in danger

In saying the very basics of the day

Hello, how are you, masked person gives me a reply but I don’t lipread or understand one word so can’t give an answer


How’s are your folks - masked person gives me a reply but I don’t lipread or understand one word so I can’t give an answer

How’s your little baby today - masked person gives me a reply but I don’t lipread or understand one word so I can’t give an answer

Is there anything I can help you with - masked person gives me a reply but I don’t lipread or understand one word so I can’t give an answer

I lipread you know and I just don’t understand literally one word you say to me.

What now. Have we all become faceless, cloned, no expression (can’t see), read emotions on the person’s face - are they bovvered, couldn’t give a ***, or are they kind and concerned

Chemist - masked up - when I pick up a prescription - I “think” she is saying your name, where do you live and date of birth.

I gave these details but she is asking for more details - sorry I don’t understand cos I lipread.

I was told in Sainsbury by an assistant - just tell us to pull up the mask or pull down the mask.

Do I have that right - I’m not comfortable doing that as I’m afraid the masked person doesn’t want to lift the mask.

Above is what I want to say but I would say I represent many many many other lipreaders.

I despair.

Have we all become clones - you know Stepford Wives/Husbands/Children. NO EMOTION

[Mamyalynne]

Many lipreaders feel the same and we have discussed on various threads, Charities for the deaf have voiced concern too Jenny.

There are masks that have 'windows' to show the person's mouth but they aren't widely used I'm afraid.

[jennyjoan]

Yes I know about the window masks but it doesn't solve the problem for the deaf.

I am so glad I have come to the end of my life re my education, communication if I had have had to be taught by teachers with masks. I do think simply I would have refused to go to school - I would have been devastated. Pity the kids starting off in this world.

[Mamyalynne]

Those masks would help in situations in shops etc - I doubt we could make the whole population buy and wear them.

[Mamyalynne]

I should have added school teachers of course, they can't teach children who cannot lipread them.

Actually, I don't think teachers are wearing masks - I haven't seen any.

[Mamyalynne]

//The government does not currently recommend the use of face coverings in schools, as it says staff and pupils are kept in consistent groups, meaning risk is limited, and misuse could increase the risk of transmission. There are also concerns that masks could affect communication in classes.//

[Buenchico]

Buy yourself a nice big badge, Jennyjoan!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DEAF-LIP-READING-HARD-OF-HEARING-BADGES-MASK-WEARING-/292090540836

Select the biggest size (77m = 3 inches), choose the 'partially deaf mask' option, go for a nice girly pink (or black if you prefer) and fork out £3.05 (inc p&p).

The Government website specifically states that it is not necessary for someone to wear a face covering "if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate"
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

[THECORBYLOON]

The Regulations say one of the reasonable excuses for not wearing a mask is,

"the need to communicate with a person who has difficulties communicating (in relation to speech, language or otherwise)"

That means they can remove the mask to allow you to lip-read.

[MartinMillar]

I understand it must be difficult but how do you manage on the phone?

[campbellking]

It's very difficult for those of us who work in hospital, many of our patients have hearing difficulties and not all have working hearing aids with them. I had one elderly patient recently who told me that not only was he profoundly deaf, he had never learned to read or write either, so communication was very much a major issue.

[waterboatman]

It's not necessary to wear a mask if you have COPD

[rowanwitch]

Most people will understand and not mind at all, maybe make up a little card you can show them if it makes you embarrassed to say it out loud.

[ummmm]

Have you thought about people who are having to shield?

I know it must be very frustrating for you but a least you are getting to see people going about their lives, masks or no masks. I'd do what Chris has suggested and get a badge.

[Vagus]

JJ, I’m not sure why you think a masked person wouldn’t want to lift their mask, masks are worn to protect others not the mask wearer. Lifting their mask so you can lip read doesn’t put them at any greater risk, it puts you at greater risk of catching something from them.
I’m not sure what your last paragraph is about...

[fiction-factory]

Covid has caused lots of frustration like this- grandparents unable to see grandchidren, including newborns, those shielding unable to see people face to face for a chat or leave the house for weeks on end, children being alone instead of with friends at school, etc- and yours is another example. The best you can do is let people know.
To put it bluntly, the government can't be expected to scrap the policy on masks, and thereby increase risks for the majority, just to accommodate the relatively small number of lip readers. Whether we agree with the imposition of mask wearing or not the fact is that most countries round the world have adopted masks- many more strictly than we have, and some have to wear them on the streets- as the view is that it's safer than not wearing masks. And of course hospital doctors and dentists always wore them . So mask wearing is likely to be with us for a while but can't be permanent.

[iluvmargie]

Less and less people are wearing masks in shops, I notice it more and more and no-one challenges them. Ridiculous rule. I keep pulling mine down so I can catch my breath and release some of the sweat and germs that build up and often don't bother to put it back. I will carry on doing this until this 'rule' is stopped !

[ummmm]

It lasted for 1 day in my local shop. Morrisons seem to be quite strict.

[Peter Pedant]

I say - I am sorry I have to lip read your answer
or else you can sign .....

2m and mask down

I have a right to be infected with covid - - - I am not sure about that.

also with young girls going 'gooby' I take time to point out it is far more likely THEY will infect me and not me in the house the whole day infecting them. They go from gooby to "gooby and non-plussed" - you know like a computer when it needs a reset.

[margarettom]

Very good answer f-f @ 08.51.

[Peter Pedant]

oh thank you
I will print it out and put it on my fridge

[jourdain2]

OH has hearing problems. All exacerbated at the moment because his NHS aids need servicing and retuning and no-one will see him. According to the rules I can go unmasked in order to allow him to see me speaking to him. It matters not because I am exempt anyway (more than a few minutes of mask-wearing starts-off my asthma - possibly micro-fibres?).

On the govt. site we found a little, print-off, notice which says 'Please raise your mask so I can see you speak. He now carries that for when I am not there. Perhaps that would help you JJ.

You are right, though, it is fracturing communities. Someone in the village waved to me from her car and I didn't know who it was. Very unsettling.