« Fort Worth firm goes to national show to pitch products for hearing-impaired | Main | Banking on sign language for cheques and balances in MP »
January 17, 2006
Deafness no barrier to determined Louise
Being profoundly deaf has proved no obstacle for Louise Rea, who recently completed training as a exercise and fitness instructor. The Belfast girl finished her training after receiving funding from Belfast City Council's Support for Sport Scheme, Disability Sport NI and the Ulster Deaf Sports Council.
Louise completed her training course with the help of an interpreter, Jackie Orr.
Lord Mayor Wallace Browne said there are 219,000 people in Northern Ireland with hearing loss.
"People like Louise are an inspiration to us all. She showed the determination to overcome her deafness and a willingness to help others."
Louise is now planning to put her qualifications to good use by organising classes allowing deaf people to participate in physical exercise.
Claire Moraghan, a sports development officer with Belfast City Council, said: "We are in discussions with Louise and hope that she may be able to organise classes at some of our leisure centres.
" The Support for Sport Scheme aims to develop sport to promote a healthy lifestyle at all levels in the city and helping fund Louise is, I hope, giving confidence to other people with disabilities to participate in exercise and fitness activities.
"It is one of council's key aims to improve services and ease access to healthy living for everyone in Belfast," she said.
By Gemma Murray
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/story/25488
Posted by 4HL on January 17, 2006 10:55 AM
Send this article to a friend