Hard of hearing youngsters turn to cookery
The deaf and hard of hearing youngsters face special challenges in their efforts to get an education that could eventually lead to a sustainable career. At restaurant “Allehånde” in Copenhagen, youngsters with hearing difficulties are offered specially designed courses for chefs or caterers.
The Sign Language Association has started a project for deaf and hard of hearing youngsters. The aim is, to give them skills in the gastronomic area, such as chefs, caterers or gastronomy assistants. In addition, they will be capable of coping with a normal workplace. In varying degrees, they will also be able to communicate and co-operate with normal hearing colleagues.
One definite goal is, to create the necessary framework for the hard of hearing students, in line with normal hearing co-students. This places a considerable demand on the pedagogic organisation, as well as the students – regardless of hearing abilities.
On a broader scale, the intention is for this project to pave the way for the hard of hearing, to enable them to cope with their environment, and eventually, lead to increased focus on their special situation and challenges. Also, the hope is to improve the integration between hard of- and normal- hearing groups in society.
The long-term objective is to create an innovative atmosphere in the form of a café. This should serve as a framework for integration of hard of hearing and deaf persons, both in front of - and behind - the counter.
