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The impact derives from research into the experiences of Deaf Christians, revealing the extent of their marginalization within hearing culture but also providing qualitative evidence of autonomous expressions of theological understanding expressed through the medium of sign language. This has informed the development of a programme in Theology for the Church of England, delivered in British Sign Language, which has enabled a number of Deaf candidates to pursue accredited Christian ministry. The research has also contributed to raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities within the churches, resulting in tangible changes in policy and provision.
Our research has provided an evidence base for sign language policy changes in Scotland and the UK, leading to structures and practices that reduce exclusion, and giving British Sign Language (BSL) enhanced recognition and Deaf people increased equality. Deaf people experience widespread, chronic social disadvantage, with Westminster only acknowledging BSL as an independent language in 2003. The British Sign Language (Scotland) Bill, lodged with the Scottish Parliament in June 2013, is undergirded by our research. Globally, progressive sign language interpreting — facilitating the advancement, well-being and full citizenship of Deaf people — observes service models and professional principles propelled by Heriot-Watt research.
The primary impact of our research has been through systems that provide information for the deaf community via animated sign language. Tools exploiting our research into automatic generation of human motion, especially for sign language, are used in several ways:
The same avatar (animated character) technology has also been applied in two other arenas: as a foreign language learning resource for primary school children and to add value to cultural heritage presentations.
The International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS) is a world leader in the systematic comparative research on sign languages (Sign Language Typology), and conducts the world's largest typological projects on sign language structures, using a large international partnership network. The impact of this work, often in developing countries, is seen in the domains of:
a) improved educational attainment and professional development for marginalised groups (deaf sign language users); and
b) linguistic rights for sign language users through engagement with international policy makers, non-governmental organisations and professional bodies (in India, in Turkey and with international bodies).
The CAT is a unique clinical assessment for people with aphasia, combining assessment of language, cognitive skills and consideration of the wider effects of aphasia on people's lives. On publication, it filled a gap in provision, providing a short but comprehensive assessment based on current theoretical understanding. It is now widely used by Speech and Language Therapists nationally and internationally, directing further assessment and informing diagnosis and treatment and therefore of benefit to people with aphasia. It has become the assessment of choice within clinical trials and projects investigating the relationship between language difficulties and lesion sites.
Language and communication disorders affect about 7% of children in countries where assessments are undertaken such as the UK and USA. Difficulties with language and communication severely limit children's social participation, school attainment and life chances, with repercussions for their families and wider society. Research at City University London has had major impacts on clinical and educational policy and practice and the support available to children of all ages with language and communication needs. For example:
It has led to a validated tool for school-based professionals working with deaf children to identify, monitor and evaluate the needs of those with poor language skills.
Newcastle research on dementia contributed two aspects that helped to shape high-level policy: first that prevalence of the condition was higher than previously suspected, with implications for care of the ageing UK population. Secondly, that patients often experienced long delays before a diagnosis of dementia was given, leading to distress both for patients and their families. This research informed policy documents such as the Prime Minister's 2012 Challenge on dementia and national guidance in the form of commissioning packs. Patients benefit from more timely diagnosis with a better understanding of their needs and wishes and the NHS benefits through potential reductions in long term care costs.